Medically Reviewed by Stephanie S. Gardner, MD on August 17, 2023
Get Good Sleep
1 / 10

Get Good Sleep

Stress and poor sleep go hand in hand. The quality of your shut-eye is just as important as the amount. Be sure you put away screens well before lights out, create a calm environment, and stay as consistent as you can with your sleep schedule.

Practice Deep Breathing
2 / 10

Practice Deep Breathing

Regulating your breathing patterns with slow, deep breaths can slow down your heart rate, lower blood pressure, and relax your muscles. Spend 15 minutes a day sitting still and focusing on your breath.

Reach Out
3 / 10

Reach Out

Connecting with others who deal with atopic dermatitis can help you feel less alone. Eczema support groups are a great place to build community, get advice, and find hope.

Move Your Body
4 / 10

Move Your Body

Exercise quiets stress and delivers a mood boost by releasing hormones called endorphins. Endorphins make you feel happy and calm. To get them, you’ll need to get your heart pumping for at least 15 to 20 minutes three times a week.

Stop Stress Eating
5 / 10

Stop Stress Eating

It’s common to reach for sugary, fatty, processed foods when you’re stressed. These are exactly the types of foods that can make eczema symptoms worse. Keep healthy snacks on hand to break the stress-eating cycle.

Say Ohm
6 / 10

Say Ohm

Meditation and mindfulness practices calm both your body and mind, reducing stress and soothing flares. Find a few minutes each day to be in the moment, still and aware of your body for these benefits.

Try Acupuncture
7 / 10

Try Acupuncture

Acupuncture is a traditional Chinese method where a practitioner inserts small, thin needles into specific points on your body to stimulate chemicals to release toxins. Some studies show it can help lower stress levels and promote relaxation.

Cut Back on Alcohol
8 / 10

Cut Back on Alcohol

An occasional glass of wine is OK, but too much or even regular drinking can interfere with quality sleep, robbing you of rest and raising stress. Make sure you’re not relying on alcohol as a relaxer; find healthier options for unwinding.

Learn to Say No
9 / 10

Learn to Say No

While some to-dos aren’t optional, it’s worth looking at your schedule to be sure you’re not packing too much in. Prioritize your skin by keeping a slower pace to your days.

Have a Laugh
10 / 10

Have a Laugh

It sounds simple, but don’t forget to have fun. Laughter relieves stress by boosting your oxygen intake, stimulating your heart, lungs, and muscles, and increasing endorphins.

Show Sources

IMAGES PROVIDED BY:

  1. andresr / Getty Images
  2. WebMD
  3. Tero Vesalainen / Getty Images
  4. rez-art / Getty Images
  5. Kwangmoozaa / Getty Images
  6. Juzant / Getty Images
  7. Image Source / Getty Images
  8. princigalli / Getty Images
  9. Peathegee Inc / Getty Images
  10. mihailomilovanovic / Getty Images

SOURCES:

Cleveland Clinic: “How Stress Causes Eczema,” “Acupuncture.”

The American Institute of Stress: “Take a Deep Breath.”

National Eczema Society: “Stress and Eczema.”

National Eczema Association: “Eczema and Emotional Wellness.”

Journal of Acupuncture and Meridian Studies: “Effectiveness of Acupuncture Therapy on Stress in a Large Urban College Population.”

Mayo Clinic: “Stress Relief From Laughter? It's No Joke.”