Five Solutions When Stress Comes in Threes

It's been a busy few months that included moving from San Francisco to Austin, discovering I'm pregnant and deciding to pursue my dream of building a company.

It's good things come in threes. I don't think this newly knocked-up, returning Texan entrepreneur could handle much more.

Pregnancy and a cross-country move are hard enough, but layer on the stress of launching a new company and I may have aged a decade this summer. For a few months now, I've been holed up with my team building The Skinny - the first online, members-only sample sale for skincare products (i.e. luxury skincare brands at affordable prices).

But one thing is clear, pregnancy hormones aside, all the stress is taking a toll on my skin. "The mind and skin are connected on many different levels," psychodermatogist Karin Mallin explained in an interview with WebMD. "A lot of nerve endings are connected to the skin, which wraps around the organs, so as emotions are played out neurologically, they can be expressed through the skin just as stress can be expressed through gastrointestinal symptoms, increased anxiety, or hypertension."

At one point recently, while trying my darnedest to control a sudden bout of adult acne and an unruly to-do list, I got to the end of my rope. I decided to outline five things I need to do every day to make myself more productive, energetic, attractive to my husband and (if all goes well) sane. I jotted them down here, and thought maybe they could help some other stressed soul:

• Workout. This is a non-negotiable, so I drag myself away from the computer and around Town Lake or over to Black Swan Yoga any chance I get.

• Walk the dog. Nothing relieves stress like a stroll along Auditorium Shores with my husband and our Bernese mountain dog/squirrel-hunter extraordinaire.

• Invest in my skin. What can I say? Skincare is my business. But as my stress level goes up, my breakouts do too. Currently loving Dr. Ladd's Pumpkin Clarifying Mask.

• Ditch the TV. I haven't had a television since college, but that's not to say I don't take in my fair share of Hulu. During high-stress time, I opt for a book. Currently wrapping up Loving Frank.

• Get a housekeeper. OK, I still haven't done this. Regardless, I sleep better in a clean house. This to-do just became my next priority!

Do you have skincare concern that you suspect is brought on by stress? I'd love to hear about it... I may even have a few helpful tips to share!

 

Follow Lauren Fornes on Twitter: www.twitter.com/@shoptheskinny

Comments

[timezone]

01:15 PM on 09/25/2009

Interesting and useful article, Ms. Fornes. Any way we can beat stress instead of it beating us are always appreciated! I still have a tv, but got rid of cable. Checking out movies or documentaries (I even can get a whole season of a series, albeit a little late) from the library for those times I really want to want a specific show is so much better for time, finances and stress, then mindlessly turning on the tube for distraction. I read and listen to music much more. I feel more peaceful. I also don't have an alarm clock anywhere near my bed (if you need one to wake up, I suggesting moving to closet and just turning up a bit) . In these times of more and more noise and distraction, making one's own space as peaceful as possible helps us recharge and keeps us healthier. Sounds (like relaxation or the sound of waves, etc.), soft, muted colors, soft scents we love, a couple lush plants and pillows can make a huge difference in our stress levels. I loved that you mentioned working out with yoga dvd's, I especially like the gentle yoga workouts just about anyone can do and a walk, with or without a dog, certainly helps clear the cobwebs of the mind and helps one regroup. Cheers.