Each and every one of the strands on your head has a natural life span, and each one of them will fall out naturally over your life. Our hair wasn't meant to stay in our scalps indefinitely, but don’t stress! A high-stress environment can actually affect this natural timeline and cause earlier loss of hair than planned.

Unlike genetically-programmed hair loss (like male pattern baldness), loss of hair due to stress is 100% created by our environments, and in theory, controllable by stress management. If you’re experiencing more physical or emotional stress than you typically handle, it’s more likely you’ll see more locks in your shower drain than usual.

Follow these tips the next time you’re seeking stress relief. Your locks will thank you!

Practice Being More Mindful 

As you’re well aware, you won’t always be able to prevent stress from entering into your life. On the bright side, you can often minimize the amount of stress you experience, and cutting out stressful scenarios altogether when possible. When life gets hectic, be intentional with every task you take on, and make a point to be present no matter what you’re doing. A busy, wandering mind can wear you down just as quickly as physical stress!

Try New breathing techniques

If sudden anxiety overwhelms you, a simple breathing technique can help you refocus and find calm amid the storm. These quick-fix solutions for stress relief aren’t just temporary band-aids, either, they’ve been shown to actually reduce chronic stress over time!

Here’s a basic exercise to try at home:

1. Sit or lie flat in a comfortable position.
2. Put one hand on your belly just below your ribs and the other hand on your chest.
3. Take a deep breath in through your nose, and let your belly push your hand out. Your chest should not move.
4. Breathe out through pursed lips as if you were whistling. Feel the hand on your belly go in, and use it to push all the air out.
5. Do this breathing 3 to 10 times. Take your time with each breath!
   
   

Build Habits For Resilience

Make a list of your everyday routines and habits. Which of them make you feel more organized, and less stressed at the moment? Steering your daily regimen towards these activities will help you effectively reduce stress.

Certain activities like meditation, exercise, and writing in a journal have been proven to help manage stress and build resilience for future stress. The key is to identify activities that help you limit any feelings of being overwhelmed.  Once you determine these activities, you’ll have given yourself a greater ability to withstand stress.

Note: Your scalp will thank you for the more relaxed lifestyle - - - and you’ll see it through your improved hair health! Be mindful, your hair’s natural life cycle is around 3-months, so the effects of stress-induced-loss won’t be immediately apparently. Maintain a healthier daily regimen by incorporating nourishing hydration masks like this one 1-2x weekly.