Stress is responsible for so many issues today that we’re sometimes not even aware of. When I was 17 years old, my best friend passed away from cancer. I internalised so much at the time to keep her from seeing the pain that I felt for her. After she passed away, my face broke out so badly. I couldn’t control my acne and didn’t understand where it was coming from or why. Now that I look back I understand how stress really affected my skin.
Today, at 29 years old, I am an avid meditator. I have not missed a day in over 3 years. I truly believe it contributes to so much of my inner peace and balance in life when things become stressful or overwhelming. For me, it's non-negotiable now - like brushing my teeth! I do it every day, no questions asked.
The wonderful thing today is that there are so many platforms to find guided meditations, or breathwork practices that you can easily follow as a start. The not so easy thing is sticking to it, and being disciplined to your practice. I struggled with sticking to it for years, but last August I finished my 1000 day sadhana, and it was the best thing I ever did. Now I will leave dinner early, prepare before an event, sit in my car, or an airport bathroom stall, do whatever I have to do to get my meditation done because I know the benefits and how much these simple things can help my stress and anxiety long term. Am I suggesting you go out and start 1000 days of meditation tomorrow? No, but maybe start doing 3 minutes a few times a week, then work up to 11 days in a row, then 40. Notice the shifts, see how life can change. See how maybe your skin changes. I’m not saying meditation is going to fix all of your issues, clear your skin and make you a millionaire. But by being disciplined with a practice, taking the time to do something for yourself that can benefit you in the slightest is building good habits in your life. It’s not just about having clear skin, it’s the whole picture. A healthy lifestyle. Where can you start slowly? Maybe its drinking an extra glass of water a day, or going for a 10 minute walk outside, maybe its turning your phone off at 8pm and reading a book instead of scrolling social media. Or maybe it's taking time to breathe.
One of my favourite practices is Nadi Shodhana Pranayama (or alternate nostril breathing). It's simple and extremely effective in a short amount of time. In just 3 minutes you can feel more relaxed with this practice. All you have to do is sit in a comfortable spot, rest your left hand on your left thigh in gyan mudra (thumb touches index finger and the rest of the fingers lay straight) with your right hand your thumb blocks your right nostril and you breath in through your left, you can count to 4 and then block your left nostril with your ring finger and pinky finger and breath out the right for a count of 8. Then breath in through that same right nostril for 4, plug the right with your thumb and start again. Its incredible after one round of this just how calmer you can feel.
So remember: stress can be a killer, but it doesn’t have to be. And no pressure but- no one can change your life but you. Despite that, with slow and small changes you create the bigger picture. Then a year goes by and you see the progress these tiny changes have made. You're more neutral and peaceful and radiant.
I’m proud of you,
Nadalina xx