Is anxiety making you look older? Find out how to stop it!
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Introduction
Hey, beautiful people! Let’s talk about something that we don’t always associate with our skin – our mental health! It’s not just about having a killer skincare routine or drinking gallons of water. Our emotional and psychological wellbeing is closely related to how our skin looks and feels.
In this article, we’re diving deep into the science behind this connection and sharing some practical tips on how to prioritise your mental health for that radiant glow we all crave. So, let’s get started!
What is anxiety?
Anxiety is a common mental health condition that affects millions of people around the world. It often manifests as feelings of fear, worry, and nervousness that can be overwhelming and difficult to control. Research has shown that anxiety can affect multiple systems and organs in the body, leading to a variety of health problems.
Many of us suffer with some form of anxiety, ranging from sporadic and low-level to more constant anxiety at a more serious level. It is also a commonly experienced symptom of menopause.
Mind-body connection
“How amazing is it that a simple cognition — ‘I said or did something foolish’ — can cause virtually every blood vessel in the skin to instantaneously open up, causing a blush or flush? That’s pretty amazing evidence that the mind and body are linked.”
– ‘The link between skin and psychology’, Feb 2015, American Psychological Association
Anxiety commonly affects the body by releasing stress hormones, such as cortisol and adrenaline, which increase heart rate, respiration, and blood pressure, helping us respond to potential threats. However, too much or prolonged release of these hormones can harm the body.
Anxiety disorders can result in increased inflammation, associated with various health problems such as heart disease, stroke, and autoimmune disorders. Anxiety can also weaken the immune system, making it easier for people to get sick or infected.
Anxiety is frequently accompanied by sleep issues, and insufficient sleep has been demonstrated to intensify anxiety symptoms and result in obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease.
Stop Overthinking is a book that understands where you've been through,the exhausting situation you've put yourself into, and how you lose your mind in the trap of anxiety and stress. Acclaimed author Nick Trenton will walk you through the obstacles with detailed and proven techniques to help you rewire your brain, control your thoughts, and change your mental habits.
What's more, the book will provide you scientific approaches to completely change the way you think and feel about yourself by ending the vicious thought patterns.
How exactly does anxiety affect the skin?
According to PsychCentral, anxiety rashes can happen when your body releases histamine in response to stress. In a 2018 study, they found that those with higher stress levels were more likely to have rashes on the hands, oily or flaky patches of skin, hair loss, pimples and generally itchy skin.
Anxiety and stress can also interfere with the immune system, which can cause a range of skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, and rosacea.
Anxiety can also impact the skin indirectly by affecting our lifestyle choices. When we’re feeling stressed out, we might be more likely to engage in unhealthy habits like smoking, drinking too much, or eating junk food. If we make these choices over and over again, it can lead to all sorts of problems, like premature aging and sagging of the skin.
Mental health & skin
#5 things you can do each day to look after your mental health
#1 Prioritise self-care: make time for activities that promote relaxation, like meditation, yoga, or taking a warm bath. These activities can help reduce stress and promote mental well-being.
#2 Connect with others: we are social creatures, and connecting with others is essential for our mental health. Make time for meaningful conversations with family and friends, or join a club or organisation to meet new people.
#3 Practice gratitude: take time each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This can be as simple as writing down three things you’re thankful for each day. Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve overall well-being and reduce stress.
#4 Get moving: regular exercise is an excellent way to boost your mood and reduce stress. Find an activity that you enjoy and aim for at least 30 minutes of physical activity each day.
#5 Limit screen time: our devices can be a source of stress and anxiety, and constant screen time can negatively impact our mental health. Set boundaries for screen time each day, such as turning off devices an hour before bed or taking regular breaks from work emails.
When it might be advisable to get therapy
If you’re noticing any big changes in your mood, behavior or thoughts that are making it tough for you to get through the day, then maybe it’s time to get some professional help.
There are many situations where talking to a therapist can be really beneficial, such as when you’re feeling overwhelmed or stuck, or when you’re dealing with intense emotions that just don’t go away.
Other signs to look out for include trouble sleeping, changes in appetite, difficulty maintaining healthy relationships, and feeling isolated from others. If you’ve experienced trauma or loss, or if you’re having thoughts of self-harm or suicide, then it’s really important to seek help right away.
Remember, therapy can give you the tools you need to manage life’s ups and downs, improve your communication skills, and build your resilience. So don’t be afraid to reach out!
- ORANGE OIL BENEFITS: 100% pure and natural Sweet Orange Essential Oil is thought to lift spirits, relieve stress and is considered a brightening, bettering oil that contributes to overall wellness. Like other citrus oils, Orange Oil is an excellent cleaning agent and is often used in homemade cleaning sprays.
- HOW TO USE: Our essential oils can be used for aromatherapy and diffusers, massage, in a bath, for skincare, for soap & candles, or potpourri. Always perform a patch test before use. Do not ingest or apply undiluted.
- YOUR BOTTLE: Orange (Sweet) (Citrus Sinensis) has a sweet and vibrant scent. Our natural essential oils are available in various sets & sizes to suit your needs. Whether buying for yourself for some self love, or for a friend or family member as a wellbeing gift, you’ll find the right size available!
- VEGAN & ETHICAL: Nikura is a UK run, family-owned business. It is very important to us that our suppliers are subject to the highest standards, and we personally ensure that all our products are harvested ethically and are completely cruelty free.
Conclusion
Your skin is like a peek into what’s going on inside of you. Your emotional wellbeing can totally affect how your skin looks and feels. But the good news is, you can make a positive change by taking care of your mental health. Trust us, prioritising your emotional wellness can do wonders for your skin and your life as a whole.
The Seeoran squad is super passionate about mental health! We know firsthand how anxiety and other mental health issues can really weigh you down. That’s why we love sharing tips and tricks that can help ease that burden for our readers. And guess what? Now we realise that taking care of your mental health can also make your skin look amazing, we’re doubling down on our commitment to this cause – let’s get our minds and bodies right, people!
What about you? Do you see a connection between your mental health and your skin health? Do you take daily steps to look after your mental and emotional health?