The 21st century has brought an explosion in cosmetic surgery popularity. Perhaps these staggering numbers of growth relate in part to the media coverage surrounding plastic surgery to improve quality of life for those who would otherwise not have access to help. Many plastic surgeons donate time and talent to perform reconstructive surgery on children with debilitating birth defects from all over the world [2]. 

Cosmetic surgery can change or save lives, but it is often sought to stave off the visible signs of aging. In fact, over 1.1 million Botox injections are administered in the U.S. every year; a number that is steadily growing [3]. Studies have linked stress as a contributing factor to the visibility of aging.

Our lives are so fast-paced that we prioritize everything but ourselves. Some look for quick fixes and end up with a diet high in trans-fat, too much sugar, caffeine and alcohol.  These all cause stress within the body.

Signs of aging may not always show up at the time of consumption depending on our age. For some it may result in facial puffiness, eye bags, and feeling off. With repetition, stress can lead to a host of other health problems that show up later in the body. They range from age spots to sagging eyelids or neck, to weight gain in our mid-section or thighs. This is on a cosmetic level, there are countless other ways our brain and body is effected internally. 

  

Would you take the natural path to anti-aging? This path is very simple, as it involves nourishing food, and taking time away from stress. This could mean scheduling time with loved ones or using an app to help us escape our day for a bit. 

The benefits we gain are all from daily actions that soon add up to big results.

What Exactly Can I Do? A few apps are available for your phone, tablet, computer, etc. that allow you to take time to unwind. Some of my favorites include: Calm, Buddhify, Omvana, Head Space, Smiling Mind, and Take a Break. Each has their own unique way to help you stop, breathe, relax, and center yourself. You can “Take a Break” with that app designed to escape work for a set time frame. 

These apps are all excellent ways to take time for yourself! They may get addicting as you adjust to caring for your mind and body as you heal and recharge.  

The Effects of Stress. Stress can start right away with a simple “sure” when we should have said “no.” It accumulates further with pressure and deadlines. On the outside, our lives start to feel out of control. On the inside, cellular oxidative stress is happening that accelerates aging [4].

Getting a Little Work Done? If you’re thinking about plastic surgery; research possible complications, not only doctors. Catherine Hannan, MD medically reviewed and approved this Healthline article on the 10 most common plastic surgery complications. Studies have shown that risks may include permanent nerve damage, bacterial infections, deep vein thrombosis, and pulmonary embolism [5]. The anesthesia also poses health risks. 

Is There a Quick Fix? Anything long-lasting requires daily effort, and often a lifestyle change. The changes we can make are timeless in that they don’t make news or media headlines. These are nutrition, exercise, gratitude, sleep, and stress management.

They aren’t the “next big thing,” and they won’t yield dramatic results immediately.  They do work in harmony together for the long term. They will have you looking natural and fabulous with compliments flowing. This can all happen without the expense, risks, or time off to recover from plastic surgery. 

Next Step? These lifestyle changes do not need to be immediate and severe. In fact, studies show people are more likely to stick to lifestyle changes if they gradually progress over time. We recommend starting with a 5-Day Sugar Detox or the 7-Day Detox Program. You can do anything for 5-7 days! Learn more about the power of detoxing here.