The Shocking Ways Stress Ages You (And How To Fight Back)


Woman in Wrapped in White Towel Lying on Bed with Eyes ClosedFor many years, people in the western world believed that there was a profound distinction between body and mind. Thoughts, they believed, couldn’t affect the health of the body. Being angry or depressed wouldn’t increase your chances of developing chronic diseases – or so the thinking went. 

But that’s not the reality of it. In truth, body and mind are one system. And that means that events in one can affect the other. 

Stress, therefore, is a much nastier condition than many people realize. While it’s okay in short bursts from time to time, it’s when it is elevated for a long time that the real problems begin to occur. And some of them are rather unpleasant. 

In this post, we take a look at some of the ways that stress ages you and the ways that you can fight back. 

It Leads To Under-Eye Circles

Have you got large under-eye circles that appear darker than the rest of your skin? If so, you could be the victim of stress. 

Bags under the eyes are a result of the inability of fluid to drain out of them during sleep. Over time, the area becomes increasingly bruised and the bags more pronounced. 

Under-eye circles, however, can be fought in several ways. The first is to reduce stress and improve sleep quality. You need at least seven hours per night to allow the fluid to drain away. The second is to sleep on your back. When your head is facing the ceiling, you give gravity a chance to work its magic, drain fluid from the under-eye area, and improve the appearance of the entire region. 

The third solution is to go to a med spa where you can get specific treatments for this common facial complaint. 

It Causes Dry, Flaky Skin

When people are stressed, they tend to consume less water. And when that happens, their skin begins to flake and peel. 

The best way to combat this is to invest in a rehydrating facial serum – such as rosehip oil – and to make a habit of drinking plenty of water at certain times of the day. 

It Leads To Premature Wrinkles

Being stressed all the time can lead to premature wrinkles. Pursing your lips or wrinkling your forehead, for instance, can lead to the development of lines that you don’t want. And, eventually, if they become sun damaged, deep furrows will occur. 

Higher blood pressure when stressed also adversely impacts the production of collagen – one of the body’s natural protective compounds. With less collagen in the skin, it starts to lose its youthful elasticity and bounce, and you begin to look older. 

The best approach here is to find ways to switch off your stress-response systems. Viewing your life in a different guise can help, especially if you lower the stakes. 

It Leads To Greying Hair

Finally, stress can weaken hair follicles, leading to graying hair. Where possible, massage the scalp and try to avoid no-win situations at work. If your job is causing you continual stress, maybe it is time to look for a new one.