Many moons ago I got sick with a nasty flu. A friend, said, "wow you're really sick - your skin looks terrible." Truer words had never been spoken. Ouch but interesting.
Since then I've realized that when I'm stressed, including, no, especially subconsciously, my skin becomes a minefield.
Not really a surprise though. The skin is the largest organ and organs are the body's sources of elimination. Breakdown in skin can cause disruption in those elimination processes and also loss of its protective abilities.
When you stress your cortisol levels go on an extended roller-coaster ride. Your inflammatory response then goes haywire, leading to:
Triggering of other conditions, like CIU (chronic idiopathic urticaria i.e. severe hives)
Swelling
Thinner skin
Hair loss
Lack of energy
Over-eating
Poor sleep
And those are just a few side effects of poorly-controlled cortisol.
So watch are your options? Wait it out? You coould. But there are better ways:
Sweat it out, because exercise does so much more than toning. You will help to regulate the cortisol levels, stimulate feel-good chemicals in the body, release pent-up frustration, lower blood pressure. Should I go on?
Talk it out with a friend, with a counselor... where ever your safe space may be
Write your concerns down. There is something about the feel of pen on paper that many people find soothing. Maybe you're one of them?
Lights out. Let your mind recuperate and your body will follow. If you're having trouble sleeping, think about getting a white noise machine or get a massage. And before you say you can't afford a massage, have you checked to see if your insurance covers registered massages? Many companies have stepped up on employee wellness - you might be surprised!
Again, these a but a few stress-reducing ideas. What ever wellness step you decide to take, just go for it. The longer your body is stressed out, the more damage will happen. So let it out...before you body does it for you!
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