Look around. You may not notice it, but it’s there. There are many people losing their hair, and it can be frightening to realize why. Most likely, it is due to stress. This is one of the most common reasons for hair loss that does not come from genetic sources. Why does it happen? Is it happening to you? In these situations, it is critical for you to pay close attention to what your body is saying to you.
How Stress Leads to Hair Loss
There are many instances in which people struggle with stress. You may be worried about your job loss or your lack of employment right now. You could be facing risks to your health from COVID-19 or other types of health problems. Sometimes, the mental health we have is not the best, especially in times of a pandemic when isolation is occurring. All of these things increase stress. Ask yourself what is your biggest stress factor right now. Then, take a few minutes to consider why. You may find that, like many other people, 2020 was a very difficult year for living with stress.
Stress creates problems for the body. When your body is under stress of any type, the brain works to adjust where it is sending resources. It needs to provide you with help to run and to think clearer so you can better deal with that stress. The hormones in your body change so much so that it helps to move those important resources in oxygen-rich blood to other areas.
As a direct result of this, the lesser important functions – such as hair growth and overall skin care – fall to the back of the list of important nutrients. At the same time, you may notice that your nails are not doing well either. This, too, is directly related to the stress you are feeling.
What Can You Do About It?
The easy answer here is to stop worrying and stressing. Yet, in a time like it is right now, that is hard to do. What can you do to bust through some of your stress and improve your overall health (and perhaps even encourage your hair to grow naturally?) Here are some key opportunities to do just that.
Work to Get in Exercise
Your body produces a hormone called cortisol as a reaction to stress. This hormone should only be in the bloodstream for a short amount of time to deal with that stressor. In 2020, for many this stressor has been sticking around longer, leading to these health complications, including hair loss. One way to fix this is to exercise. It is one of the best ways to burn off that hormone naturally and quickly. Going for a run or getting in a good workout feels good because it burns through cortisol.
Give Your Body Nutrients
Your body is working hard right now to manage the stress you feel. That is why it is so important for you to give it more fuel than ever. That comes in the form of vegetables and fruits. Get in those rich sources of healthy grains and proteins. You also may want to take a multivitamin. If you are worried about your nutrition level, it is a good idea to turn to your doctor for a blood test as well. This information can help to make it easier for your body to work.
Find Other Ways to Reduce Stress
Look for ways that help you to relax and unwind. When you do, you will start to feel better, and your hair may begin the natural hair growth cycle. Consider a few other ways to relax:
- Though hard, finding a solution to your worries is going to help the most.
- Get enough sleep. You may want to get a bit more sleep this year than before.
- Invest in the right level of fun in your life. Sometimes, laughing at a movie or talking with friends even through Zoom may make a big difference.
- Find an artistic way to express yourself.
These things do not directly cause hair to grow. They do help to reduce stress and encourage natural hair growth.
Contact the hair specialists at Unique Hair Concepts to learn more.
