Social Media

Your diet isn’t just what you eat or drink.  It’s what you watch, what you read, who you spend your time with, who you follow on social.  If following a social account makes you feel inadequate, insecure, sad, stuck or unhappy, unfollow it immediately, it doesn’t matter if it’s a friend or a relative, practice this culling whenever you use social media and the cleaner your algorithms will become, and more and more you will only see uplifting and inspirational posts on your feeds.  If this makes you feel nervous, remind yourself you can always follow again later, this will give you the power to be ruthless.  Avoid following people that use filters and make you feel negatively about your appearance, follow people who make you feel good about the real you. If someone’s opinions make your blood boil, definitely UNFOLLOW.  And likewise, if you see something you love, definitely like it so you can see similar things and cultivate your algorithms positively.  Ask yourself, does this post bring me down? Or lift me up? The accounts you follow should inspire you, bring you wanted knowledge, entertain you and make you smile, everything else must go.

Stress and Alopecia

When a person experiences a high level of stress, it can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle by causing hair follicles to enter a resting phase prematurely. This can lead to excessive shedding or thinning of the hair. The type of hair loss associated with stress is known as telogen effluvium, and it is a reversible condition.

Stress-induced alopecia can be caused by a variety of stressors, including emotional stress, physical stress, illness, or surgery. The good news is that in most cases, hair loss due to stress is temporary and will resolve once the underlying stressor has been addressed.

Here are some effective strategies to reduce stress:

Exercise

Regular physical activity can help reduce stress levels by releasing endorphins, the feel-good hormones, and reducing cortisol, the stress hormone.  If exercise feels daunting to you, remember that walking is a great form of exercise.

Mindfulness meditation

Mindfulness meditation is a practice that involves focusing your attention on the present moment, cultivating a non-judgmental awareness of thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the surrounding environment. The aim is to develop a state of non-reactive awareness and acceptance of whatever arises in the present moment, whether it is pleasant, unpleasant, or neutral. The benefits of mindfulness meditation can include reduced stress, increased self-awareness, improved focus and attention, enhanced emotional regulation, and a greater sense of well-being. Regular practice is key to reaping these benefits, and it is often recommended to start with shorter sessions and gradually increase the duration as one becomes more comfortable.

There are many, many mindfulness meditation teachers that have a presence on social media and offer ideas, tools and short or long guided meditations for you to try. Here are a few but it is worth researching the many available practitioners to find a style that suits you:

Mark Williams: A professor of clinical psychology and one of the key developers of Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).

Vidyamala Burch: Vidyamala is the founder of Breathworks, an organization that promotes mindfulness and compassion-based approaches to living well with chronic pain and illness. She offers teachings, guided meditations, and resources on social media.

Tara Brach: Is a renowned meditation teacher, psychologist, and author who offers guided meditations, talks, and teachings on mindfulness, compassion, and self-acceptance.

Manoj Dias: Manoj’s expertise spans breathwork, trauma informed mindfulness, and somatic psychology.

Deepak Chopra: Deepak is a renowned author, speaker, and advocate of mind-body healing, who combines ancient Eastern wisdom with modern science to promote holistic well-being. With his emphasis on meditation spirituality, and consciousness.

Yoga

Yoga is a holistic practice that combines physical postures, breath control, and meditation to promote overall well-being and harmony between the mind, body, and spirit. It seeks to cultivate mindfulness, improve flexibility, and reduce stress, while also fostering a sense of self-awareness and inner peace.  If you are interested in trying yoga, a fantastic starting point is Yoga with Adriene, she has a YouTube channel which offers gentle that will have you addicted to yoga.

Yoga inversions (poses where the head is positioned below the heart) can enhance circulation, increase blood flow to the scalp, and stimulate the lymphatic system. Improved circulation can potentially support a healthy scalp environment, which may contribute to optimal hair growth.

Sound healing frequencies

some sound healing modalities use specific frequencies associated with chakra balancing or energetic healing practices. These frequencies are often derived from the ancient solfeggio scale and include 396 Hz, 417 Hz, 528 Hz, 639 Hz, 741 Hz, and 852 Hz.  You can find healing frequency music on music streaming apps.

Breathwork

Breathwork therapy improves health by reducing stress, enhancing respiratory function, promoting emotional release and trauma healing, improving mental clarity and focus, increasing energy and vitality, and supporting the immune system. It utilizes conscious control of breathing patterns to optimize physical, mental, and emotional well-being.

The Wim Hof Method

The Wim Hof Method is a technique developed by Wim Hof, which combines specific breathing exercises, cold exposure, and mindset techniques. Aspects of the method may have potential benefits for overall health and well-being, which could affect hair growth.

Sun and nature exposure

Sun and nature exposure can have numerous health benefits, particularly for individuals with autoimmune disorders. Firstly, sunlight is a rich source of vitamin D, which plays a crucial role in immune system regulation. Adequate sun exposure can help boost vitamin D levels, potentially reducing the risk and severity of autoimmune conditions.

Additionally, spending time in nature offers several advantages for overall health and well-being. Being outdoors often leads to increased physical activity, promoting cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and better weight management. Engaging in outdoor activities can also reduce stress levels and improve mental health, which can have a positive impact on autoimmune disorders, as stress can exacerbate symptoms.

Furthermore, exposure to natural environments has been associated with enhanced immune function. Phytoncides, natural airborne chemicals released by trees and plants, have been found to increase the activity of natural killer cells and boost immune responses. This can be particularly beneficial for individuals with autoimmune disorders, as it helps regulate immune activity and reduce excessive inflammation.

Relationships

Positive, supportive relationships can reduce stress, enhance emotional well-being, and promote healthier behaviours, ultimately benefiting overall health. Conversely, strained or unhealthy relationships can increase stress levels, contribute to emotional distress, and negatively impact immune function, potentially exacerbating health issues such as autoimmune diseases.