Modern life, what with all its global pandemics, Slack notifications and Zoom chats is a stressful affair. And stress takes its toll. In fact, a recent study in the journal of Psychological Science found that even minor, daily stressors have implications for our long-term physical health. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to loosen the tightness in your chest and regain a sense of calm. Take a deep breath and recharge with these five products. 

De-stress Your Skin

Just as stress affects your mental wellbeing, it also releases hormones that can have a negative impact on your skin. Whether you're feeling drier than usual or oilier and more prone to breakouts, don't be tempted to panic-apply every product in your bathroom cabinet. A gentle scrub used twice a week — like Bullfrog's Anti-Stress Gel, which uses both chemical and mechanical exfoliation — will slough away dead skin and help rebalance oil production.

De-stress Your Hair

Not everyone has the time to go to a yoga class, but you do have time to shower (we hope). This is the ideal time to cool off, not just because warm water is linked to a boost in levels of the feel-good hormone oxytocin, but because it's a chance to apply a few stress-busting products. Get to the root of the problem with Patricks CD2 Moisturising Conditioner, which stimulates healthy hair growth while the process of massaging the scalp has been found to ease anxiety.

De-stress In Your Sleep

When we sleep, our body goes into repair mode, fixing damage caused to muscles, organs, and other cells during the day. Creating a consistent routine that you follow each night not only signals to your brain that it's time to switch off, but it also allows you to bolster this renewal system. Before hitting the hay, apply a night cream or overnight mask - you'll supercharge your skincare and wake up looking, and feeling, refreshed.

De-stress With Your Hands

Mindful meditation may have its roots in Buddhism, but you needn't head to the mountains to feel the benefits. As well as helping to reverse the external signs of stress, damage and ageing, a hand cream can also be used as a way of getting into a zen-like state. Apply it once a day while trying to centre your mind with an app like Headspace, and over time you'll begin to associate the routine with having a calming effect. 

De-stress From The Inside

We've all heard how eating healthily and exercising regularly are the two most effective ways to combat stress from the inside. However, there is a growing body of scientific evidence that also throws CBD (cannabidiol) products into the mix. Whether in the form of sprays, drops or supplements, these work by interacting with your body's endocannabinoid system, which regulates everything from pain and mood to appetite and sleep.