This one comes as no shocker – stress is bad for you. It makes you sick. It makes you look old. As a matter of fact, some professionals are saying that many “normal” women today are as stressed out as the average psychiatric patient was in the 1950’s. Makes you wonder who defines, or redefines, normal for us! So the question remains, how do we better manage our stress? Let’s begin with what has been identified as a few of the biggest stressors in our everyday lives.

The first is a job that makes you miserable on either a part time of full time basis. Because we spend most of our lives sleeping or working, if one the two stresses you out the other will suffer. The result is going to be a stress meltdown in the not so distant future.

The next is relationship stress. We are emotional people and nothing taxes our emotions more than a breakup or a failing relationship.

Especially these days, money is definitely one of the top three stressors in our lives. This affects every aspect of who we are and is fairly inescapable.

So how do we deal? Here are five surefire ways to dismiss your stress and take a minimum of ten years off your face. First, know what stresses you out the most and how you respond to it. This may take some keen observing on your part. Ask a close friend or spouse to help you monitor your key stressors and what you do to cope. Identifying these is half the battle.

Number two, breathe deep and find your zen or your center or your happy place – whatever works for you. Relaxing can work wonders for your mental state and your skin. Breathing pushes oxygen to the four corners of your body and your brain. Don’t wait until the frown lines have etched, when you know one of your stressors may be approaching start to breathe deep and focus yourself on controlling your emotional response. Remember that it’s much easier to clean up after a good smile session than a cry session.

As we’ve already stated, sleep is quickly and easily affected by stress. Since it’s no secret what lack of sleep will do to your eyes and skin and demeanor, you’ve got to make getting your 20 winks a top priority. Beyond just mental clarity, sleep helps your body regulate and balance your mood regulating serotonin levels. If you’re already tapped, any stress causing situation will push you over the edge physically and emotionally.

If you’ve had plenty of sleep then exercise will be much more feasible, and it is a necessary part of your de-stress routine. Exercise not only releases endorphins that are an instant pick me up, but studies show that as little as 15 minutes of exercise 3 times a week can keep you from stressing in the first place. Less stress on your body and looks, more energy, more mental clarity – who wouldn’t want to exercise?!

Lastly you’ve got to learn to LET IT GO. Make it your mantra. Give it some motions or a little dance, and repeat it daily, hourly when needed. Our biggest problem isn’t usually what stresses us, but how we deal with the stress. The next time you find yourself wallowing in the fight you had with your boyfriend or the crummy assignment your boss gave you – again, stop playing the victim and let it go. That simple act of control may be all it takes to cut stress off and add ten years to your lovely face.

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