Skin Therapy – 8 Proven Ways to Relax

This is from the woman who has had 3 stress-induced heart attacks before the age of 45.  Relaxation is CRITICAL to health.  Even skin health. Chronic stress triggers 3 biochemical pathways that lead to acne formation, and chronic stress can make you look 10 years older.  Truth. It is August, and August = rejuvenation and relaxation.  You must schedule this into your calendar now. If you are anything like me and have difficulty winding things down and transitioning from your sympathetic nervous system to your parasympathetic nervous system, this post if for you. I have compiled 8 scientifically-proven ways to reduce stress and help tone your vagus nerve, the nerve that regulates the activity of your parasympathetic nervous system.  Because if you are not relaxing your body, you are not healing, repairing or even digesting your food. The goal is to achieve REAL relaxation for a minimum of 10 minutes per day for 21 consecutive days.  This is going to calm your nervous system down and make it easier for you to relax on an ongoing basis. So, try and incorporate at least one of these activities into your day each and every day.

1.  Have a cold shower (or finish your shower with at least 1 minute of a cold water spray)
2. Sing and laugh
3. Connect with someone who makes you feel wonderful
4. Get a foot massage
5. Treat yourself to ear acupuncture
6. Go for a walk in the woods – barefoot, if possible
7. Treat yourself to some cranial sacral therapy
8. Try meditation and deep breathing

Remember, 10 minutes of deep relaxation is critical to your overall health and the look and feel of your skin.  Btw – Netflix and wine does not count! For more information check out my video below. xo, Dr. Stacey