Are You Making Your Own Stress Worse?

Stress is a fact of life for all of us. We have to deal with it at some point and, indeed, it can be a healthy reaction to stressful situations. However, if you carry stress with you throughout the day, it can begin to have negative effects on your health. You might not be to blame for your stress, but did you know that your habits and lifestyle could be making things more difficult for you? Here are a few of the common habits that impact stress levels, and how you can manage them. 

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Using screens late at night 

Sleeplessness is a major cause of stress, but you might not even be aware that you are reducing your sleep quality if you do this one very common habit. Laptops, smartphones, and other digital screens are so ubiquitous that we might not even think twice about using them right before bed, but the blue light they produce is known to make the brain much more active at night, which can, in turn, make it take longer for you to fall asleep. Products like Warby Parker’s blue light glasses can help you diminish this effect, to some degree, but it’s usually better to spend roughly 30-45 minutes without any screen time before bed to ensure you’re falling asleep when you’re supposed to. 

Smoking 

A lot of people seem to make the assumption that smoking helps them deal with stress. In reality, this is a trick that cigarettes play on you. It’s true that satisfying your nicotine cravings can lead to a feeling of relief, and you might feel immediately less stressed during and shortly after smoking, but the stress that you’re relieving was caused by your addiction to nicotine, itself. Nicotine replacement products like vapes from IndeJuice's online vape shop are helping a lot of people quit smoking and you can reduce your nicotine levels over time, too, which can help you more successfully quit in the long term. Any addiction is a significant source of stress, not to mention a plethora of other health problems you don’t need. 

Not moving around enough 

Exercise might seem like one of those things that’s recommended when it comes to just about any health issue, but it really is that important, and this includes helping you deal with stress. Getting into routine exercise isn't just about staying fit; it's a significant stress-buster too. When you move your body, you release endorphins, those feel-good hormones that can help you relieve tension. Plus, regular exercise helps regulate cortisol, the stress hormone. Without it, cortisol can hang around longer, making you feel more on edge. What’s more, a lack of exercise can lead to issues such as weight gain and inflammation issues which can cause back pain, which in turn can be a major source of sleeplessness and, therefore, stress. 

Being more mindful about how your habits impact your stress levels can help you make more mindful decisions. Of course, that alone might not quell your stress, but it can make it much more manageable. 

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5 Skincare Tips for the Transition into Summer

The transition into summer brings with it higher temperatures, increased humidity, and stronger UV rays, all of which can impact the health and appearance of our skin.

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To help you navigate this seasonal shift, we've compiled five essential skincare tips to keep your complexion radiant and healthy throughout the summer months.

Stay Hydrated Inside and Out

As the mercury rises, our bodies lose more moisture through perspiration, leaving our skin prone to dryness and dehydration.

To counteract this, it's essential to hydrate both internally and externally.

Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day to maintain optimal hydration levels.

Additionally, incorporate a lightweight, oil-free moisturiser into your skincare routine to replenish lost moisture and keep your skin feeling soft.

Look for hydrating ingredients such as hyaluronic acid and glycerin, which help lock in moisture without clogging pores or feeling heavy on the skin.

Consider indulging in skin booster treatments like hyaluronic acid injections or vitamin-infused facials. Hyaluronic acid injections hydrate and plump the skin, reducing fine lines, while vitamin-infused facials nourish and protect with potent antioxidants.

These treatments provide targeted hydration and radiance, enhancing your skin's overall health and appearance with little maintenance.

Prioritise Sun Protection

With longer days and stronger sunshine, adequate sun protection becomes non-negotiable during the summer months. Opt for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to shield your skin from harmful UV rays.

Apply sunscreen generously to all exposed areas of skin, including your face, neck, arms, and any other areas not covered by clothing. Remember to reapply sunscreen every two hours, especially if you're swimming or sweating profusely.

For added protection, consider wearing a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to shield your face and eyes from direct sunlight.

Streamline Your Skincare Routine

The heat and humidity of summer can make heavy skincare products feel uncomfortable and exacerbate issues such as congestion and breakouts. To keep your skin feeling fresh and balanced, simplify your skincare routine by opting for lightweight formulations.

Swap out thick creams for gel-based moisturisers and serums that absorb quickly and won't weigh your skin down. Consider using a gentle foaming cleanser to remove dirt, oil, and sweat without stripping away natural oils.

By streamlining your skincare routine, you can maintain a healthy complexion without overwhelming your skin with unnecessary products.

Incorporate Regular Exfoliation

Exfoliation is key to maintaining smooth, radiant skin year-round, but it becomes especially important during the summer when sweat, sunscreen, and environmental pollutants can lead to clogged pores and dullness.

Incorporate a gentle exfoliant into your skincare routine two to three times a week to slough away dead skin cells and promote cell turnover.

Look for exfoliating products containing alpha hydroxy acids (AHAs) or beta hydroxy acids (BHAs), which help unclog pores and refine the skin's texture without causing irritation. Regular exfoliation will leave your skin looking fresh, smooth, and rejuvenated.

Provide Post-Sun Exposure Care

Despite our best efforts, sun exposure can still take a toll on our skin, leading to redness, irritation, and dehydration.

After spending time outdoors, it's essential to provide your skin with soothing and hydrating care to help alleviate any discomfort and promote healing.

Additionally, use a lightweight, non-comedogenic moisturiser to hydrate and nourish the skin. If you experience sunburn, avoid further sun exposure and apply a cool compress to help reduce inflammation and discomfort.

As we embrace the warmth and sunshine of summer, it's important to adjust our skincare routines accordingly to protect and nourish our skin.

With these simple yet effective skincare tips, you can enjoy the season while maintaining a glowing complexion that's ready for whatever the summer has in store.

*this post contains PR samples and/or Affiliate Links unless indicated otherwise - you can learn more on my Disclaimer page.