Stress has a rocky relationship with our skin, it’s long been shown to induce inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis and rosacea as well as irritation and sensitivity - but it can even promote premature ageing.
For a glowing, clear and happy complexion we like to take a multi-pronged approach: treatments, cosmeceutical skincare and looking after our mind and bodies.
Here, Luke McLeod, meditation guide and Founder of Soul Alive explains how mindfulness and meditation can help bring the good vibes to both our mental health and our skin.
Q: How does stress impact our skin? What does it often manifest as?
A: It's commonly known how much stress impacts all areas of our health. From day to day irritations, right through to being one of the main leading causes of serious illnesses. Stress is serious business when it comes to our health. One of the key ways stress shows itself is actually through your skin. When you feel stressed, your sympathetic nervous system releases the stress hormones cortisol into your body. This increases oil production in your skin glands, which can then lead to clogged pores and acne breakouts.
Q: What are some things we can do every day to minimise the feelings of stress?
A: Our body is an energy reactor and whatever we put into or onto it, it will consume it and then churn it back out in some way. Therefore, if we consume stress-inducing energy into the body, that is what it will try to release too. This goes for food, our environment, emotional surroundings and yes, what we also put on our skin. The easiest way to minimise feelings of stress is to cut down on what is inflaming it. Be mindful of what you eat, listen to, read and your environment throughout the day.
Q: When it comes to mindfulness and meditation, what are your top tips for those who are new or can't quite get into the 'zone'?
A: The first would be to stop trying so hard. Meditation is a release exercise. It works through a process of surrender, not achievement. Just let go of what you are wanting meditation to do for you and it will begin to do its work. The second is to see the moments when you catch yourself wandering off as successes, not failures. Each time you do this, that is you becoming more self-aware and that is something to be celebrated, not criticised. Lastly, is to find enjoyment in it. I think meditation is something that is often 'prescribed' to fix a lot of problems and although it certainly is a magical exercise that can heal a lot of things, if you treat it just as a means to an end, you're not going to stick with it and the results won't be as good either.
Q: Why is it so important to take care of our mental health and how does it impact the rest of our life?
A: It's incredibly important because it's one-third of who we are. It's like forgetting about servicing the engine of your car. It won't matter how much you polish the outside, the car is going to break down. We are usually so obsessed with our physical health. Yes, it is important but it's still only another one-third of who we are. Prioritising equally each third of yourself will lead to a balanced, whole and healthy self. When we are in balance, everything flows and operates better within and around our lives.
All questions answered by Luke Mcleod, Founder of Soul Alive Meditation.
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