We all know that high levels of stress can be bad for our mental and physical health, but stress can also be read on our faces and body. Here are ways on how stress can affect your physical appearance and what you can do to help alleviate and tackle the problem.
Under-Eye Bags
When experiencing high levels of stress, the chances are you will not be getting enough sleep. One of the first obvious signs of stress is under your eyes. Having under-eye bags can cause confidence issues and make you feel self-conscious. There are steps you can take to help reduce under-eye bags such as by getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night. Try and avoid caffeine and using your phone before sleep as this may disrupt your sleeping pattern. If you are still struggling for a solution, a temporary idea would be to apply concealer around the area.
Dry Skin
If you are feeling stressed, the chances are you are not staying hydrated and drinking enough water, which can be a cause of dry skin. It is important to have at least 8 glasses of water a day which will help freshen and rehydrate your skin, giving you more of a glow. Whatever liquids you consume, make sure you are aware of the ingredients as they could be doing you more harm than good, especially fizzy drinks such as cola.
Tense Muscles
Having high levels of stress can cause your muscles to tense up, leaving you in pain and potentially unable to perform day to day tasks. A way to combat tense muscles is by having a regular massage. A masseuse will be able to pinpoint where you are experiencing joint pain and be able to relax and soften the muscles. Make sure you take the time to research on where the best place is to get a massage in Hertfordshire.
Acne
Another skin condition that can be brought on by stress is acne. High levels of stress will cause your skin to flare up and can bring on other conditions such as psoriasis or eczema. There are different ways on how you can say goodbye to any blemishes such as by practising deep breathing and drinking lots of water. If you need any further medical assistance, it is advised to visit your GP who will be able to give you more advice and guidance on what you can do to help reduce your acne.
Fine Lines
When we feel stressed, we are likely to make certain facial expressions such as pursing our lips which can lead to wrinkles in these areas. There are ways to blur and prevent these lines. For example, if you are prone to frowning, try placing a piece of tape between your arches. When you scrunch up your brow, the tape will then crinkle which will remind you to relax it.
If you have friends and family who have experienced similar problems with stress, it could be worth speaking to them so that you can get advice and help and find out other ways to help combat your stress.