Navigating Stress: Signs It's Time for a Personal Reset

How are you coping right now? We know times may be difficult amid worries, anxieties and perhaps big life adjustments at home or work as a result of the pandemic. Your emotions may be working in overdrive and in unpredictable directions and while its' really easy to feel overwhelmed, we ask you to listen to your bodies and any stress signals it may be sending. If you're unsure what these are, here are some common signs that may mean it's time for a reset.

You’re exhausted at the end of the day, but when you finally retire for the night, you spend hours staring at the ceiling. Sounds familiar? Try this next time when it’s time for bed, use a blackout blind or eye mask to make the room dark. Avoid the urge urge to switch on technology when you can’t drift off as this leads to even more disturbed sleep. Certain smells can affect your mood, helping you to feel more calm and relaxed. Lavender and vanilla are naturally calming, so invest in some essential oils to help you drift off.

It’s time to get down to resolving some of those tasks you've been putting off, but you just can’t seem to make any progress (or even get started). Countless thoughts are bouncing around inside your head at lightning speed and anxiety is kicking in. One of the best things you can do is head outside for a quick walk. Not only does that get your blood pumping, but it also exposes you to natural light which is clinically proven to improve productivity.

Going through a stressful period can make a person feel more irritable than usual. Feeling overwhelmed by life stress is normal, but prolonged periods of stress can lead to emotional exhaustion. Deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation are good ways to calm yourself. Taking a break to refocus can have benefits beyond the immediate moment. Eating well - whole grains, vegetables, and fresh fruit can also help stabilize your mood.

Stress is not our friend, neither for our mind nor for our skin. Chronic stress triggers inflammations resulting in acne, break outs and flare-ups of psoriasis or eczema. It also leads to premature fine lines and wrinkles, dehydration dull skin and uneven skin tone. Try a skin regime that will combat its impacts by strengthening your skin barrier, restoring hydration and feeding your skin nutrients. Amp up the holistic ritual with calming and therapeutic aromas to de-stress minds as well as skin.