WHAT STRESS (OR ANGER!) DOES TO YOUR FACE… AND HOW TO FIX IT!

Lately, despite the twice daily cleansing and moisturizing, an hour at the gym, weekly scrubs and face packs and copious amounts of water, I have been noticing that my skin has never ever looked this terrible. It’s reached a point where strangers at the malls are asking me if I am sick and need help… not kidding!

Time to visit the dermatologist – who takes one look at my blotchy complexion, flaking chin, dark circles and the monstrous zit on my forehead and decides what I need is a “life questionnaire” rather than a session of Blue Light.

And through gradual prodding and poking, we arrive at the root cause – stress (and a lot of being pissed off, to boot), which is literally killing my skin cells.

I have always known that stress leads to high blood pressure, depression, migraines, heart disease, obesity… yada yada yada! But honestly, it never bothered me because all that’s in the future. Skin problems, however, are in the here and now! Hence, this required some serious research.

So Fuckin Tired and Stressed

It's midnight and I can't sleep. I'm incredibly tired, but I can't seem to shut my thoughts off. I'm so incredibly stressed and confused and have no idea what to think or do. I originally created this blog as a form of therapy, to have a place where I can vent and free my mind. It worked for many years, however, now that many people read it, especially people I know, I feel like I can't really be myself anymore. I wanna be able to write my thoughts and feelings, but afraid I might offend someone or hurt someone.

I need to make some big changes in my life, and terrified of doing so. I'm at the point of a new chapter, and could use a few good friends on my side. I have a bucket list that needs updating, and will include my goals for 2019. This time next year I want some major changes... and I'm determined to make 2019 my year.

Stressed? Tired? Have a headache? Try one of these ultimate feel-better right now baths #tlc

To say that this week has been mind-numbingly stressful and muscle-achingly exhausting would be an understatement. Now, all I want to do is slip my weary, achy body into a warm, relaxing bath, then slip under a fluffy duvet with a hot chocolate in one hand and The Winters in another.

But first, the bath. Seriously, there is little that compares to a warm, fragrant, cozy bath when you are feeling tired, achy and generally blah.

But as I have absolutely no energy, I am going to opt for an effortless bath, which is just as great at soaking away all cares as its more exotic relations.

Since I need to calm my nerves more than anything else, it’s the sandalwood-ginger-rose oil for me. However, I am also giving you more tried-and-tested remedies to target your specific needs.

The comforting bath
Remember when we were hurt or upset and mom would tuck us in her lap and make all the bad stuff go away? This bath can’t compete with mom (nothing can!) but it does help chase away the blues. Pour two cups of milk and a packet of oatmeal in warm water. The oatmeal exfoliates and revs up blood circulation, while the milk soothes and moisturizes. More importantly, the scent of milk and oatmeal conjures up images of mom, vacations and chilly mornings spent bundled up in a fluffy, cozy sweater.