When Our Stress-Relief Routines Become the Stress

It’s International Stress Awareness Week, and I wanted to share some thoughts that have been building for a while. I’ve worked in skincare, beauty and wellness for a long time, and lately I feel that everything we see on social media is simply too much.

Most of us are already doing a lot. We’re juggling children, careers, partners, extended family, and perhaps parents or relatives who need care. Then we scroll and get bombarded with how our mornings should look: the 10-step skincare routine, the Pilates to stay strong through perimenopause, the books to read, the walks to take, the friends to see. The advice is well-intended, but it adds to the pile of things we feel we should be doing.

I’ve fallen into this trap myself. I used to have long, rigid morning routines. I love facial massage, gua sha, and a holistic view of wellbeing, but when a routine becomes too rigid, it hijacks its own purpose. If my stress-reduction ritual causes stress because I don’t have time for it, it’s no longer helping my wellbeing.

What I try to do instead is focus on a few pillars:

• Sleep. I aim for at least 7 hours of solid sleep. It doesn’t happen every night, but that’s the goal.
• Nutritious food that gives me good energy.
• Friends. I make time to connect with the people I care about.
• Short daily meditation. Even a few minutes helps, and keeping it short is what keeps me consistent.
• Time in nature. I’m grateful to have woodlands close by, so I get outside most days.
• Movement. My exercise is less strategic than it used to be, and I’m okay with that. I’m learning not to add more every time I feel I have a bit of space, because that’s when it backfires.

What this means for your skin

The same principle applies to ageing. A few things genuinely help: daily SPF, good sleep, good food, and avoiding smoking and too much alcohol. Stress and sugar are hard on skin cells. But stressing about all of this defeats the purpose. Short peaks of stress are fine. They help us get things done. It’s continuously high stress that does the damage.

The power of an hour for yourself

This is why I believe so strongly in holistic treatments. You’re not adding more products or more steps. You come for an hour, or 45 minutes, close your eyes and let someone take care of you.

Almost every time a client walks into my treatment room, I can see the stress: shoulders up by their ears, anxious energy. Then, during the treatment, I can see and feel them begin to relax. Afterwards, I’m talking to a completely different person. It’s remarkable what one hour for yourself can do.

My takeaway: in trying to achieve more, we’ve started turning even stress reduction into another goal. This week, try doing less, and choose the few things that truly matter to you.

I’d love to hear from you: what are your best tips for reducing stress, and how have you managed stressful times?

Jenny x