Managing stress is essential for overall well-being and can also have a positive impact on your skin health if you have an inflammatory skin condition, like acne.
Here are some ideas and tips for stress management for people struggling with acne:
1. Practise Self-Care: Engage in activities that promote relaxation, such as taking a warm bath, practising mindfulness or meditation, reading a book, or listening to calming music, or a podcast. Prioritise time for yourself to unwind and recharge, even if you start with 5 minutes a week.
2. Build Healthy Lifestyle Habits: Gradually building up healthy habits can help manage stress and improve skin health. Doing some exercise (a walk round the block at lunchtime to begin), taking baby steps to increase plant intake (fruit, vegetables, legumes, nuts and other fibre-rich foods), and getting adequate sleep can all contribute to reducing stress levels and promote overall well-being.
3. Engage in Stress-Relieving Activities: Find activities that help you release tension and stress. This could include taking up a hobby, yoga, journaling, singing, painting, or spending time in nature. Discover what activities bring you joy and make them a regular part of your routine. I sing loudly in the shower. It helps!
4. Establish a Support System: Reach out to friends, family, or support groups who can provide emotional support and understanding during times of stress. Start by meeting a friend for a coffee to share how you have been feeling. Having a support system can help alleviate stress and provide a sense of belonging and reassurance.
5. Avoid Comparisons and Negative Self-Talk: Be mindful of negative self-talk and avoid comparing yourself to others. Remember that everyone’s journey is different, and focusing on your own progress and self-acceptance is more important than seeking validation from others.
6. Seek Professional Help: If stress becomes overwhelming or starts to interfere significantly with your daily life, consider seeking support from a mental health professional. They can provide guidance and techniques to better manage stress and its impact on your well-being. We work closely with our clinic psychologist Dr Mizara who can give this extra support when it is required.
7. Limit Social Media Exposure: While social media can be a source of inspiration and connection, it can also contribute to feelings of inadequacy and stress. Take breaks from social media or unfollow accounts that trigger negative emotions or comparison.
8. Practise Positive Affirmations: Remind yourself of your worth and focus on self-acceptance. Repeat positive affirmations that resonate with you and help counteract negative thoughts.
Remember, managing stress is a journey, and it may take time to find what works best for you. You don’t have to do everything. Pick one or two ideas that feel most right for you and your circumstances. Be patient and compassionate with yourself as you explore different stress management techniques.
© 2023 Dr Justine Kluk. Any redistribution or reproduction of part or all of the contents of this post in any form is prohibited. You may not, except with our express written permission, copy, distribute or commercially exploit the content. Nor may you transmit it or store it in any other website or other form of electronic retrieval system.
