Eczema - Stress Reduction Techniques

Reducing stress makes controlling Eczema much easier.  However, in today’s fast-paced world, managing stress can be a challenge.  Here are some tested techniques that can help effectively manage the stress of everyday life:

• Maintain your treatment regimen.  Develop the habit of good skin care.
  
• Get enough sleep.  Adequate sleep reduces stress and gives skin time to rejuvenate.
  
• Pace yourself.  Set reasonable goals to accomplish in one day.
  
• Think calm.  Take a minute to two to think calming thoughts when under stress.
  
• Use a relaxation technique, such as deep breathing, meditation, or listening to relaxing music.
  
• Keep a journal.  Research shows that taking just 15 minutes each day to write down your concerns can relieve stress.  Ripping up the paper after you finish writing also helps.
  
• Participate in a hobby.  Doing something you enjoy can enhance your mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
  
• Get a pet.  Pets reduce stress for many people who have no allergic response to animals.
  
• Make time for yourself everyday.  Create a list of things you enjoy and find time everyday to do something from the list.  Remember:  You can’t take care of everyone else if you don’t take care of yourself.
  
• Join a support group.  Some find comfort and a feeling of well-being when they talk with others who have Eczema.

by: Armstrong Skin Aid
date: Wednesday, April 24, 2006