I’d like to share an article this week that I wrote for bellaonline.com  As their Ethnic Beauty editor, I’m always writing content as it pertains to ethnic skin, beauty and wellness.

Writing plays a big and important role in what I do as an entrepreneur in the world of beauty.  Writing about ways to relieve stress becomes even more important whether it’s for my own brand, Nyraju Skin Care, or as editor for another website.

In today’s world, we find that stress levels have elevated. Why is that? Could it be that we’re caught up in an epidemic of distraction?

As you read these words, there are those of you who will say, “I’m not caught up in distractions”.  Think not ?

Here are two distractions that eat up your time and place you under added stress on a daily basis.

Technology – I know you saw this one coming. Okay, maybe not. Experts blame technology as one of the causes for elevated stress levels. How so? At your fingertips you have access to the world with your cell phones. Not only does it put you in contact with friends and family living in faraway places, it brings the troubles of the world to you as well.

Then there’s the back and forth of texting and emails, this eats up a lot of time in your day. And…there’s the falling behind in work related duties because of it. You’ll never be able to read all of your emails especially when you consider that you have personal and work related emails.

The advance in technological devices was supposed to make life easier and it has to a certain degree. However, it seems to be adding significant stress to your plate in a lot of ways. Did I mention social media? Some people have made Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Snap Chat, Pinterest and a host of new ones popping up daily, their place to be. Miss a day and you feel like you’re out of sync. You set yourself into catch up mode trying to see what you’ve missed and this eats up a lot of time.

Time Factor – There’s this thing known as the Time Factor. Do you ever feel like the energizer bunny? You’re in this perpetual mode of non-stop activity. You keep going, on and on and on and on. At least you think you should. There’s this constant feeling of urgency, shooting your blood levels up and can often cause discomfort in breathing.

Don’t allow yourself to become so rushed that your health becomes compromised.  It’s time to change your behavior and seek relief.

How do you change your behavior and relieve some stress?

* Create new habits – Easier said than done. Since a lot of you have removed your landline phones and only have your cell phones, put it on vibrate at night or at least on the other side of the room. Whatever news you’ve missed that night, you were not supposed to get until the next day. Remember, You are not always in control, there is a higher power than you.

* Massage … there’s nothing like a great massage. Touch therapy is being deemed as something new. It isn’t! We’re so caught up in machines and fear until we’ve lost the energy connection between human beings. Having a massage session can transport you into a space and place of sheer tranquility.

* Steam rooms and saunas – Whether it’s the traditional water steam or infrared saunas (where special heaters are used), a good sweat is always a great way to relieve stress.

* Halotherapy – Known as salt therapy, you enter cave like rooms that are lined with salt walls. Breathing in the salt is said to do everything from calm your mind to help relieve respiratory issues. I’ve tried this and it did present a tranquil like feeling.

You have the power to begin a new day, a new month or new year living a stress free life. It’s up to you. Hit the pause button and see how much better you’ll feel.  That’s it for this week. As Always …
Dedicated To Your Beauty,

Juliette Samuel

Esthetician/Author/Publisher

Nyraju Skin Care