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Dealing with stress: how skin contact can calm the mind and relieve stress symptoms
We all experience stress in one way or another during our lives. Whether it’s from a particularly tough day, moving home or even planning a wedding, stress gets to all of us. But the good news is that there are some simple ways of dealing with stress, which we’ll take you through in this article.
What is stress?
Stress is your body’s way of reacting to certain events. When you’re feeling stressed, your body releases cortisol – the fight or flight hormone. This hormone, which is the effect of stress, actually helps you deal with stressful situations and is not always bad. Some people find that certain kinds of stress motivates them and help them to get things done. But not all stress is the same and sometimes we may need a little extra something to help us unwind.
What are the causes of stress?
Stress can come from almost anywhere. Whether it’s work stress, planning a big event, moving home or anything else, you can’t get away from it. But there are ways to relieve stress that can make you feel really good. And they’re very simple.
Ways to relieve stress
If you notice the signs of stress, like feeling particularly wound up or worried about something, there are some really easy and enjoyable ways to relieve these stress symptoms.
Give someone a hug
It sounds really simple, but it can be so effective. When you have skin to skin contact, your body releases oxytocin and serotonin. There are the hormones responsible for wellbeing and happiness. And when you’re dealing with stress, these hormones may make you feel better. Whether it’s holding hands, cuddling, getting a massage or even just sleeping next to a loved one, this skin to skin contact is great stress management.
Have some "me time"
Even though socialising is great and can be a lot of fun, you should take some time out for yourself. If you can, set aside one or two nights a week just for yourself. Try having a pamper evening, where you take a long bath and nurture your skin or give yourself a foot rub. Looking after yourself and your skin feels good and can be very relaxing, which is good stress therapy.
Go for a long walk
Regular exercise helps to reduce stress. Exercise lowers your body’s stress hormones and helps to release endorphins, which may make you feel better. There are also relaxation exercises for stress relief, like Yoga, which help to relieve stress by increasing your body and breath awareness.
Spend time with friends and family
When you’re around friends and family, you feel better. One study has even found that spending time with loved ones can release oxytocin, which makes you feel good. This could be a great stress relief.
How Sanex helps
We know that skin is powerful and skin to skin contact may relieve the effects of stress. This is why Sanex is devoted to keeping it healthy. To keep your skin feeling loved, you could try Sanex Expert Skin Health Reviving Bath Soak, which is ideal for very dry skin. It has been specially formulated with natural moisturisers that helps to respect your skin and restore its natural pH balance. Or you could try Sanex Zero% Sensitive Skin Bath Foam, which is fragrance free and specially formulated only with carefully selected ingredients to be kind to sensitive skin and reduce the risk of irritations.
