Stress ages us. In today’s environment, we deal with countless small stresses each day — traffic, deadlines, getting kids to do their homework, jury duty, handling an unenlightened boss or slow employees, disagreements with a spouse, caring for aging parents. These challenges are built into life and if each one triggers the stress response, the effect can be toxic.
The stress response causes the body to release the catabolic hormone cortisol. Cortisol is typically secreted in response to physical trauma or prolonged stress. When we have large amounts of cortisol circulating in our bloodstreams for extended periods of time, it is extremely toxic. Excess cortisol, among other things, causes thinning of the skin. It will also accelerate wrinkling and skin aging in general, and will cause the blood vessels under the skin to appear more prominent.
Although we can’t stop most of the fender bender’s of life from happening, we can learn to respond effectively to the stress response. Meditation, progressive relaxation and deep breathing are a great antidote to stress. These strategies can help stop the spiral of feelings and hormones that lead to hostility, frustration and rage.
Learning to relax or meditate can be a great boost to your mental state and the appearance of your skin. Try to establish a regular pattern — perhaps first thing in the morning or the last thing you do before going to bed at night. Like most skills, meditation gets better with practice, so don’t give up if you don’t feel particularly meditative your first time.
Below, is a Relaxation And Breathing For Meditation DVD recommended to get you started.
Remember, it’s not how much stress you have but how you handle it that matters most to your skin’s appearance and overall well-being.
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