Are you stressed? Millions of men and women all over the world are feeling the heat….whether it be from jobs, families, or just because of the current economic climate. Stress can affect your mental well being, your waistline, and your skin! I have a friend who develops acne every time she is “stressed out.” If your skin appears dull or lifeless, stress may be the cause. Stress is something that many times we cannot control…or can we? Maybe we can’t control it but we can find many ways to deal with it.

In my other life I am a school teacher and I deal with stress on a daily basis (18 5 year-old’s calling my name at once…..help!!) I combat this in many ways. One terrific solution is deep breathing. Stress causes fast, shallow breathing which doesn’t allow you to get enough oxygen. Deep breathing really does relax you and has other benefits as well, such as increased metabolism and greater release of stale air and toxins. Yoga is a great way to focus on your breath while gently stretching the body in a variety of poses as well.

Meditation also can help you get away from life’s stresses. It doesn’t have to be for an hour a day….but for at least 15 minutes find a quiet place and let your mind relax. You can chant a calming phrase, such as “relax” out loud or mentally. With practice, you can achieve that “higher level.” After meditating, the side effects may be deeper sleep, a calmer mind, and feeling of well-being.

One thing I highly recommend is massage. I know that if I go more than a few months without one, my body is in knots! It’s pretty affordable lately with all these Massage Envy stores popping up everywhere. They even have packages available. I have found a fantastic masseur who gives discounts to people who are in public service positions. Massage gets the lymphatic fluid moving throughout your body, releasing toxins and tension.

A final solution I have for you to relieve stress might be one you have never heard of…so read carefully! Green tea contains a special amino acid called L-Theanine. This amino acid has been found to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and increase creativity. Incredible, right? If you don’t have time to drink 5 cups of green tea a day, I highly recommend taking L-Theanine in supplement form. It can be taken 3 times a day, 2 with breakfast, 2 with lunch, and 2 before bed (it lets you get great sleep!) As someone who has been taking this for over a year now, I absolutely love it and feel a difference when I don’t take it. I get mine from Lucky Vitamin. Check it out here.

When you make the effort to reduce stress in your life, you can see magical results such as glowing skin and healthy looking hair. Also, don’t forget to eat right and use safe natural beauty products. I hope this post has helped you in some way and if you put any of the suggestions into place, I would love to hear about it.

Stay natural…stay beautiful (and stress free)…go green!

Robin