The idea of “the tired and unfortunate person looking haggard and unpresentable” is hardly a nice one, nor a true one, but what is true that life circumstances can affect us all. There’s a certain pride in this, such as the wrinkles we grow as we age and the experience that some people wear on their face. But if you’ve been through a period of prolonged stress, bad sleep, difficulty relaxing, and hard decisions for quite some time, this can also show.
In the spirit of restoring your self-esteem and simply pampering yourself like you deserve to be pampered, it can never heart to rejuvenate your look and self-image after such a tough time. Perhaps now is the time you could give yourself permission to do so! But how might you do this, without revoking your sense of who you are?
In this post, we’ll discuss that and more, offering warm guidance to help you feel rejuvenated:
Focus On Restorative Skincare
Stress can be very impactful upon your skin, and that can lead to dullness, breakouts, or even a more pronounced appearance of fine lines. A good skincare routine can help repair some of that damage and feels nourishing to put in place. You can start small, like cleansing gently, then hydrating thoroughly, and protecting your skin with SPF every day (it doesn’t have to be super sunny for you to benefit). Products with antioxidants, like Vitamin C, can help your complexion for instance, and aloe vera can help reduce inflammation or even address acne, but make sure you speak to a dermatologist for that.
If you’re looking for more notable results, treatments like laser skin rejuvenation is proven to be non-invasie and helpful. These can work on specific concerns like uneven tone, fine lines, or scarring, which might help you feel like you’ve had a fresh start.
Nourish Your Body From The Inside Out
Now, we’re not saying you need to go on an astronaut diet just to feel better, but it can’t hurt to think about what you eat and how it’s nourishing you. After a difficult period of real stress, your body may be depleted of essential nutrients which can be scientifically verified. Some might even test their hormone levels.
Regardless, we’d recommend focusing on eating whole foods rich in those, and minerals too. Foods high in Omega-3 fatty acids, like salmon or walnuts, can improve skin elasticity and hydration, drinking plenty of water helps your skin stay supple and helps rid you of toxins, while leafy greens, berries, and nuts are also great for a natural glow.
If your diet has been less-than-perfect lately,which is totally understandable if you’ve just been hanging on, taking small steps helps. On top of this you can supplement such as with Vitamin D or a good multivitamin, or even magnesium and zinc if you’re low. Always refer to a doctor before making any major changes, though.
Refresh Your Hairstyle
You might not really think much about your hair, but it’s amazing how a solid cut can help us feel better about ourselves. It even bears the brunt of stress, too. Thinning, breakage, or a lackluster appearance are common experiences, so you’re not alone if you’ve noticed it. Hair health does generally improve naturally as your stress eases, but a new haircut or style can also improve your confidence in the meantime. Even just buzzing it or dyeing it can signify that you’re in a new chapter of your life and sometimes we just need that most of all.
Consider Movement & Relaxation
Stress can cause tension to build up in your body, which can affect your posture, energy levels, and even how you carry yourself day to day. Physical activity is an incredible way to release that tension and improve your overall look, even if it can help you straighten your posture a touch or feel more energised when you wake up in the morning. Don’t worry, you won’t need to immediately jump into an intense workout regimen, as even gentle yoga, walking, or swimming can help you feel more capable in your body, a little stronger, and more energetic too.
You can also combine this with regular relaxation, or maybe even starting there is your best bet for obvious reasons. Mindfulness practices, like meditation, vipassanna or deep breathing, can help reset your outlook and help you think afresh These habits not only help reduce lingering stress but also make you look more at ease, which is a big part of looking refreshed.Just ten minutes a day can be a good start.
With this advice, we hope you can more easily rejuvenate your look and sense of self after a prolonged period of stress.
