It's common knowledge that stress causes all sorts of problems in the body, from headaches and high blood pressure to digestive issues and even depression. But what about skin problems? Can stress management help psoriasis? Well, in this article, we'll talk about the link between stress and chronic conditions like psoriasis and what you can do to help yourself relax and allow your skin to heal.
Stress has been shown to trigger psoriasis flare-ups, so it stands to reason that managing stress could help to improve the condition. That's why many people with psoriasis find that relaxation techniques like yoga and meditation help ease their symptoms and minimise flares. Let's take a deeper look into why stress may cause the body to respond in this way.
Stress and psoriasis - what's the connection?
Stress has long been known to trigger inflammation and worsen immune functions, which can trigger or even cause diseases to occur. Since psoriasis is linked to an inflammatory response and immunity problems, it's essential to find ways to strengthen the immune system and lower inflammation. If you already have psoriasis, then learning to control stress may help lessen the frequency and severity of your flare-ups.
Can Yoga help?
Yoga is an ancient practice that originated in India. It's a form of exercise that involves various bodily postures and breathing techniques. As such, yoga has been shown to help reduce stress and improve overall health.
The relaxation and mindfulness components of yoga can help to ease stress, which in turn can help minimise the occurrence of psoriasis flare-ups. Additionally, the deep breathing involved in yoga helps improve blood circulation and oxygenation throughout the body. This whole process is beneficial as it can help to reduce inflammation.
Simple yoga poses that might help with psoriasis include:
- Child’s Pose – this yoga pose can help to relax the body and mind, as well as stretch out the back, hips and thighs.
- Downward Facing Dog – this pose helps to improve circulation and lessen stress levels.
- Warrior I Pose – this can lead to better strength and stamina and helps calm the body.
- Camel Pose – this yoga pose can help to open up the chest and improve breathing, as well as stretch out the front of the body.
- Corpse Pose – this deep relaxation technique can minimise stress and promote healing.
What else can I do to manage stress and psoriasis?
In addition to yoga, there are several other things you can do to manage stress and therefore calm your psoriasis symptoms. An underrated way to control stress is having a good sleep routine and getting enough quality sleep. Sleeping properly lessens the likelihood of chronic stress and all the other health problems this can bring.
Another important way to manage stress is through diet. Eating a nutritious diet helps the body to function properly and can help with inflammation. Foods that are high in antioxidants, omega-3s, and vitamins A, D, and E are particularly beneficial, as are probiotics. You can take our probiotic supplement every day to enhance your skin health from the inside out and help your whole body to heal.
Exercise is also a great way to manage stress, and it has all sorts of other benefits too. As well as helping to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, exercise can help to boost your mood and confidence. Taking some time out for yourself each day – even if it’s just a few minutes – to do something you enjoy can also help to reduce stress. This varies for each person, but some ideas could be reading, listening to music, or spending time in nature.
Using essential oils and taking warm baths are two other stress-relieving methods that can be beneficial for people with psoriasis. Some essential oils that may help to ease symptoms include chamomile, lavender, and tea tree oil - and you can add these to your bathwater or use them in a diffuser.
If you’re really struggling to manage your stress levels, it’s important to seek help, even from a professional. Many individuals find that a therapist can assist them in finding healthy coping mechanisms and teach them how to better deal with stressful situations.
Finding sustainable methods for lessening stress is important for everyone, but it's particularly crucial if you're trying to manage a chronic or autoimmune condition like psoriasis. That's why trying things like yoga can be a good way to alleviate your psoriasis while supporting your mental and physical well-being.