
10 Ways to De-Stress Yourself (and Your Skin) Right Now
There’s no denying that most of us experience some sort of stress on a daily basis. In fact, there are numbers to prove it: The American Institute of Stress reports that 33% of Americans live with extreme stress and 77% of us experience physical symptoms (like headaches, insomnia, lack of focus, and yes, skin issues like acne, rashes, and redness) as a result of our stress levels. Work, health, and money are some of the most prevalent causes and, given everything that’s going on right now, who can blame us?
High stress levels can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair, but there are some simple actions you can take to feel better, right now, from your very own home. In honor of Stress Awareness Month, peel your eyes away from the news and read on for 10 science-backed ways to feel less anxious ASAP.
Swap Coffee for Herbal Tea
Caffeine may only be accelerating those stress-driven jitters. Switch to decaf or try sipping on an herbal tea—like green or chamomile—instead. The amino acid theanine, found in green tea, has been proven to reduce feelings of anxiety. As an added bonus, look for green tea extract in your skincare (like in our Dew Point Moisturizing Gel-Cream). It also has soothing, calming effects on your skin.Practice Digital Detoxing
While it’s important to stay connected and informed, too much time scrolling, swiping up on news articles, and yes, tagging friends in memes, can exacerbate feelings of stress. Take breaks from your phone by switching to silent mode and doing IRL activities like puzzles, coloring, or reading a novel.Bring the Spa to You
Facials feel so relaxing because your facialist hits certain pressure points on the face, which relieves muscle tension and induces feelings of calm. It may not feel as good as having someone do it to you, but you can recreate the experience by giving yourself an at-home facial massage. Pop on a mask, separate your middle and ring finger, and gently press down in an upward motion from your chin to your cheekbones. This is especially beneficial to release tension from the jaw. And don’t forget to set the mood with candles and a soothing playlist.Sources:
1. Acupressure for Stress and Anxiety. Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, www.mskcc.org/cancer-care/patient-education/acupressure-stress-and-anxiety.
2. “Daily Life.” The American Institute of Stress, 18 Dec. 2019, www.stress.org/daily-life.
3. “Excessive Cellphone Use May Cause Anxiety, Experts Warn.” ABC News, ABC News Network, 2017, abcnews.go.com/Lifestyle/excessive-cellphone-anxiety-experts-warn/story?id=48842476.
4. “Exercise for Stress and Anxiety.” Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA, adaa.org/living-with-anxiety/managing-anxiety/exercise-stress-and-anxiety.
5. Malcolm, Benjamin J, and Kimberly Tallian. “Essential Oil of Lavender in Anxiety Disorders: Ready for Prime Time?” The Mental Health Clinician, College of Psychiatric & Neurologic Pharmacists, 26 Mar. 2018, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6007527/.
6. Powell, Alvin. “Harvard Researchers Study How Mindfulness May Change the Brain in Depressed Patients.” Harvard Gazette, Harvard Gazette, 27 Aug. 2018, news.harvard.edu/gazette/story/2018/04/harvard-researchers-study-how-mindfulness-may-change-the-brain-in-depressed-patients/.
7. Purcell, Maud. “The Health Benefits of Journaling.” Community of Mindful Parenting, 2000, communityofmindfulparenting.com/curriculum/week7/S7-Articles-TheHealthBenefitsofJournaling.pdf.
8. Singh, Maanvi. “If You Feel Thankful, Write It Down. It's Good For Your Health.” NPR, NPR, 24 Dec. 2018, www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2018/12/24/678232331/if-you-feel-thankful-write-it-down-its-good-for-your-health.
9. “What Are Some Foods to Ease Your Anxiety?” Medical News Today, Medical News Today, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/322652.
10. Williams , J L, et al. The Effects of Green Tea Amino Acid L-Theanine Consumption on the Ability to Manage Stress and Anxiety Levels: a Systematic Review. Plant Foods Hum Nutr., Mar. 2020, www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/31758301.