Manage Stress That May Trigger Atopic Dermatitis

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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.
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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.”