There are just a couple of healthy habits left to complete our guide. We’ve covered the main points we think are important to skin health. Here’s a recap of what we’ve had so far:
- Healthy Habit 1 – Drink 2 litres of water per day
- Healthy Habit 2 – Get at least 7 hours of sleep per night
- Healthy Habit 3 – Eat a diet as colourful as the rainbow
- Healthy Habit 4 – Eat less sugar
- Healthy Habit 5 – Use sun protection every day
- Healthy Habit 6 – Exfoliate
- Healthy Habit 7 – Establish a good skincare routine
- Healthy Habit 8 – Exercise 3 times a week
Healthy Habit 9 – RELAX!
Easy right? Well no, we know it’s not as simple as just saying it, you may feel like you are so busy all the time where can you possibly find time to relax? But for the sake of your health, you owe it to yourself to try.
When we are stressed our body releases stress hormones, stress can trigger spot outbreaks and make our skin more sensitive and reactive. Stress can also be a contributing factor for a whole host of other ailments that can leave you not feeling, or performing, at your best.
What can we do to help relax then?
Take 5
Put everything aside and just give yourself a few minutes peace (hide in the loo if you have to!) and take some deep breaths. Deep breathing sends a message to the brain to calm down and relax.
Get active
Exercise such as a brisk walk in the fresh air will help clear your head and give you time to put in perspective the things that might be stopping you from being able to relax. Exercise also triggers our brain to release feel-good hormones called endorphins which can help to alleviate our feelings of stress.
Be appreciative
Okay, there’s lots of things you still want to do or achieve but there must be lots of things you are already proud of? Cut yourself some slack.
Be organised
This will help you feel less stressed and more able to relax. If you are always on the back foot chasing your own tail to get things done then try making a list of the important things you need to do and do those first.
Prioritise
You know those things that didn’t make it on the important list? Just remove them from the To-Do list. Seriously, what’s the worst that can happen?
Image: istock.com/AntonioGuillem
