For many of us, dealing with split ends can be a constant struggle. Those unsightly dry, brittle and frizzed ends can ruin even the best of hair days. And while chopping them off may be the first solution that springs to mind it’s not your only option. Save your long hair and keep it healthy with these simple prevention and treatment tips.

What Causes Split Ends?

Split ends occur when external stressors cause the hair’s outer protective layer to wear away. These external stressors can include heat styling, salon chemicals, sun rays, pollution, hot water and more. Once the hair’s outer layer is compromised, the internal structure becomes exposed, leaving the hair wk, dry, damaged and (you guessed it) with split ends. Prevent split ends by avoiding these stressors, having regular trims and being kind to strands.

The hard truth: Once you get a split end, it won’t go away. 

The only way to get rid of split ends is to cut them off. And for the future, you can take care of your hair and prevent splits from occurring in the first place. There are simple ways to avoid split ends, but before that let’s look at what causes split ends.

What causes split ends?

The longer the hair, the older the end and therefore more prone to split ends.

The daily grind – washing, combing, styling, and chemical treatments – can cause the hair cuticle, which is the outside protective sheath of the hair’s shaft, to wear off. Once the cuticle is damaged the inner layer of hair is exposed, and it becomes weakened, dehydrated and damaged, making the hair prone to split ends.

The good news is that you can easily avoid split ends and grow your hair longer with having to worry about them. Here are some of the tips to say bye bye to them forever:

7 Ways to Treat and Prevent Split Ends

1. Get Regular Trimming

No matter how well you look after your hair, the everyday combing, washing will cause some wear and tear, and therefore you can’t prevent split ends entirely. Inevitably, a trim will be necessary at some point to control split ends. But, proper care will allow you to stretch trim appointment to every eight to twelve weeks, or may be even longer. Keep a regular check on them. If you happen to see a random split end, take a pair of scissors and get rid of it. Leaving the split end uncut is not a good idea, as it could potentially get worse and travel all the way up to the root.

Removal: Always use sharp scissors or the ones meant for hair cuts. Using blunt pair can fray your ends and cause more splits after a while. Also cut about 1/4 of an inch above the split, and if you don’t there are chances that split might reappear.

2. Oil Your Hair Before You Wash Them

Shampooing/Washing can cause damage to your hair. When hair gets wet  – during shampooing – it absorbs water and swells. In this state it is very fragile and therefore it is easier for splits or chips to occur.

How does oiling hair help? Oil forms a protective sheath around your hair, reducing the damage during washing process. Plus, oil also nourishes your hair, and help restore its moisture balance. Some of the best oil for pre-wash treatment are coconut oil, sesame oil,  jojoba oil and almond oil. To use: Apply oil of your choice on the scalp and massage gently with the pads of your fingers. Finish by running fingers through your hair.  Keep it for an hour and wash as usual.

3. Apply A Leave-in Conditioner

If you have bad split ends or are prone to having them, then be sure to apply a leave- in conditioner to your hair. This is to protect your hair from the regular wear and tear that can happen due to combing, styling, and also environmental factors (hot sun or cold winds).

You don’t need any fancy brands. Oils or plant butters make an excellent leave-in conditioners. Best oils to use – coconut, almond and jojoba oil; and best butters that work – shea and aloe butter.  To use: Take a little amount (not more than a pea size) of oil or butter and rub it between your palms and apply to damp or dry hair, focusing on the ends and leave-in. This will smooth down frizz, split ends and flyaways, and leave your hair looking shiny and beautiful.  Start with little, you can always add more to adjust the needs of your hair— you don’t want your hair to look greasy.

4. Dry Hair Gently

Wet hair is fragile and vulnerable to damage. So treat it with utmost care. Vigorously rubbing your hair dry with a towel creates tangles and twists in many unnatural directions, thus causing breakage and split ends. Instead, gently dab the dripping hair with a towel to get rid of the excess water.

To Dry: Use a soft cotton towel, as they are kinder to your hair and causes less friction when drying, and therefore less damage. Plus, cotton towel absorbs a great amount of water, so your hair will dry faster. The next time you wash your hair, wrap hair in a soft cotton towel and leave it on for 5-10 minutes, then let hair dry naturally. Your hair should be smoother and healthier!

5. Use A Wide Tooth Comb

The best way to detangle your hair after shampoo is by using a wide-tooth comb (comb in general are more gentle than brush). And Do Not tug it down your hair from the root to the tip. Doing this will cause tough knots which will be hard to undo and the delicate ends will be forced to take the comb bashing, thus causing hair breakage and split ends. Instead, start at the ends, and gently work your way up. When you encounter a tangle, stop and untangle gently with your comb or fingers and then proceed.

For tangles, apply a leave-in conditioner – as previously mentioned. This will help untangle with ease and prevent the snaps and breakage you can incur when you try to comb hair. Also try to avoid combing until your hair is almost dry.

6. Reduce Use Of Heat Appliances

Heat appliances such as blow dryers, flat-iron, and heat curlers are bad for your hair – however expensive or reputed they may be. When you blow dry or apply heat on your hair it reduces your hair’s natural moisture, leaving it dry, rough and brittle. Constant use can cause physical hair trauma, and the result is damaged hair and split ends.

The best way to dry your hair is to let it dry naturally, and the healthiest way to style it is heat-less. Go gentle. And your hair will look and feel better, and last longer. 

7. Protect Your Hair From The Elements

Environmental factors such as sun, wind and cold work against your hair. Long term exposure to hot sun may damage your hair, leaving it dry and brittle, and more prone to breakage as well as split ends. Similarly, cold winds too can be quite harsh on your hair.

Whenever you are stepping outside in the hot sun or cold winds you must protect your hair. Wearing a scarf, a hat or a cap will lock the moisture of your hair and protect it against the elements. In addition, they make great accessories, and they are also excellent at hiding bad hair days ?

Further tips and tricks to keep your ends healthy:

• Don’t wash your hair everyday. Washing hair couple of times a week gives your scalp enough time to restore the natural oil balance – leaving your hair smooth, shiny and protected.
• Skip hot showers: Hot water strips away protective oils from your hair. Thus, prefer lukewarm water which is kinder to your hair as well as your skin.
• Don’t swim unprotected. Apply coconut oil or olive oil to your hair to prevent any related damage. Even when you are using a swim cap it’s safe to apply some oil for that extra protection.
• Stop back combing your hair as this causes a lot of damage to your hair. It lifts up the scales of the cuticle in the wrong direction and this may cause them to break off. The result is hair breakage and splits.
• Eat a balanced diet. Getting all the necessary nutrients will ensure that your body produces healthy and strong hair.

Be kind to your hair and it will be beautiful ?

How do you avoid split ends?

Bonus: Get a Free copy of 5 Amazing foods for Thick, Shiny, Gorgeous Hair

Avoid using heat or chemical straighteners that will damage your hair over time. Instead, there are healthier alternative ways to coax your hair into the style you want.

Fortunately there are some other methods for encouraging curly or wavy hair to straighten out naturally, without using heat or chemicals. You won’t get the pin-straight look from the iron, but you’ll have healthier hair that’s more or less straight with volume.

1. Brush wet hair until it dries

After washing your hair, let it air dry completely, but continue to brush it every five minutes. Pull out and hold each section of hair for a few seconds to encourage it to straighten out. You can also do this in front of a fan, which is faster, but requires constant brushing.

2. Wrap wet hair tightly

When your hair is wet, comb and divide it down the centre. Comb the left portion all the way over to the right (yes, it’s a combover of sorts) and wrap around the back of your head, securing with bobby pins. Flip the right section over the left side, wrap, and pin in the same way. Let it air dry completely. You can wrap in a silk scarf and sleep on it to reduce frizz.

3. Roll your hair

Use large hair rollers, i.e. the size of soda cans, to roll sections of wet hair and secure them tightly against your head. Let dry completely. This is important, because the slightest bit of moisture can make the curl or wave come back.

4. Use overnight hair hands

Divide damp hair into one or two low ponytails. Fasten with a soft hair elastic, then add additional elastics every inch or so down the ponytail, in order to hold it together. Make sure the elastics are fairly loose so that they won’t leave a noticeable mark on your hair. Go to sleep and let it out in the morning.

5. Twist hair into a bun

If you have fairly obedient, straightish hair to begin with, then this method will likely work for you, though it’s not effective on my stubbornly wavy hair. Make a ponytail of damp hair and twist like a rope. Wrap around itself to make a bun and secure with an elastic. Let air dry, then brush out.

6. Make a natural straightening mask

I recommend making a milk and honey mask. Mix 1 cup of whole milk or coconut milk with 1 tbsp of honey and let it soak into your hair and scalp for one hour before washing out.

You can also mix 2 cups milk with 1 egg. Soak your hair in it for 10 minutes, then squeeze out, don’t rinse, and wrap with a plastic cover for another 30 minutes. Wash out and brush dry.

Well I recommend you to apply the following DIY straightening mask twice a week for 2 months in order to relax and straighten your hair: 1 cup coconut milk, 5-6 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp olive oil, 3 tbsp cornstarch. Heat at low temperature and stir until smooth. Cool, then apply to hair.

To all of these methods, add a few drops of sweet almond or coconut oil to tame frizz and smooth out the look.

Whether it’s about experimenting with our look or to cover the greys, we all have different reasons for colouring our hair. You may get your hair coloured at a salon – but why should you let your hair face the torture of harmful chemicals when you can try some homemade hair dyes and achieve almost similar results? If you wish to know more, read on to find out some interesting and easy ways of making hair dyes at home!

DIY Hair Dye Recipes

Try these simple and easy hair dye recipes and get that beautiful colour and shine in your tresses:

1. Beetroot Dye

A homemade hair dye with beetroot will give your hair a deep burgundy colour.

You Will Need

• Beetroot
• Carrier Oil

Prep-Time

4-5 minutes0:08/1:00Skip in 5

Processing Time

1 hour or more

How to Make

Here’s how you can make beetroot dye:

• Take the beetroot and mix it with carrier oil.
• Apply this mixture liberally on your hair and wrap it with a plastic cap. Wash after an hour. You can keep it for a little longer if you wish.

How Often You Should Apply

• You can apply this once a month.

2. Carrot Dye

Thinking of giving a reddish or orange tinge to your hair? Try carrot juice dye.

You Will Need

• Carrots
• Carrier Oil

Prep-Time

4-5 minutes

Processing Time

1 hour

How to Make

Follow these steps to make carrot dye:

• Mix carrot juice with coconut oil or any other oil that you use for your hair.
• Apply the oil and juice mixture on your hair. Cover with a shower cap. Wash after one hour.

How Often You Should Apply

• You can apply this dye once in a month.

3. Lemon Dye

This dye is for lightening your hair.

You Will Need

• 1 part water
• 2 parts lemon juice
• a spray bottle

Prep-Time

2-3 minutes

Processing Time

45 minutes to 1 hour

How to Make

Here’s what you need to do:

• Mix lemon juice and water and fill it in a spray bottle.
• Spray this mixture all over your hair.
• Sit outside in the sun or blow-dry your hair.

How Often You Should Apply

• You can apply this once a week.

4. Coffee Dye

Looking for brown hair dye? Try a DIY coffee hair dye. This is a great homemade hair dye to cover grey hair.

You Will Need

• 1 tablespoon coffee
• 1 cup water

Prep-Time

15-20 minutes

Processing Time

5 minutes

How to Make

Here are some steps that you should follow:

• Mix coffee in water and let it boil until it is reduced to one-third of the original amount.
• Shampoo your hair as usual and give one last rinse with the decoction.

How Often You Should Apply

• You can apply this dye one or two times in a week.

5. Henna Dye

The most preferred option of hair dying that not only nourishes the hair, but also gives it a beautiful shine:

You Will Need

• 1 cup henna
• 1 cup water

Prep-Time

5-6 minutes

Processing Time

2 hours or more

How to Make

Here’s how you can prepare homemade hair dye with henna:

• Mix water and henna in a bowl.
• Apply nicely on your hair, covering the roots.
• Wash and condition after 2 hours. Ideally, you must wait till the entire henna dries up, which could take 4 hours or more, depending on the amount used.

How Often You Should Apply

• You can use this dye once a month.

6. Cinnamon Dye

This dye will lighten your hair and render a reddish tinge to it. If you are looking for a homemade hair dye for black hair, try this option.

You Will Need

• ½ cup cinnamon powder
• ½ cup conditioner

Prep-Time

4-5 minutes

Processing Time

45 minutes to an hour

How to Make

You need to follow the following steps:

• In a bowl, mix cinnamon powder and conditioner.
• Apply liberally all over your hair.
• Keep for an hour and wash with tepid water.

How Often You Should Apply

• You can use this dye once every 15 days.

7. Saffron Dye

This homemade black hair dye without henna is good for covering your greys.

You Will Need 

• 1 tablespoon saffron strands
• 2 cups water

Prep-Time 

15-20 minutes

Processing Time 

1 to 2 hours

How To Make

Follow these simple steps:

• Boil saffron and water for approximately 20 minutes.
• Cool it down; apply all over hair and scalp.
• Follow with shampoo and conditioner.

How Often You Should Apply

• This homemade hair dye can be applied once a week.

8. Food Colour Hair Dye

Thinking of trying crazy colours on your hair? Try this homemade hair dye with food colouring to highlight your quirky side:

You Will Need

• Few drops of any food colour that you like
• 2-3 teaspoons conditioner

Prep-Time

4-5 minutes

Processing Time

1 hour or more

How to Make

Here’s what you should do:

• Mix the food colour of your choice with the conditioner.
• Apply on your hair.
• Rinse after an hour and air dry your hair.

How Often You Should Apply

• As and when needed

9. Soy Sauce and Apple Cider Vinegar Hair Dye

Give a darker shade to your lighter hair, or cover your greys with this homemade dye.

You Will Need

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ½ cup apple cider vinegar

Prep-Time

2-3 minutes

Processing Time

20-25 minutes

How to Make

Here’s what you need to do:

• Mix both the ingredients in a mug.
• Wash and condition your hair, and give a last rinse with the soy sauce and apple cider vinegar mixture.

How Often You Should Apply

• You can use this dye 2 to 3 times in a month.

10. Sage Dye

This dye works well for darker hair shades as this can enhance your natural brunette hair while covering the greys perfectly.

You Will Need

• ½ cup dried sage
• 1 cup water

Prep-Time

25 to 30 minutes

Processing Time

15 minutes or more

How to Make

Here’s how you can make this homemade hair dye for black or darker shades of hair:

• Boil dried sage in water for approx 30 minutes. Cool and strain.
• Give a last rinse with the decoction after you shampoo and condition your hair.
• Let it stay for 15 minutes or more and then wash with tepid water.

How Often You Should Apply

• You may use this dye two or more times a month.

FAQs

Some frequently asked questions:

1. How to Make Your Natural Hair Dye Last Longer?

The drawback with natural hair dyes is that they can wither away easily. In order to keep your colour intact for longer, you may take following steps:

• Avoid hot styling equipments like straightening irons or hair dryers on your hair.
• Skip hot water baths.
• Do not wash your hair often.
• You can use a water filter in the showers that can help filter the colour fading agents from the water and protect your hair colour.

2. Why are Natural Hair Dyes Better?

Natural hair dyes are a better deal for your hair health because they are sans any harmful chemicals which can cause damage to your hair and scalp. The above-mentioned recipes are not only safe, but they also protect your hair. However, you can also procure natural hair dyes from the market – make sure to check the label for chemicals like parabens, sulphates and ammonia, which can cause harm to your hair.

3. Is Mehendi Used in Natural Hair Dyes?

Yes, mehendi or henna is usually one of the main ingredients of natural hair dyes. It is not only good for rendering a natural colour to your hair, but is also beneficial in providing deep conditioning to your hair too. However, there are natural dyes available without henna too.

4. How to Remove Natural Hair Dye Colour?

You can try these methods for removing natural hair dyes from your hair:

• Mix lemon juice and baking soda in equal parts and apply this mixture on your hair to remove your colour.
• Dish-washing soap works really well in removing the hair colour; however, it can make your hair extremely dry.
• Spray hydrogen peroxide and water mixture in equal quantities on your hair. Leave for 30 minutes and wash to get rid of darker hair colours.
• Sun exposure or swimming in the pool are great ways of naturally getting rid of your hair colours.

5. What Precautions Should Be Taken Before Making Natural Hair Dye?

When planning to make any natural dye, make sure your hair is in a healthy state and there are no scalp or hair issues. Though natural ingredients are safe, sometimes natural ingredients can cause allergic reactions too. Also, sometimes you may not achieve the colour you may be looking for; colour a small section of hair to see the end results. Always use the natural dyes preparations in one go, and do not keep them for future applications.

Ditch the chemical hair dyes and try these simple homemade hair dyes that are readily available on your kitchen self and which will also not be harmful for your hair.

Also Read:

Homemade Hair Masks for Beautiful Hair This Weekend
Hair Hacks on How to Get Perfect Ponytail
Tips on How to Choose Perfect Hair Dryer for Your Hair

We totally get it. There’s nothing more annoying than taking a nice cleansing and refreshing shower, and waking up the following day and wondering why your hair is oily enough to fry an egg.

Looking for some quick and easy tips on how to get rid of oily hair? Look no further – we have your back. In today’s blog post, we’ll walk you through our top 6 tips on how to get rid of oily and greasy hair. 

Why is my hair so oily, anyway?

First, we must learn why it is that our hair is producing these oils because, don’t get us wrong – natural oils in the hair is common and vital to ensuring healthy and strong hair. What’s going on up there, you ask? Let’s walk through a quick science lesson on what our hair is doing, and what it means to have oily hair.

This, beautiful friends, is what goes on behind the scenes of our hair. #BTS

The star of the show here is our sebaceous glands. Sebaceous glands are glands in your skin that release sebum, which is a lubricating oil. These glands are located all over your body, with the exception of a few areas (like hands and feet), and are found connected with your hair follicles. Wondering why you always have oily hair? Well, we have (semi)good news – your sebaceous glands are alive, well, and active!

The bad news? Overreactive sebaceous glands means you may experience oily hair, which can be frustrating and difficult to deal with. As previously mentioned, however, we are here to help. Here is tip number one on how to prevent oily hair:

1. Determine Your Hair Wash Cycle 

Contrary to popular belief, for someone who has naturally oily hair, it’s actually best to not wash your hair as often as you may think. Shocker, right? Most people tend to leap straight for the shampoo and assume they’re simply due for another shower when they feel their hair is oily. Washing your hair every day or even every other day, however, will result in your hair producing more oil because it’s trying to compensate for the oil lost. Basically, your sebaceous glands are confused. 

It will take time to train your hair to get used to your new wash cycle, but with time, you will start to see results. We recommend to try and reduce your hair wash cycle to only 2 or 3 (at the very most) washes per week.

When washing your hair, start off with warm water when washing so that it opens up your pores and cleanses, and when it comes time to rinse, turn the knob down and opt for cooler water so that your pores close. 

Another great tip: minimize the use of conditioner. If you’re one to slather on the conditioner, try cutting it back to just a small dollop or even skip it a few times each shower session to minimize oil build up, as it can activate oil production quicker. The proper way to use conditioner, actually, is not at the roots but all throughout the length of the hair, because that is where the hair needs to be conditioned the most. The natural oils will take care of moisturizing the roots. 

Look, we know it can be tough leaving the house when your hair feels and looks oily, which is why we’ve created this tutorial on 3 easy hairstyles for oily hair – you’re welcome! Check it out by watching this video:

2. Curls > Straight Hair

Have you ever noticed that you can usually go a day or two longer without washing your hair if you’ve curled it? That is no coincidence, my friend.  

If your hair lays flat and you’re guilty for straightening it often, try to lay low on the straightening products as the closer your hair is to your head and the straighter it is, the more oil it comes in contact with, and the easier it is for the oil to make its way down your hair. 

3. Keep Your Hands Off Your Hair

Girl, stop. 

You know how they say a kiss is likely more clean than shaking hands with someone? It’s true – your hands are constantly touching multiple things throughout the day and although we trust your portable Purell hand sanitizer game is strong, there are still plenty of germs and oils on your hands that you do not want to transfer over to your hair. The twirling of hair or the brushing of your hair back that you subconsciously do throughout the day all contribute to the oil build-up you see in your hair. If you struggle keeping your hands away from your hair throughout the day, try tying it up in a bun at the beginning of the day so there are no temptations. 

If you’re in need of some bun inspo, check out this tutorial we created on 3 Cute & Easy Messy Buns.

4. Dry Shampoo & Alternatives

If you haven’t heard of dry shampoo yet, well… You’ve been missing out. 

There are so many benefits to dry shampoo, but the most obvious one is that it soaks up the oil in your hair and helps give the illusion of freshly washed hair, without the inconvenience and time it takes to actually wash your hair (because you’re on that 2-3 days a week wash cycle, right?). 

What are the other cool benefits of dry shampoo, you ask? It can also act as a texturizing spray and help provide extra volume at the roots, if you’re trying to create a more voluminous hair style. 

If your wallet is tight but you still want to get in on the dry shampoo hype, try baby powder – it acts the same way, soaking up excess oil and adding texture and volume to the roots of your hair. Be sure to only use a small amount, and don’t forget to massage it in well! 

5. Reduce the Use of Hair Products

We understand that sometimes you may have to use a little bit of hairspray or mousse to perfect that curl or updo, but remember – many hair styling products like gels, mousses, and creams contain oils and other ingredients that can contribute to the buildup of hair oil. We recommend to minimize the use of these products and when you do use them, be sure to rinse your hair at the end of the day. 

If you’re looking for some heat-free and product-free hairstyles that are quick and easy to do, check out our tutorial below.

6. Food, Food, Food

It’s no surprise that the foods we consume will have a direct effect on the reason why we experience oily hair. Carbohydrates and processed foods can increase the amount of oil that our sebaceous glands produce, so we recommend to stay away from fried foods, sugar, and refined carbohydrates to ensure that a good balance of sebum is being produced in your hair.

Interested in how else food affects our hair? Check out on What to Eat for Healthy Hair or simply watch the video below:

And that concludes are top 6 tips on how to get rid of oily hair. Have any other tips or suggestions? E-mail us at healthgetswealth@gmail.com – we’d love to hear from you!

A few years ago now, I had a brief and unfortunate encounter with eyelash extensions. As in I had them applied, and then after a brutal 72 hours of itching and burning, I had them removed. Apparently my eyes aren’t meant for long, luxurious fake eyelashes. Which really is a bummer because I really, really loved the way they looked! 🙂 Oh well, there is a certain point when the price of “beauty” is just too high to pay, and itchy, burning eyes is definitely one of them!

TAKE THIS QUIZ BEFORE WE MOVE FORWARD –

MORE IDEAS YOU’LL LOVE

After that debacle, I decided to look into other ways I might augment my somewhat skimpy lashes. My eye doctor actually gave me a prescription for something called Latisse, which is supposed to really deliver on longer lashes! But I do struggle with the fact that it has to be applied every single night. (I am lucky to manage to remove my makeup every night, let alone paint a very delicate line of lash serum along both eyelids!) This sad state of affairs led me to a second round of searching for lash options, and this time I found a few natural remedies that seem quite promising!

5 Natural Ways To Promote Long And Healthy Eyelashes

1. Green Tea

Take advantage of the beneficial properties of green tea, such as flavonoids. Dip a cotton ball in green tea and smear it over the eyelashes. The tea will stimulate growth and help clean the follicles, allowing for more substantial growth to occur.

2. Brushing

Stimulate growth and promote healthy lashes by brushing your lashes twice a day with a lash comb. Brushing helps to distribute the natural oils along the length of your lashes to help keep them strong.

3. Lemon Olive Oil

Olive oil protects, conditions, and lengthens eyelashes. You can also enhance the already healthy properties of olive oil by adding lemon essential oil, which is a natural antiseptic and antimicrobial agent. (If you don’t have lemon essential oil, you can soak lemon peels in olive oil for a couple of days instead.) Apply the lemon and olive oil mixture to your lashes at bedtime and remove in the morning.

4. Proper Diet

You can help promote lash growth by eating a healthy diet that’s high in protein and vitamins. Foods like fish, eggs, beans, and yogurt are all good choices that can contribute to healthy lashes. Soy protein is also beneficial for simulating lash growth.

5. Homemade Eyelash Serum

The final eyelash tip I wanted to mention is actually a homemade concoction I like to call my “Eyelash Thickening Serum.” (It’s pretty much just coconut oil and a drop of essential oil, but I think the name makes it sound more impressive.) 😉 Coconut oil is packed with beneficial fatty acids that can help strengthen your lashes. And a little bit of lavender essential oil provides additional nourishment!

To make it, simply fill a small roller bottle with fractionated coconut oil, and add a drop of lavender essential oil right on top. Replace the roller cap and shake gently to incorporate.

To use it, gently roll the mixture onto your lashes. Use clean hands to massage the serum into the lashes, but take care not to get it in your eyes!

If you’re in pursuit of longer lashes like me, give some of these tips a try along with me and report back!I may include affiliate links to products sold by others, but only when they are relevant and helpful. I always offer my own genuine recommendation. Learn more.

Bold and beautiful, thick eyebrows make a statement the way very few other features can. Whether they’re worn au naturale or paired with a striking makeup look, thick brows define your features and command attention. 

And with thick-browed beauties like Cara Delevingne, Dua Lipa, and Lily Collins to look up to, it’s no wonder people everywhere are putting down their tweezers and embracing their natural brows.

But if you’re not a naturally bushy-browed babe, don’t sweat it: we have some tips for bolstering hair growth with growth serums, common beauty products, and, of course, makeup. No matter if you have naturally thick eyebrows or naturally thin ones, this guide will help you celebrate your natural eyebrows while embracing the thick eyebrow trend as much as you want.

So, You Want To Thicken Up Your Brows

There’s no question that full, thick eyebrows are beautiful, and thankfully they’re now getting the attention they deserve. But while the tweezers may be on leave for now, it’s important to note that makeup trends come and go, and that embracing your natural eyebrows is key. 

So if you have full brows, rock ‘em. And if your eyebrows are on the thinner side, you’re still just as stunning. But if you do want to get the look and try out the bold brow trend, there are a few methods you can try out to either actually promote hair growth in your eyebrows or give the appearance of thicker eyebrows.

If you’ve already stopped plucking your eyebrows as frequently (or stopped plucking altogether), you might consider using one of the three most commonly-used methods for growing thicker brows. These methods are investing in specialized hair growth serums, using common beauty products and oils for off-label brow boosting, and mastering brow makeup for a quick fix.

How to Get Thick Eyebrows with…Hair Growth Serums

Eyebrow hair growth serums stimulate the growth of your eyebrow hair using peptides, or short chains of amino acids, that help promote healthy hair follicles. Products like DERMADELLI’s Lash & Brow Regrowth Serum even contain caffeine and other plant extracts to jumpstart your eyebrow’s natural growth, and moisturizing agents to nourish your eye area.

While many formulations are meant to be worn on their own, if you can’t stand the idea of choosing between your brow makeup and using a hair growth serum, then LASHEM’s All Eyes on You Eyelash & Brow Enhancing Serum is for you. This double-duty lash and brow formula can be worn under makeup, so you can grow and thicken your eyebrows as you go about your day.

The bad news is, brow regrowth doesn’t happen overnight. No matter which product you use, you’ll have to use it regularly (at least once or twice a day, depending on the instructions) to see an increase. On the bright side, using either of the LASHEM and DERMADELLI products will give you visibly healthier, thicker eyebrows in just two to four weeks.

How to Get Thick Eyebrows with…Common Beauty Products

These products might not be marketed as eyebrow-thickening agents, but they feature key ingredients known to boost hair growth and nourish skin. In fact, many of these are products you might already use as part of your skincare routine–who doesn’t love multiple uses out of a single product?

One of the most versatile makeup products that doubles as an eyebrow thickener is castor oil. This oil is packed with antioxidants and omega-6 and omega-9 fatty acids, not to mention vitamin E, all of which boost hair growth and nourish your skin. BRIOGEO HAIR CARE’s B. Well Organic + Cold-Pressed 100% Castor Oil is not only cold-pressed to ensure no nutrients are lost in production, but it’s certified organic and fair trade, too. You can boost your brows while boosting the world as well!

To use castor oil to promote thick eyebrows, simply dab a small amount over your eyebrows using a Q-tip or a spoolie. Sweep the castor oil up, mimicking your eyebrow’s natural hair growth, until your brow is fully saturated.

Another great option for getting thicker eyebrows is aloe vera. Aloe Vera are most commonly used for soothing dry or damaged skin, but its naturally regenerative properties mean it’s a great option for stimulating hair growth as well. To get the most out of your eyebrow-thickening aloe vera, apply a small amount to your eyebrows. Leave on for 30-60 minutes, then rinse with warm water to remove.

How to Get Thick Eyebrows with Makeup

If waiting isn’t your thing or you want thick eyebrows ASAP, your best bet is makeup. While achieving a natural thick eyebrow makeup look does take some practice, once you master it, it’s super simple to recreate and gives you the bold and bushy eyebrows of your dreams.

There are so many different makeup products available today that darken and define your brows, and some even have the added benefits of growth-stimulating ingredients. What product you decide to use really decides on your own personal preference and the type of look you’re going for.

If you want a buildable, stay-put brow, begin with an eyebrow wax to fill in any sparse eyebrow hairs and set with a powder eyebrow pigment of the same colour. 

For a quick-and-easy brow-building makeup you can use on the go, eyebrow pens. This product includes a spoolie (for brushing and shaping your eyebrow hairs) on one side and a pigmented angled tip on the other, so you can get bangin’ brows wherever, whenever. 

If you have slightly more time to spend building up your eyebrows, reach for an eyebrow pomade or gel.This smudge-proof product dries matte and sets eyebrow hairs beautifully, so you won’t have to worry about shine or strays throughout the day. 

The specifics of how you get your fuller eyebrow look will depend on which product you decide to use, but in general, there are only three basic steps to build on when creating your eyebrow look.

Step 1: Brush

Brush up your eyebrow hairs using a spoolie. Brushing your brow hairs up makes it easier to see any gaps in your eyebrow hair that you might want to fill in, and makes sure your eyebrow hair will be untangled and not clump when you apply product.

Step 2: Define

If you’ve never filled in your eyebrows before, we recommend using either an eyebrow pencil, like in a color one to two shades darker than your own. We find it easiest to start building our brow shape from the middle of our eyebrows, using light, feathery strokes that mimic the natural shape of your eyebrow hair. Begin sweeping the pencil or brow brush (after dipping it in powder) up and out towards the tail of your eyebrow, or the outer edge near your temple, tapering to a point as you go. To get a good idea of where you should end your color, hold your eyebrow pencil or brush at an angle at the outer corner of your eye, mimicking the line your lower lash line would follow if it were extended. Where your pencil or brush meets the end of your brow bone is the farthest you’ll want to draw your eyebrow for a natural look, but feel free to take it farther if you’re after a more dramatic or statement look. 

Go back in with your pencil or powder and angled brush and begin filling in moving towards your nose. Again, unless you’re after a super bold, graphic brow, you’ll want to keep your strokes light and soft the closer in you get to your nose, so that you’re left with a gentle gradient that mimics your natural eyebrow hair.

Step 3: Set

If you used a powder and brush, you’re all set to jet off with your defined brows. But if you’ve used a pencil or some other product, like an eyebrow pomade or gel, you’ll want to go back in with a pressed powder or setting gel to lock in the eyebrow you’ve created and minimize the chances it smudges during the day. We recommend MAC COSMETICS’ Brow Set for a natural, stay-put finish to your brows. This is also a great time to sculpt out a defined brow arch or add in sporadic darker strokes to make your drawn-in eyebrow look more like real hair, especially if you choose to use a setting gel or powder slightly darker than your natural eyebrow hair.

All brows are beautiful, and whether have thick, thin, sparse, or full eyebrows, everyone should embrace their natural beauty.

That being said, if you’re set on bolstering your brows, be prepared to take care of them, and be patient with the process (it could take a while!). While makeup is the fastest method to thicken your eyebrows with the least amount of commitment, it’s always great to give a little extra care to your eyebrow hairs and nourish them with products and oils. No matter if you choose to use one method or all three, your brows are sure to be bushy, bold, and beautiful!

Want in on all the Glam Bag fun? Take the beauty quiz now to get started. And don’t forget to check us out on Instagram.

Nobody likes to have dry and chapped lips. Your lips add to your personality and make you look even more beautiful, but from time to time, you may have noticed that your lips become dry and you start peeling the skin on your lips. As the skin protecting our lips is thin, our lips become dry and chapped, more so in winters. But worry not, we will tell you how to make your lips soft and smooth again.

What Are Chapped Lips and What Are Its Causes?

When your lips stay dehydrated for a period of time, they start looking dry. Sometimes the skin of your lips may peel off. Your lips may bleed, and they may appear scaly. Your lips may become chapped because of the following reasons.

• Excessive exposure to the sun.
• Using a lip balm that doesn’t suit your lips.
• Smoking.
• Drinking.
• Allergies to specific drugs or medications.
• Chemotherapy-prescribed medications.
• Dehydration.

Dehydration is one of the biggest reasons behind dry and chapped lips. So no matter how many home remedies, ointments, or skincare products you apply, if you’re not drinking plenty of water, the problem will keep coming back.

Best Home Remedies for Dry and Cracked Lips

We’ve talked about why your lips become dry and cracked. But to make them soft again you must start drinking enough water. Apart from that, here are some home remedies that you can try to make your lips beautiful, just like how they were earlier.

1. Virgin Coconut Oil and Grapeseed Blend

Virgin coconut oil is not just good for your skin and hair, but also for your lips.ADVERTISEMENT

Why This Works

• This home remedy works because the fatty acids in virgin coconut oil lubricate and nourish your lips.
• The grape seed oil boosts the healing process and makes recovery faster.

Requirements

• Get some virgin coconut oil and grapeseed oil.
• If you don’t have virgin coconut oil and grapeseed oil, you can try combinations of carrier oil and an essential oil like a mix of olive oil and jojoba oil or almond oil and neem oil.

Procedure

Add one to two drops of both the oils and apply onto your lips.

How Often to Use

• You should try this remedy two to three times a day.
• You can also apply it in the early morning or just before going to bed.

2. Honey and Petroleum Jelly

Honey and petroleum jelly when combined works as one of the best natural remedies for chapped lips and here’s why.

Why This Works

Honey is loaded with antibacterial properties and speeds up the healing process, while the petroleum jelly softens and nourishes your lips. This prevents your lips from cracking and drying. The combination of these two ingredients helps lock in the moisture in your skin, thus tackling dehydration.

Requirements

For this remedy, all you need is some honey and petroleum jelly.

Procedure

• Dab some honey on your fingers and apply it on your lips.
• Now, take the petroleum jelly in similar proportions and layer it over the honey.
• Leave it on for 10 to 15 minutes and wipe it away with a dry cloth.

How Often to Use

You should try this home remedy at least once a day.

3. Rose Petal and Raw Milk Blend

Rose petals and raw milk can nourish your lips and help you treat your cracked lips naturally.

Why This Works

• Rose petals contain Vitamin E which are known to possess anti-ageing effects, thus making your lips look young and beautiful.
• Raw milk nourishes your skin by supplying it with essential fats, vitamins, and minerals, thus preventing it from becoming dry.

Requirements

You need 5 to 6 rose petals and a quarter-cup of raw milk.

Procedure

• Soak the rose petals in the milk for about two or three hours.
• Mash it afterwards to get a smooth consistency, like that of a paste, and apply it on your lips.
• Leave this on for 20 minutes and wash your lips using cold water.

How Often to Use

You should try this home remedy once every day for over a week.

4. Cucumber

Feeling thirsty? Time to munch on some cucumbers and while you’re at it, don’t forget to make your lips taste it.

Why This Works

Cucumber has many healing compounds that can help your lips stay hydrated. Pressing cold cucumber slices on your lips can moisturise them and prevent it from drying.

Requirements

You just need a couple of cucumber slices.

Procedure

• Take around 4 to 5 cucumber slices and press it gently on your lips.
• Let the juice of the cucumber stay on your lips for 10 minutes and rinse afterwards or wipe with a dry cloth.

How Often to Use

Since this is a natural home remedy, you can use this one to two times every day.

5. Aloe Vera Gel

If you’re wondering how to say goodbye to dry and cracked lips in winter, try aloe vera.

Why This Works

Aloe Vera gel hydrates the skin and can treat inflammation and acne. It has a moisturising effect and is awesome for dry skin. If you need an added boost, you can mix in some castor oil with the gel to speed up the healing process.

Requirements

Get some aloe vera gel or an aloe vera leaf.

Procedure

• If you have the leaf, cut it sideways and drain out the gel in an airtight container.
• Apply this gel on your lips before going to bed every night and wash your lips in the morning.

How Often to Use

Use this home remedy once a day right before bedtime to get the best results.

6. Lemon Juice and Cream Blend

Lemon juice and cream make a simple home remedy for treating dry and chapped lips.

Why This Works

• Lemon juice is known to possess skin nourishing properties and is also rich in Vitamin C.
• The cream gives a blend of vital vitamins and minerals which prevent the lips from drying out and cracking.

Requirements

For this remedy, you require one teaspoon of fresh cream and three drops of lemon juice.

Procedure

• Mix the cream and lemon juice to make a blend.
• Apply this on your lips before bedtime or leave it overnight for best results.

How Often to Use

You can use this remedy once a day for a few weeks for long-lasting results.

7. Peanut Butter

Peanut butter is delicious. It’s packed with protein, is high in calories, and has good fats. But did you know it’s good for your lips too? Find out how!

Why This Works

Peanut butter contains essential fatty acids which can help condition and nourish your skin. There’s also the fat content which leaves your lips feeling supple.

Requirements

Just a teaspoon or two of peanut butter is enough.

Procedure

• Take some peanut butter and glaze it across your lips.
• Leave it overnight and your dry lips will become smooth in a few days.

How Often to Use

You have to use this remedy regularly for best results.

8. Brown Sugar, Honey, and Olive Oil Mix

This is one of our special and favourite blends simply because it’s too easy to whip it up.

Why This Works

Olive oil softens and nourishes the skin while the antibacterial properties of honey help lock in the moisture. Scrubbing your lips with brown sugar improves blood circulation in the lips, making them appear softer and more supple.

Requirements

You need a few drops of olive oil, a teaspoon of brown sugar, and half a teaspoon of organic raw honey.

Procedure

• Mix the sugar, olive oil, and honey in a bowl.
• Make sure the sugar doesn’t dissolve completely in the honey and apply the mix on your lips.
• Scrub it over gently on your lips, just the way you exfoliate to remove the dead cells.

How Often to Use

You can use this remedy alternate days for best results. Once your lips turn smooth, you can reduce the usage to once or twice a week.

9. Green Tea Bags

You might have heard that green tea is a healthier substitute for caffeine. Here’s another reason to add it to your groceries.

Why This Works

Green tea is loaded with antioxidants which nourish and moisturize your lips. The tannins present in green tea hydrate your skin and prevent cracking or dryness.

Requirements

A single green tea bag and some hot water.

Procedure

• Soak the green tea bag in hot water and let it sit for a few minutes.
• Keep the bag on your lips and leave it on for a while.

How Often to Use

Try this remedy once every day and you’ll soon see results.

10. Vanilla, Sugar, and Baking Soda

The vanilla method is a home remedy that works like magic on your lips. Don’t be fooled by its simplicity!

Why This Works

• The sugar and baking soda exfoliate your lips and remove the dead skin cells.
• The baking soda lessens the stingy sensations while the vanilla extract adds a nice scented feel to the scrub.

Requirements

You need two teaspoons of sugar, one teaspoon of baking soda, two teaspoons of jojoba oil and a quarter-teaspoon of vanilla extract.

Procedure

• Mix all these ingredients together and apply this blend on your lips.
• Scrub gently and rinse after a while.
• You can refrigerate the remaining blend in an airtight container to use it later as its shelf life is a week.

How Often to Use

Initially, it’s recommended that you use this scrub every day for the first few weeks. Once the condition of your lips improves, you can stick to using it once a day or three times a week.

How to Prevent Chapped Lips

Preventing chapped lips is easy – you have to start early. Incorporate these tips and make them a habit because you won’t regret it.

1. Drink Water and Smoothies

Drink water – a lot of it. None of the home remedies above will show long-lasting results if you don’t put in the effort to drink water and stay hydrated throughout the day. Besides water, drink a lot of fresh homemade fruit juices made from beetroots, carrots, and pomegranates since these are exceptionally good for your lips and pack Vitamin A and C for your lips.

2. Apply Beeswax Before Going Out

If you’re planning to spend a lot of time outdoors or stay in the sun for long hours, you should get some beeswax and rub it on your lips. Why? Because it acts as a barrier against dehydration and locks in the moisture for long.

3. Wear a Scarf

This is for all those who live in the areas where it gets cold. If the cold winds are drying out your lips, get a scarf and cover your face. It’s that simple.

4. Check Your Toothpaste

This might sound strange but trust us, it works. Read the label on the back of your toothpaste and see if it is made from any synthetic ingredients. Synthetic ingredients sometimes cause an allergic reaction on your lips, leading to dryness, itchiness, and sometimes in rare cases, inflammation. The solution? Go for plant-based toothpaste products which are free from synthetic ingredients.

5. Use a Sunscreen

If your lips aren’t chapped yet, prevent them now. You can prevent them from drying out by using sunscreen whenever you’re outside.

6. Avoid Eating Spicy Foods

We hate to break the news for chicken wings lovers out there, but spicy food dries out your lips. So stop eating spicy food – your lips will thank you for this. Fresh fruits, fruit smoothies, and nut butter are good for your lips – so try them for a while before grabbing that chilli sauce again.

Preventing your lips from drying out is not rocket science. It takes time, effort, and the right self-care methods. Lucky for you, these home remedies will set you up on the right track. Just be patient, give it a few days or two weeks and you’ll notice your lips going back to how they were before – smooth and supple.

Also Read:

Effective Remedies to Treat Skin Infection Naturally
Natural Remedies to Get Rid of Cracked Heels
Ways to Keep Your Elbows Soft and Smooth

Most of the stress we experience comes from our jobs and worksites. Stressed workers are more likely to smoke, drink, be inactive, eat poorly, have relationship issues, and get sick more often. All of this means decreased productivity.

Job stress costs billions of dollars every year because it leads to more absenteeism, medical expenses, and workers compensation claims.

Here is a comprehensive list of the main causes of worksite stress and a corresponding list of successful ways to help employers reduce stress in the worksite and help employees manage stress.

Worksites and wellness programs that have good control of stress at work have healthier, more productive employees.  They also have lower health care costs.

Stress That Comes from Poor Leadership

1) Lack of understanding about leadership structure and roles

A lack of understanding about leadership structure creates stress. When employees understand leadership structure, there is less conflict, which enhances productivity and morale.

Do This: Create and honor a clear leadership structure so everyone knows to whom they are accountable. This will improve the efficiency of work and contribute to a more relaxed environment.

2) Lack of job feedback from leadership

Unless employees receive feedback, they can worry about their job performance even when they are doing well. When leaders communicate with a spirit of encouragement, employees feel reassured and are more likely to communicate with leaders, especially during difficult challenges.

Do This: Employees need regular performance reviews. Employees need to know if they are exceeding your expectations or have things they can improve. Involving them in the process and letting them to set their own improvement goals will improve relationships and increase job satisfaction.

Do This: Encourage sharing in staff meetings. Ask for employee suggestions then share them at meetings. This will increase trust, motivation, and performance, all of which reduce stress.

Do This: Communicate regularly by email, newsletters, calls, chats, etc. This builds a relationship of trust. Whatever the form of communication, make the message simple, clear, and relevant.

3) Employees need to understand company vision

When employees understand company vision, they can see how their efforts fit into the big picture and it is easier for them to focus their energy on helping achieve company goals. Understanding and working toward a shared vision gives work a higher meaning, improves performance, and reduces stress. 

This is also true for stress management and wellness programs. Here is everything we know about getting strong leadership support for wellness efforts.

Do This: Consistently share the company vision with employees. Make it easy and fun to remember. Give your employees a small token to remind them of the shared vision!

4) Employees need to understand how their roles contribute to company success

When employees understand how their role fits with company goals, they will be more likely to engage and contribute.  They will also develop a sense of control over their work duties, which tends to lower stress.

Do This: Make sure that employees know the company goals and have a chance to identify ways they contribute. Small group meetings are a good way to help employees connect company goals to individual roles.

Leaders can reinforce the importance of employee roles when they praise employees. Recognition results in increased security and productivity, and can decrease stress.

5) Employees need to understand their job responsibilities 

It is stressful when job expectations are confusing. When employees understand job responsibilities, they will feel calmer and perform better. Work stress and employee health have a direct impact on employee productivity.

Do This: Make sure every employee has a specific job description that they helped create. Provide guidelines but let them tweak it. This description should outline daily, weekly, monthly, and even yearly responsibilities. Make sure the job description provides the employee with a chance to grow and be rewarded.

Stress Caused by Unhealthy Workloads

6) Work shifts need to be reasonable 

Too many hours of demanding work will wear down and exhaust employees. Everyone needs time away from work to rest, recharge, and take care of other duties.  A work/life balance helps maintain physical and emotional health and improves productivity.

Do This: Limit work shifts 10 hours or less and make sure employees have adequate time to rest before their next shift. This will improve morale and productivity, and reduce the risk of work injuries.

Stress Caused by Lack of Resources

12) Employees should have resources and supplies needed to perform assigned tasks 

Job stress is the “harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.” Employees who are expected to perform tasks without necessary resources and supplies will feel powerless and become stressed as a result.

Do This:  Make certain that the work you are delegating can be achieved with the resources on hand. Provide a way to clearly communicate employee needs and then supply them with appropriate resources.

13) Employees need training to do their jobs well

One source of job stress is the disparity between a person’s capabilities and the requirements of the job they are asked to perform. Often, this stress can be alleviated with training and education. An employee who is properly trained and educated will have the confidence and ability they need to do their job well.

Do This: Provide training and continuing education for your employees. Most employers require new hires to be trained, but many do not provide on-going training.

Ask more experienced employees to assist in trainings. This will improve morale and will help transfer institutional knowledge from older to younger workers.

You can also allow employees to rotate through other divisions of the company for cross-training, provide access to external education at colleges or training centers, or even offer funding for distance learning through online programs.

Where possible, completion of training should be recognized and praised. Remember to regularly assess training programs by asking those who have been trained for their input and suggestions.

Stress Caused by Lack of Resources

12) Employees should have resources and supplies needed to perform assigned tasks 

Job stress is the “harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.” Employees who are expected to perform tasks without necessary resources and supplies will feel powerless and become stressed as a result.

Do This:  Make certain that the work you are delegating can be achieved with the resources on hand. Provide a way to clearly communicate employee needs and then supply them with appropriate resources.

13) Employees need training to do their jobs well

One source of job stress is the disparity between a person’s capabilities and the requirements of the job they are asked to perform. Often, this stress can be alleviated with training and education. An employee who is properly trained and educated will have the confidence and ability they need to do their job well.

Do This: Provide training and continuing education for your employees. Most employers require new hires to be trained, but many do not provide on-going training.

Ask more experienced employees to assist in trainings. This will improve morale and will help transfer institutional knowledge from older to younger workers.

You can also allow employees to rotate through other divisions of the company for cross-training, provide access to external education at colleges or training centers, or even offer funding for distance learning through online programs.

Where possible, completion of training should be recognized and praised. Remember to regularly assess training programs by asking those who have been trained for their input and suggestions.

Stress Caused by Lack of Resources

12) Employees should have resources and supplies needed to perform assigned tasks 

Job stress is the “harmful physical and emotional responses that occur when the requirements of the job do not match the capabilities, resources, or needs of the worker.” Employees who are expected to perform tasks without necessary resources and supplies will feel powerless and become stressed as a result.

Do This:  Make certain that the work you are delegating can be achieved with the resources on hand. Provide a way to clearly communicate employee needs and then supply them with appropriate resources.

13) Employees need training to do their jobs well

One source of job stress is the disparity between a person’s capabilities and the requirements of the job they are asked to perform. Often, this stress can be alleviated with training and education. An employee who is properly trained and educated will have the confidence and ability they need to do their job well.

Do This: Provide training and continuing education for your employees. Most employers require new hires to be trained, but many do not provide on-going training.

Ask more experienced employees to assist in trainings. This will improve morale and will help transfer institutional knowledge from older to younger workers.

You can also allow employees to rotate through other divisions of the company for cross-training, provide access to external education at colleges or training centers, or even offer funding for distance learning through online programs.

Where possible, completion of training should be recognized and praised. Remember to regularly assess training programs by asking those who have been trained for their input and suggestions.

14) Employees need to communicate with managers and co-workers

When employees are able to communicate with those they work with, it will alleviate much of their stress. Just knowing the lines of communication are open between an employee and their manager helps tremendously. Often, people don’t even need their situation to be changed, they just need someone to provide a listening ear and some positive encouragement to keep them going. Fifteen minutes of talking to a sympathetic co-worker can undo days of stress and worry.

Do This: Hold regular meetings with employees to discuss problems, workloads, concerns, and adjustments that need to be made. Allow them the time to communicate. Be available for individual consultations and listen when people need to talk with you.

Hold small group meetings for employees to voice their concerns and interact with each other. Often, many have the same concerns and viable solutions can be brainstormed.

Staff retreats and team building activities can help co-workers build relationships and learn to depend upon each other for help. Support among those at work is an important defense against employee stress.

Workplace Stress Caused by Lack of Social Support

15) Employees need support in a team atmosphere

People who have a support network are much more secure in their ability to cope with stress. This support is especially important at work. Stress is magnified if employees have to deal with problems without support of any kind.

Do This: Arrange for small group interactions where employees can get to know each other on an individual level. This is most effective when combined with training and team building activities. Constructive interaction helps cultivate meaningful relationships.

You can also provide opportunities for social interaction outside of work. Meeting in a less official manner may give people a chance to laugh together. Humor is a great way to cope with stress. A good laugh can do wonders for your employees.

Your company may even want to create a team approach to some assignments which can help prevent isolation. When people know they are part of a team, it is easier for them to function at work.

16) Supervisors should be available to help and advise when needed

Stress is compounded when employees are unable to communicate. Employees will be much more willing to seek help when they have understanding supervisors who will listen and point them to appropriate help.

Do This: Train your leaders to recognize stress in those they work with and what they can do to prevent it from becoming a problem. Provide leaders with helpful resources and encourage them to share the resources with other employees.

17) There should be a spirit of cooperation and respect at work

A hostile work environment contributes to stress and poor health. A spirit of cooperation and support are essential for the well-being of your employees and the progress of your organization.

Do This: Be an example of what you want to see in employees. Respect them and they will be more respectful of each other. You set the tone. If employees feel that they have the support of others, they will be much more likely to follow suit.

Feeling respected and respecting others creates unity in the workplace and builds relationships of trust. Trust is the basis of a positive work environment and it can be a valuable buffer against the negative effects of stress.

18) Programs or tools should be make made available to help employees relieve stress

Although the first line of defense against job-related stress should be modifying the work environment, educating employees on the symptoms, causes, and treatments for stress can also be of great benefit.

Do This: Offer a stress management program to help your employees learn the skills and tools they need to reduce stress.  These techniques may include time management, deep breathing, muscle relaxation, assertiveness training, and changing negative self-talk.

WellSteps provide employers with campaigns and challenges designed to help employees manage stress and help employers create a stress free workplace.

Stress management training can be provided by EAP professionals or by outside experts and can be integrated into existing training meetings.

Physical activity is one of the best ways to reduce stress. You could encourage employees to increase their physical activity by starting a walking club, providing employee discounts to health clubs, or bringing in fitness professionals for guest classes.

Discussion groups where employees can share techniques with each other are helpful. For example, groups that focus on coping with domestic stress (e.g. parenting, raising teens, etc).

Remember, unless the root causes of stress in the organization are addressed, the effects of stress reduction techniques will be short lived.

Stress at Work Caused by Lack of Growth Opportunities

19) Employees need realistic opportunities to grow, advance and be promoted

Employees need opportunities to advance and grow. If employees do not see these opportunities, their morale and performance may suffer.

Do This: Recognize and reward employees appropriately when they perform well. When there is an organized system for recognition and advancement, employees will see that their efforts will be noticed. Provide opportunities for career advancement and employees will rise to the challenge.

20) Employees want and need job security 

Employees face growing job insecurity. Downsizing, layoffs, and budget cuts are increasingly common. The result of this uncertainty is stress.

Do This: Give your employees opportunities to expand their skills in order to increase their value to the organization. But no matter what, communicate with your employees. Let them know about changes that may be taking place. Even if you don’t know all the answers, be honest and upfront and work with them the best you can.

Lack of Good Policies and Environments to Manage Stress

21) Employees should be given adequate notice when there is a change in policy or procedure

Change is stressful, especially when dealing with employment issues. However, the nature of the workplace is such that change is inevitable. If employees are advised early of changes in policy or procedure, the transition is much easier and less stressful as a result.

Do This: Talk to your employees. Let them know what is going on and keep them informed about future plans as early as you can. Discussing changes with them may open up valuable input from them so you can find the most effective solutions.

22) Employees need a pleasant and safe working environment

Often, employees do not have control over their working environment. Hazards, distractions and annoyances can be stressful, especially if the employee can do nothing to change it.

Such stressors may include chemical agents like toxins, physical agents such as heat, radiation, cold, poor air quality, poor lighting, and other safety hazards. Employees may also be experiencing repetitive work and awkward work positions, especially those caused by computers, and heavy lifting.

Although individual opinions may differ, certain working conditions are stressful to almost everyone and should be addressed. A harsh and uninviting workplace can be a deterrent to the productivity and mental health of those working in it.

Do This: Talk to employees about their work environment.  Give them the opportunity to voice concerns or frustrations about aspects that are harmful or irritating. Make appropriate changes or suggest ways for them to work around such disturbances.

Treat their concerns with respect and attention doing what you can to help them feel comfortable in their workspace.

You may want to assign a certain employee or group of employees to the task of making the workplace safe, comfortable, and ergonomically correct. They can collect grievances and find solutions to valid complaints.

The courts have become increasingly receptive to both labor and employee organizations who have complained about stressful conditions at work. It would be to your benefit to work with your employees on this issue.

23) Employees need sufficient physical space to do their jobs

Employees working in a comfortable space feel more in control of their situation, thus reducing work related stress. It is important that they have enough space to easily complete their assignments, especially in times of high stress.

Do This: Make it possible for each employee to have a space of their own that is adequate for them to do their work. Allow them to make the space their own so they feel comfortable there.

24) Employees need an environment that is as quiet as possible given the type of work

Noise is a major factor in environmental stress. Having to work in stressful situations where the noise level is high increases stress dramatically. For many jobs, employees need a quiet work place so they can concentrate on the tasks they have to accomplish.

Do This: Find ways to minimize noise in the office. Ask for employee suggestions and implement guidelines that keep the noise down.

Supply noise minimizing headphones, install noise blocking computer programs, insulate walls and ceilings, place sound absorbing partitions between desks, separate workers, or use other noise minimizing tactics.

Do what you need to in order to help your employees concentrate so they can appropriately do their work.

As one of the nation’s most effective wellness programs, WellSteps helps employees manage stress and reduce stress at work. We help worksites implement all of these worksite stress management strategies.

Mental Stress can be defined as the degree to which you feel overwhelmed or unable to cope as a result of unmanageable pressures. At the most basic level, mental stress is our body’s response to pressures from a situation or life event. What contributes to mental stress can vary hugely from person to person and differs according to our social and economic circumstances, the environment we live in and our genetic makeup. Some common features of things that can make us feel stress include experiencing something new or unexpected, something that threatens your feeling of self, or feeling you have little control over a mental situation.  

When we encounter mental stress, our body is stimulated to produce stress hormones that trigger a ‘flight or fight’ response and activate our immune system. This response helps us to respond quickly to dangerous situations.

Sometimes, this mental stress response can be an appropriate or even beneficial reaction. The resulting feeling of ‘mental pressure’ can help us to push through situations that can be nerve-wracking or intense, like running a marathon or giving a speech to a large crowd. We can quickly return to a resting state without any negative effects on our health if what is stressing us is short-lived, and many people are able to deal with a certain level of mental stress without any lasting effects. 

However, there can be times when mental stress becomes excessive and too much to deal with. If our mental stress response is activated repeatedly, or it persists over time, the effects can result in wear and tear on the body and can cause us to feel permanently in a state of ‘fight or flight’. Rather than helping us push through, this pressure can make us feel overwhelmed or unable to cope. 

Feeling this overwhelming mental stress for a long period of time is often called chronic, or long-term stress, and it can impact on both physical and mental stress?

Mental stress symptoms

Stress can affect all aspects of your life, including your emotions, behaviours, thinking ability, and physical health. No part of the body is immune. But, because people handle stress differently, symptoms of stress can vary. Symptoms can be vague and maybe the same as those caused by medical conditions. So it is important to discuss them with your doctor. You may experience any of the following mental stress symptoms.

Emotional symptoms of stress include:

• Becoming easily agitated, frustrated, and moody
• Feeling overwhelmed, like you are losing control or need to take control
• Having difficulty relaxing and quieting your mind
• Feeling bad about yourself (low self-esteem), lonely, worthless, and depressed
• Avoiding others

Physical symptoms of stress include:

• Low energy
• Headaches
• Upset stomach, including diarrhea, constipation, and nausea
• Aches, pains, and tense muscles
• Chest pain and rapid heartbeat
• Insomnia
• Frequent colds and infections
• Loss of sexual desire and/or ability
• Nervousness and shaking, ringing in the ear, cold or sweaty hands and feet
• Dry mouth and difficulty swallowing
• Clenched jaw and grinding teeth

Cognitive symptoms of stress include:

• Constant worrying
• Racing thoughts
• Forgetfulness and disorganization
• Inability to focus
• Poor judgment
• Being pessimistic or seeing only the negative side

Behavioural symptoms of stress include :

• Changes in appetite — either not eating or eating too much
• Procrastinating and avoiding responsibilities
• Increased use of alcohol, drugs, or cigarettes
• Exhibiting more nervous behaviours, such as nail biting, fidgeting, and pacing
  
  All above are few of the examples of behavioural symptoms of stress which helps us to understand just by seeing someone’s behaviour.

The biology of mental health and stress

Chronic stress increases the risk of developing depression and anxiety in some people. The precise mechanisms of how stress is linked to mental ill-health are being uncovered.

Scientists found that the earliest response to stress happens in the brain within seconds of perceiving a ‘stressor’. Chemicals which signal between nerve cells (neurotransmitters) are released. These include serotonin and adrenaline. Following this, stress hormones are released, which particularly affect areas of the brain key for memory and regulating emotions. Repeated stress changes how well these systems are able to control the stress response.

Researchers are also investigating how these systems are involved in anxiety and depression, suggesting a biochemical link between stress and mental illness. Recent studies have shown that long-term stress can change the structure of the brain, especially in areas supporting learning and memory. It can affect both nerve cells (grey matter) and the connections between them (white matter). It is possible these changes, along with other factors, can increase the likelihood of developing mental illness.

The immune system

Another link between stress and mental health is the immune system. During the stress response, the immune system is activated, helping to keep us safe. But chronic stress and prolonged activation of the immune system could negatively affect how the brain functions. 

Prolonged activation of the immune system is also linked to depression. Researchers are working to understand how this activation can lead to depression and other types of mental illness in some people. About 30% of people with depression have increased immune activity in the body. Researchers are also undertaking clinical trials to find out if anti-inflammatory drugs might be able to help people with this kind of depression.

Stress and PTSD 

In some cases, short-term stress can also lead to a mental health condition. Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop after experience of an extremely traumatic or stressful event. Someone affected may experience vivid flashbacks or nightmares, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event. The exact causes of the condition are not clear – though some of the risk factors are understood. 

State-of-the-art brain scanning has shown that, again, the areas of the brain particularly involved are the hippocampus and the amygdala. There is some evidence that the neurotransmitters and hormones involved in the normal stress response may become disrupted during and after the traumatic event. Research has also shown that the amygdala, which processes fear, is hyperactive in people with PTSD, perhaps creating a kind of “false alarm”. 

Continued research offers the promise of new treatments for PTSD in the future. 

Hope for the future

A key area for research is to understand why some people are much more affected by stress than others. A vast amount of research shows that genetics, early life events, and personality and social factors all have a role to play.

Understanding the biology of stress and its effects mean that researchers can work towards new treatments. It could also help predict who is at risk of developing a mental health condition, and uncover the best time to intervene to help prevent ill-health later on.

Ways to help

There are lots of ways to help anyone who is stressed. The first advice is to try and identify the cause of stress and tackle it. Avoiding the problem may make it worse. Often it isn’t possible to change a situation and prevent stress. But, there are many ways to help control it, and stress management may be effective in improving health.

In this blog, we outlined 24 tips to manage stress at work which can help you to understand your body’s signals and know how to react.

The NHS also has advice on different ways to beat stress, from exercise to mindfulness and breathing exercises – all of which have been shown to help. Visit their site for more information.

If you’re looking for direct advice or help, our support team includes links to organisations that can help. There is also more information on specific conditions, including depression and anxiety which we can help you out of it.

Sleep on time very important. Without an adequate amount of sleep, mental and physical health can suffer.

There are more than 100 million Americans of all ages who are not getting an adequate amount of sleep. Not getting enough sleep can have untoward consequences on school and work performance, interpersonal relationships, health, and safety.

How much sleep do I need

Experts generally recommend that adults sleep at least 7½ to 8 hours per night, although some people require more and some less.

A recent National Sleep Foundation Sleep in America poll found that adults (age 18-54) sleep an average of 6.4 hours per night on weekdays and 7.7 hours on weekends. The poll showed a downward trend in sleep time over the past several years. People sleeping less hours use the internet at night or bring work home from the office. Sleep loss can lead to daytime sleepiness that adversely affects performance.

The National Sleep Foundation also reported that older adults (age 55-84) average 7 hours of sleep on weekdays and 7.1 hours on weekends. Sleep is most often disturbed by the need to use the bathroom and physical pain or discomfort in older adults.

A downward trend in sleep time has also been observed in children. Optimal sleep time varies by age. An earlier Sleep in America poll found a discrepancy between recommended and actual sleep time in children, with actual sleep time 1.5 to 2 hours less than recommended. Caffeine consumption caused a loss of 3 to 5 hours of sleep and having a television in the bedroom contributed to a loss of 2 hours of sleep each week in children.
So, This is how we will be calculating that how much sleep do I need.

Why is sleep so important?

The quality of your sleep directly affects your mental and physical health and the quality of your waking life, including your productivity, emotional balance, brain and heart health, immune system, creativity, vitality, and even your weight. No other activity delivers so many benefits with so little effort!

When you’re scrambling to meet the demands of a busy schedule, though, or just finding it hard to sleep at night, getting by on less hours may seem like a good solution. But even minimal sleep loss can take a substantial toll on your mood, energy, mental sharpness, and ability to handle stress. And over the long-term, chronic sleep loss can wreak havoc on your mental and physical health.

Sleep isn’t merely a time when your body shuts off. While you rest, your brain stays busy, overseeing biological maintenance that keeps your body running in top condition, preparing you for the day ahead. Without enough hours of restorative sleep, you won’t be able to work, learn, create, and communicate at a level even close to your true potential. Regularly skimp on “service” and you’re headed for a major mental and physical breakdown.

The good news is that you don’t have to choose between health and productivity. By addressing any sleep problems and making time to get the sleep you need each night, your energy, efficiency, and overall health will go up. In fact, you’ll likely get much more done during the day than if you were skimping on shuteye and trying to work longer. We must focus on these things as sleep is also one of the most important criteria for best holistic healthy life.

What are some tips for getting a good night’s sleep?

• Create an optimal sleep environment by making sure that your bedroom is comfortable, cool, quiet, and dark. If noise keeps you awake, try using background sounds like “white noise” or earplugs. If light interferes with your sleep, try a sleep mask or blackout curtains.
• Think positive. Avoid going to bed with a negative mind set, such as “If I don’t get enough sleep tonight, how will I ever get through the day tomorrow?”
• Avoid using your bed for anything other than sleep and intimate relations. Do not watch television, eat, work, or use computers in your bedroom.
• Try to clear your mind before bed time by writing things down or making a to-do list earlier in the evening. This is helpful if you tend to worry and think too much in bed at night.
• Establish a regular bedtime and a relaxing routine each night by taking a warm bath, listening to soothing music, or reading. Try relaxation exercises, meditation, biofeedback, or hypnosis. Wake up at the same time each morning, including days off and vacations.
• Stop clock watching. Turn the clock around and use only the alarm for waking up. Leave your bedroom if you can not fall asleep in 20 minutes. Read or engage in a relaxing activity in another room.
• Avoid naps. If you are extremely sleepy, take a nap. But limit naps to less than 30 minutes and no later than 3 pm.
• Avoid stimulants (coffee, teas, cola, cocoa and chocolate) and heavy meals for at least 4 hours before bedtime. Light carbohydrate snacks such as milk, yogurt, or crackers may help you fall asleep easier.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco for at least 4 hours before bedtime and during the night.
• Exercise regularly, but not within 4 hours of bedtime if you have trouble sleeping.
• Excessive and improper Fasting If we are doing something like fasting , we must do in proper way so that we get the benefits of fasting in right way and it will not impact our sleep.

How Sleep time cycle works

Waking up easy is all about timing. Sleep time cycle alarm clock tracks your sleep patterns and wakes you up during light sleep. Waking up during light sleep feels like waking up naturally rested without an alarm clock.

Stages of sleep

During sleep, you usually go through five stages of sleep. Simplified, stages 1-2 are light sleep, 3-4 deep sleep, and the fifth stage is REM sleep, also referred to as rapid eye movement sleep. The dream state.

The first is light sleep and in this stage, you drift in and out of sleep. Your eyes move slowly, your muscle activity is slow, and you would be easy to wake up.

In the second stage, your body starts preparing for deep sleep. Eye movements and brain waves slow down, your body temperature drops, and your heart rate slows down.

Entering the third stage, you are now in deep sleep. Extremely slow brain waves called delta waves are intermixed with smaller, faster brain waves.

In stage four, you stay in deep sleep and your brain almost exclusively produces the slow delta waves, guiding you towards the fifth stage.

Entering the last stage, stage five, also called REM sleep. Now your eyes are closed but move rapidly from side-to-side, due to the intense dream and brain activity you go through in this stage.