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What You Need to Know about Stress and Your Skin

If you’ve ever had a pimple or a cold sore show up right before a job interview or a big date, you already know that stress can affect your skin. After all, the signs of stress can be physical as well as mental, and they can appear anywhere on your body.

Many skin conditions result from chemical and hormonal changes caused by stress, including rashes, hives, and pimples. For example, your body produces more cortisol when tense, making your skin oilier and prone to acne.

While stress is an unavoidable part of life, you can reduce the impact it has on your comfort and appearance.

Try these tips for treating and preventing stress-related skin symptoms:

Treating Stress-Related Skin Symptoms

1.   Understand the interactions. Stress can directly cause what’s going on with your skin and slow down healing regardless of what caused your symptoms. Plus, skin troubles can cause more stress, creating an unfortunate cycle.

2.   Cleanse carefully. Scrubbing too hard can damage the skin more. Wash gently, and be sure to select products for your skin type.

3.   Relieve itching. Resist the urge to scratch. Keeping your hands off your skin helps prevent scarring and reduce the risk of spreading any infection. Antihistamines and cold compresses are safer ways to soothe itching and burning.

4.   Talk with your doctor. Call your doctor for an appointment if your symptoms don’t clear within a few days. That way, you can rule out potentially severe causes like allergies. 

5.   See a specialist. Suppose your doctor cannot eliminate your symptoms with treatments such as antibiotics and prescription antihistamines. In that case, they may refer you to a dermatologist, and they can provide further tests and treatments.

6.   Take your time. Skin conditions often need a while to heal fully. Follow your doctor’s recommendations and continue taking medication as prescribed, even if your skin looks better.

Preventing Stress-Related Skin Symptoms

1.   Exercise regularly. There are many ways to deal with stress constructively, and physical activity is a great option. Plan workouts you’ll look forward to, like dance classes or playing tennis.

2.   Sleep well. Proper rest is also essential. Aim for at least 7 hours of sleep each night. Go to bed and rise on a consistent schedule.

3.   Eat a balanced diet. Your skin needs nourishment just like the rest of your body. Avoid crash diets and too much processed food. Consume at least 7 servings of vegetables and fruits daily, along with adequate protein and healthy fats.

4.   Talk it out. It helps to have someone you can confide in. Call a friend when you need validation and support. Consider seeing a therapist if it helps you deal with recurring issues.

5.   Limit alcohol and caffeine. Cocktails and fancy coffee drinks can be tempting when you’re under pressure. Unfortunately, alcohol and caffeine can also aggravate skin conditions. Drink in moderation or substitute water and herbal teas instead.

6.   Practice relaxation techniques. Experiment with methods that encourage refreshment and recovery until you find what works. Start a daily meditation practice or take a warm bath when you return home from work.

7.   Keep a journal. Writing about your feelings may also be helpful. A journal can help track how your emotions may affect your skin.

Rough days at the office and visits from your in-laws don’t have to take a toll on your epidermis. Protect your skin with regular maintenance, appropriate medical care, and a healthy dose of stress management.

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For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia

A stress-free life, does that even exist?

Our body is designed to deal with stress; we need some pressure in our lives. You might be thinking: “Why?” Remember when you had to present, or when you had to do a test or had that interview? Maybe you experienced stress on a first date?

When you feel stressed during those moments, it’s positive. This kind of stress is the stress that is helping you to adjust to that situation, be alert, get the motivation, and do it!

Stress is also there to help you in dangerous situations, avoid having them, and face them when they arise. So a stress-free life is a utopia.

It is normal that you experience moments of stress; however, if you can’t shake it off, it becomes a problem.

After each stressful moment, you should have a stress-free moment to compensate and to get ready for a future challenge that might give you stress. Now here, it often goes wrong.

Is it that you can’t seem to stop and have a break? Do you often feel the need and the pressure to continue, and you can’t seem to stop “doing”? Did you try to talk about it?

Let me tell you that often people don’t dare to talk about being tired, exhausted, or overwhelmed. If we talk about it…. we get to hear that the other person experiences the same, and it’s a similar story, just phrased in different wordings.

Also, we often deny that we are overwhelmed. The other person or we-ourselves see it as a weakness, so we continue to work and support others and forget our own needs. We don’t know how to stop this behavior, so we continue to work hard.

Our family, friends, colleagues, or employers often do not support us in stopping overworking. They might say they work a little bit less but in the end… You are helping them; yes, they are essential, but so are you!

Your 1st priority should be you. Imagine you have a healthy, happy, and balanced life. You will have the energy to do more, undertake nice things, and occasionally work a bit harder or more. But you will not work non-stop anymore or sacrifice certain things that you like to do for others, as you will be able to balance your life.

So many people are selling you a stress-free life, and I don’t do that. Why not? Because it simply doesn’t exist. However, I do believe in positive stress and that you can build resilience to stress. Now, this is important!

Are you curious about which steps to take? Please reach out to me or another professional when you feel lonely, overwhelmed, taken for granted, exhausted, tired, numb, and isolated or when you are sick at home with burnout.

>>> DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE NOW <<<

For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia

It Is My Time To Blossom

It is my time to blossom. It is my time to bloom, to grow! It is my turn to be in the spotlight and to be noticed. I embrace growth and change. I am ready to be the center of attention and happy to be the focus. 

My spirit and energy are blossoming. 

My inner critic is silent as I blossom. I refuse to fade into the background or be bothered by others that overlook me. 

I am ready to take control of every aspect of my life. This is my time to be in charge and make decisions, and it is my turn to be the action-taker and driver. 

I blossom at the right moment and time. 

My path and journey are clear in front of me. I shape my existence. I am confident and strong. 

I am motivated to alter my life for the better. I am happy to grow and blossom at this moment. I eliminate all negative thoughts that prevent the petals of my new life from forming. 

I motivate others to blossom too. Together, we can reach new heights and share our gifts with the world. 

I welcome this stage in my journey. 

Today, I enjoy the spotlight and blossom. I expand my horizons and try new things. I grow, learn, and change. 

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What can I do to help those around me accept that I am blossoming?
2. How can I learn patience and allow the blossoming process to proceed at its own pace?
3. What can I do to teach others about embracing their own path and journey to change?

>>> DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE NOW <<<

For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia

I am calm when others are stressed

I sometimes wonder if I am immune to stress.

I can maintain my composure when others are distressed. My ability to withstand stress is a great strength. I can act confidently when others are too afraid to do anything.

I can take on almost any situation quietly and calmly. I maintain my inner peace. Even when my world is turned upside down, I am relaxed and smiling on the inside.

My confidence in myself is a source of calmness in challenging times, and it gives me the belief that everything is okay. Having a high level of self-confidence raises my expectations for the future.

I am good at reducing my level of anxiety during those rare times I do feel stressed. I have several tools at my disposal. I imagine being in my favorite place. I breathe deeply and smile. I call a good friend and have a long talk. There are many things I can do to relax during stressful moments. My ability to remain calm is increasing.

I am most calm when adversity strikes, and I take a step back, stay strong and grounded, and handle my business. Stress creates focus.

Today, I am smiling and feeling more relaxed than others. I am allowing my troubles to roll off my back. I am ready to have a great day. I am calm when others are stressed.

Self-Reflection Questions:

1. What are my strategies for dealing with stress? How well do they work?
2. Who is the calmest person I know? How do they stay so calm?
3. What can I do to handle stress more effectively?

For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia

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THE ESSENCE OF BALANCING YOUR LIFE

TO ACHIEVE PEACE OF MIND

I am a firm believer that the healthiest lifestyle is a balanced one. Imbalance can create untenable situations and cause things to break down, while balance helps to achieve peace of mind.

The significant importance is to put a balance between your personal and professional life. Both aspects of life are essential in making you who you are. I advise you to recognize that there is a time and place for everything and to listen to your gut instincts when they tell you it is time to shift focus.

Love your job and allow it to make you successful. Suppose you dedicate time to excelling in your career and then feel rewarded and satisfied when your hard work pays off. Become aware and know how to take that success in stride and when to take a break from work and focus on your personal life.

Your personal life helps to balance your efforts, dedication, and hard work in your professional life. Spending time on non-work activities makes dealing with work stress a lot easier. Plus, the important people in your personal life appreciate your efforts to spend time with them.

Focus on finding that delicate balance between your personal and professional pursuits. You will feel happier when you allow elements of both sides of your life to take priority at the opportune time.

Some questions to reflect upon:

1. Do I work equally as hard on my personal life as I do on my professional life?
2. Can situations around me teach me how to balance personal and professional concerns?
3. How do I react when people tell me I am not giving enough in one aspect of my life?

>>> DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE NOW <<<

For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia

How Can You Reduce Stress On The Job

If you’re proactive about managing your work-related stress, you’ll feel less wound up and enjoy more success at your job and joy at home.

Try these strategies to reduce stress:

• Review all the reasons you do the work you do.
• List the benefits you get from your job.
• Remind yourself, “it is just work,” unless you have a lifesaving job.
• Get to work a few minutes early to give yourself time to settle in.
• Learn to recognize the things you can control at the office.
• Work through “resolvable” issues immediately. 
• When you feel overwhelmed, ask for assistance or guidance. 
• Establish your work priorities and methodically work to complete your projects.
• Avoid drama at work.
• When you begin to feel stressed, stop to take some deep, slow breaths.
• Think before you speak.
• Use visual imagery techniques to let go of minor annoyances and frustrations. 
• Plan your day for tomorrow before you leave today.
• Tidy your desk before you leave.
• Take a brisk 15-minute walk when you get home.
• Soothe yourself after you arrive home.
• Journal your feelings about work.
• Practice pilates, yoga, or meditation to de-stress.
• Enjoy your time off so you can return to work refreshed and ready.

For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia

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Overcoming the Darkness in Your Life and Replacing it With Joy

Sometimes, something terrible creates the most profound darkness you’ve ever experienced. It takes a toll on you, and you feel like you’ll never overcome it. But there’s also the belief that the only way to experience true joy is first to experience darkness.

These emotions and experiences from opposite ends of the spectrum work hand in hand to give you a genuine appreciation of the positive side of life. But how does one overcome the darkness and replace it with joy when it seems unrelenting?

The key is to identify other things that bring you joy and peace and infiltrate your dark space with these things.

Strategies like these can help you conquer overcoming the darkness in your life:

• Consume yourself with a new activity. There are likely many activities you’ve never tried but could bring you immense pleasure!

Sometimes doing something new is what you need to take your mind off the negative state you’re living in and find joy in something unexpected. 

• Try your hand at a new hobby that’s time-consuming and enjoyable.
• Live on the edge – or as close to it as possible – by doing something exhilarating. Learn how to snowboard, start skydiving or bungee jumping, great examples. So is going on a safari in the jungles of South Africa! However, having said that, make sure you stay safe!
• Enjoy the company of others. Spending time with family and friends is another great way to rehabilitate your state of mind and truly experience joy. Remember, they love you unconditionally and can offer as much support as you need. Hang out with them more than usual; you’ll start to experience healing from all that positive energy around you.
• Take a family vacation to somewhere you’ve never been before.
• Plan a weekend where you and your friends can make wonderful new memories.

Think with your mind, not your emotions. Make a conscious effort to separate thinking and reasoning from feeling. Otherwise, you’ll likely start believing nothing can ever work out.

Apply reasoning to the circumstances which led to your darkness, and use the same logic to get you to a brighter place.

Hold firm to your faith. Your faith likely is what has brought you through with light in the darkness thus far. 

You’ll feel lifted from the darkness if you allow yourself to practice things that bring you joy. It’s not always going to be an easy road, but you’ll be able to travel it if you commit to allowing outside influences to help turn things around for you. Use these ideas to help you start thinking about the various things you might enjoy. After all, there’s a world of joy waiting for you to experience! 

It’s up to you to choose that joy for your life!

>>> DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE NOW <<<

For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia

Do You Feel Overwhelmed, Tired, Exhausted, or Drained out?

Do you lack energy almost every day of the week?

There are always so many things to do, and there is just not enough time or energy to do them all.

Do you often feel like this about your life, career, or business?

Do you recognize yourself as being stuck or tired, mentally and physically?

Maybe you even experience physical discomfort due to the challenges you’re having. There are so many signs that your body & mind gives you to slow down and tell you to take some time for yourself.

However, as you are a hard worker, you don’t stop. You continue and maybe even try to work harder by telling yourself: “Next week I’ll make some changes,” or “I can slow down after this project,” or “It’s almost weekend”.

You know and feel that a change is needed, but where do you start? If you’re willing to make a change, get clarity, improve your quality of life, and empower your strengths, then take an action step today to transform your life.

>>> DOWNLOAD YOUR FREEBIE NOW <<<

For more information about reducing your stress, contact us by email.

Visit our website to see the online programs, e-books, and articles or to schedule a call.

Take care,

Lydia