For skincare and makeup lovers, your morning routine may be helping you overcome anxiety.
There are many methods to help reduce the symptoms of anxiety and depression.
These can include cognitive behavioural therapy, regular exercise, spending time with a friend, speaking to a psychologist or psychiatrist, spending time with an animal and practicing mindfulness.
Self care is also a practice to ease the stress of daily life and the battle of anxiety.
Dedicating time to looking after yourself and feeling more confident each day can produce happiness, mindfulness and peace.
Having a makeup or skincare routine where you follow steps of a regime is a simple and easy way to set the day off productively.
Dr. Mike Dow, a psychotherapist and New York Times bestselling author endorses that a regime that follows steps 1, 2 and 3 in any part of your life has been found to be effective and productive for ticking off goals.
Such a simple, mundane part of the morning can become a powerful way to seize the day.
Knowing and completing the steps needed to finish your skincare or makeup creates the sensation of control, particularly when other elements of your life may feel like they are spiraling out of control.
However a little disclaimer: it is not reasonable to substitute a skincare or makeup routine for professional help or medical treatment. This is simply a method to experiment with and see if it works for you.
FOCUS
One way to soothe anxiety is by focusing your attention on something for an extended period of time. Sitting down and concentrating on a skincare or makeup routine is something to focus on.
This can include simply focusing on nailing your winged liner or lining your lips to perfection. This decreases stress and distracts your mind.
SCENTS
A study which analysed the effects of Lavender and the Nervous System proved that lavender can help substantially reduce anxiety and depression via aromatherapy.
Further, engaging the senses has been proven to soothe anxiety. Lavender, Rose, Vanilla, and Fruity scents are often found in skincare and makeup products and the act of applying them to the face can do just that.
CONTROL
Lack of control and a fear of the unknown are well known triggers for anxiety. By beginning the day with your regular routine creates a familiar and normal state, with predictable outcomes.
Your mind is familiar with putting on moisturiser or mascara. When you are applying your skincare and makeup products, you are very much in control, hopefully prompting calmness.
OVERTHINKING
Anxiety triggers can come in all different shapes and sizes but are often exacerbated through overthinking and worry. The act of concentrating on something distracts one from overthinking.
Additionally, in cognitive behavioural therapy, patients are often asked to partake in a pleasurable or productive activity to break a negative cycle or spiral. The application of products induces positive activity for makeup/skincare lovers leaves behind negative thoughts.
But if makeup or skincare isn’t your thing, there are many other ways to manage anxiety.
