Easy Ways to Destress Throughout the Day

Stress can affect everything from your mood, to your behavior, to your sleep and even your whole body. But did you know it can also affect your hair?

When you’re stressed, your body produces more cortisol, a hormone that manages your body’s “fight or flight” response. Even though cortisol is often thought of as a negative, it’s actually important for many of your body’s functions, like metabolism, blood pressure, and your sleep cycle.¹ However, too much cortisol can have negative effects on your health, including your hair.

When you’re overly stressed, cortisol signals your hair follicles to prematurely shift out of the hair growth phase, accelerating the time it takes for hair to shed. Additionally, stress can impact hormones and nutrient absorption needed for hair growth.

At Nutrafol, we’ve identified stress as a key root cause of hair thinning—that’s why our formulas were designed to address it*. Our Hair Growth Nutraceuticals include ingredients like Ashwagandha and Shatavari that help manage the body’s response to stress to promote hair growth and less shedding.*^2,3

Interested in the powerful ingredients behind Nutrafol's Hair Growth Nutraceuticals?* Learn more.

If stress is getting you down, try to dedicate some time each day to doing something that will help relieve it. Here are a few ideas from our wellness coaches to get you started:

1. Incorporate mindful movement. Exercise helps produce endorphins, your body’s natural mood enhancer.^4,5 Try a 10-minute walk, a stretch session after sitting at your desk, or a quick dance break—anything to get your body moving.

2. Try a walking meditation. Take a walk outside and focus on being present: Think about the sounds, smells, and the feeling of the wind or grass. Living in the present helps balance your mind-body connection, helping you feel grounded. Looking for a place to start? Your Nutrafol subscription comes with complimentary access to Headspace, which has a collection of meditations to get you started.

3. Nourish your body and mind. Your gut health is connected to your mood—90% of serotonin is produced in the gut—and chronic stress can affect your serotonin.^6-8 Try not to skip meals, and be sure to eat a variety of foods. If you think your gut health could use some extra support, consider our Hairbiotic, which is physician-formulated with pre- and probiotics to support a balanced gut microbiome.*

4. Express gratitude. Spend a few minutes making a list of what you’re thankful for. Gratitude journaling has a positive impact on your overall well-being and can decrease feelings of stress, centering you in the present moment.^9-11