Stress and Sweat: Stay Cool Under Fire
Stress and Sweat: Stay Cool Under Fire
It's the day of the big presentation at work -- the one that's either going to land you a promotion, or get you fired.
Your stress is beginning to show. Perspiration stains are seeping across the underarms of your expensive dress shirt.
Why the Skin on Your Arms Is Bumpy -- and What to Do About It
In every issue of WebMD the Magazine, we ask our experts to answer readers' questions about a wide range of topics. In our May 2010 issue, we turned to WebMD's Skin Care Expert, Karyn Grossman, MD, to get advice on dealing with those pesky little bumps that so many of us have on our upper arms. Q. I have lots of little bumps on my upper arms -- I don't like going sleeveless. What are they? Can I get rid of them? A. Those little bumps are caused by keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition...
Read the Why the Skin on Your Arms Is Bumpy -- and What to Do About It article > >
Now you're not only stressed out -- you're embarrassed too.
Excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis) is such an uncomfortable problem that some people with the condition go to any lengths to avoid the gym, parties, and any other social or work situations that are likely to make them perspire.
Why do some people stay dry under pressure, while others look like they just took a shower? A number of factors make people perspire more profusely, including obesity, alcohol use, diseases like diabetes or an overactive thyroid gland, menopause, and certain medications.
Stress is another big reason why people sweat, and it's one cause that you can control.
Here are 10 tips for reducing the stress in your life, so you can stay cooler -- and drier -- under pressure.
1. Take a deep breath. Breathing might seem like a no-brainer, but give it a little thought and it will really help you relax. Even though you already know how to breathe, here's how to do it for stress relief: Find a quiet, comfortable spot. Sit or lie down on your back. Breathe in slowly through your nose until your abdomen fully expands. Release that breath slowly through your nose or mouth. Spend 10 to 20 minutes practicing deep breathing every day.
2. Consciously relax. Another effective stress reduction technique is called progressive muscle relaxation. Lie on your back with your eyes closed. Starting at your feet, tense one body part at a time. Work your way up to your lower legs, knees, upper legs, and so on. Tense each body part for about 5 seconds and then let it relax. By the time you reach your head, you should feel calmer.
3. Take a warm bath. Soaking in warm water is not only relaxing, but washing your body with antibacterial soap will also kill off the bacteria that can make your sweat smell.
Your stress is beginning to show. Perspiration stains are seeping across the underarms of your expensive dress shirt.
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Why the Skin on Your Arms Is Bumpy -- and What to Do About It
In every issue of WebMD the Magazine, we ask our experts to answer readers' questions about a wide range of topics. In our May 2010 issue, we turned to WebMD's Skin Care Expert, Karyn Grossman, MD, to get advice on dealing with those pesky little bumps that so many of us have on our upper arms. Q. I have lots of little bumps on my upper arms -- I don't like going sleeveless. What are they? Can I get rid of them? A. Those little bumps are caused by keratosis pilaris, a common skin condition...
Read the Why the Skin on Your Arms Is Bumpy -- and What to Do About It article > >
Now you're not only stressed out -- you're embarrassed too.
Excessive sweating (also known as hyperhidrosis) is such an uncomfortable problem that some people with the condition go to any lengths to avoid the gym, parties, and any other social or work situations that are likely to make them perspire.
Why do some people stay dry under pressure, while others look like they just took a shower? A number of factors make people perspire more profusely, including obesity, alcohol use, diseases like diabetes or an overactive thyroid gland, menopause, and certain medications.
Stress is another big reason why people sweat, and it's one cause that you can control.
Staying Cool: 10 Stress-Busting Tips
Here are 10 tips for reducing the stress in your life, so you can stay cooler -- and drier -- under pressure.
1. Take a deep breath. Breathing might seem like a no-brainer, but give it a little thought and it will really help you relax. Even though you already know how to breathe, here's how to do it for stress relief: Find a quiet, comfortable spot. Sit or lie down on your back. Breathe in slowly through your nose until your abdomen fully expands. Release that breath slowly through your nose or mouth. Spend 10 to 20 minutes practicing deep breathing every day.
2. Consciously relax. Another effective stress reduction technique is called progressive muscle relaxation. Lie on your back with your eyes closed. Starting at your feet, tense one body part at a time. Work your way up to your lower legs, knees, upper legs, and so on. Tense each body part for about 5 seconds and then let it relax. By the time you reach your head, you should feel calmer.
3. Take a warm bath. Soaking in warm water is not only relaxing, but washing your body with antibacterial soap will also kill off the bacteria that can make your sweat smell.
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