Defeating Stress & Hair Loss
2. Just Breathe
“Ah.” That’s the sound of a deep breath, which could be just the thing your hair needs to get growing again. Deep, slow breaths from the diaphragm stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, which relaxes the mind and body, according to Alice Boyes, Ph.D. of Psychology Today. Try progressive muscle relaxation, which alleviates stress and anxiety, or opt for simple mediation techniques. Yoga combines breathing and social support benefits as most classes are conducted in a group setting. Different yoga poses relieve tension in different ways; Child’s Pose, Eagle Pose, and Corpse Pose are especially effective for stress reduction.
3. Eat Your Stress Away
When stress eats away at you, eat back; and try some stress-fighting wonder foods for size. Blueberries are an excellent source of vitamin C, which purges the body of the stress hormone cortisol. Almonds contain high amounts of vitamin E, which fights stress-inducing free radicals. They are also brimming with stress-reducing vitamin B2, zinc and magnesium. Do not skimp on green veggies like asparagus and broccoli, which according to Better Homes and Gardens contributor Dorie Eisenstein are high in mood-stabilizing folic acid. Both encourage the production of serotonin, a “happy” brain chemical that turns sour moods into positive ones.
4. Enjoy a Scalp Massage
The relaxation benefits of a massage are evident, but what about the hair growth-enhancing benefits of a scalp massage? Scalp massages stimulate blood flow to the skin’s surface, instantly feeding hair follicles. For many, massages are mini luxuries and are not accessible on a daily basis. Give yourself a daily scalp massage at no cost. Use your fingertips to make small circles, beginning at the hairline and working your way inward, towards the top of the scalp. Just 10 minutes a day can significantly increase blood flow to the scalp, promoting stress relief and faster hair follicle growth.
Nutritional Supplements for Less Stress and Hair Health
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Sources:
- Bullock, Jane. “How Massage Affects Your Hair and Scalp.” Hairboutique.com. April 12, 2oo8
- Sefcik, Lisa. “Stress and Hair Regrowth.” July 15, 2010
- “Is Stress Causing Your Hair Loss?” Healthology.com. December 5,2010
- Boyes,Alice, Ph.D. “17 Psychology Experts Share Their Best Stress Relief Tips.” Psychologytoday.com. January 28,2013
- Eisenstein, Dorie. “10 Superfoods for Stress Relief.” Betterhomesandgardens.com. September 2004
- “Social Support and Resilience to Stress.” – NIH