It has been proven that our minds can affect how our bodies respond. If we are feeling stressed, the impact can affect us in all sorts of ways. Stress has the ability to affect our sleep, make us unable to think clearly, can contribute to back pain and muscle tension, and in some cases it can be a factor in hair loss for men and women.
Identifying stress and hair loss
Not all hair loss is caused by stress. Not everyone who experiences stress will suffer hair loss. As we age some degree of hair loss is natural. There are also some disorders with varying causes of hair loss according the American Academy of Dermatology. Some people that develop a condition such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium observe this happening after dealing with long periods of severe or ongoing stress. All of us lose hair every day and that’s normal. If you should see sudden patches or substantial thinning, then you should see a doctor.
Alleviating stress
If you feel like you’re stressed, then it is important to deal with it. This might involve in you making changes in your lifestyle (changing jobs, seeking financial advice, or talking to a counselor or psychologist). There are other options that may help you as well:
- Exercise – A healthy diet and regular exercise is good for the body and the mind.
- Meditation – Many people attest that meditation is a useful tool to help alleviate stress and maintain a positive focus. Free meditation apps for smart phones are a good option.
- Acupuncture – Some people swear by the positive effects acupuncture may have on reducing stress levels.
- Social network – Good friends may make all the difference. It’s helpful to talk when stressed, and close friends or family may also help you see things from a different perspective. The old saying about laughter being the best medicine also holds sway, so try to fit in some purely social time.
- Music – For some people, music may have a beneficial effect. Opt for slower-paced tunes or even classical CDs, find a quite space and breathe deeply.
The good news is once the stress elements are removed, most often hair does grow back. If you don’t want to wait for it to grow back, which can take several months, then there are hair replacement options you can choose to give you back your hair. Talk to a hair loss professional for more information.