Along with the excitement of jumping into a new environment, new office workers have to contend with unknown stresses.
Various stresses such as workload, relationships, and long working hours can manifest themselves in the form of body odor.
Causes and mechanisms of stress body odor
When stressed, the body enters a state of “fight or flight” and the autonomic nervous system is disturbed.
This disturbance promotes the activity of sweat glands, especially the sweat secreted during stress, which, unlike normal sweat, contains more fatty acids and proteins.
This encourages the growth of bacteria that cause body odor and produce an unpleasant odor.
Types and characteristics of stress body odor
The type and amount of sweat secreted by stress varies, and each produces a characteristic odor.
- Sour odor:
Sweat caused by tension and anxiety is secreted from the armpits and produces a sour odor. - Oily odor:
Stress also stimulates the secretion of sebum, which causes a greasy odor in areas with high sebum secretion, such as the scalp and face. - Odor that smells like old age:
Although different from actual aging odor, stress-induced changes in the body can produce a distinctive odor.
7 ways to fight off stress body odor
Stress body odor can be improved by improving lifestyle and reducing stress. Below are some simple measures that even new office workers can take to combat the problem.
1. Dietary habits
- Actively consume B vitamins, C group vitamins, and dietary fiber.
- Pork, chicken, fish, brown rice, nuts (B vitamins)
- Kiwi, citrus fruits, broccoli (vitamin C group)
- Vegetables, mushrooms, seaweed, whole grains (fiber)
- Do not consume excessive amounts of caffeine, sugar, or fat.
- Coffee, tea, green tea, energy drinks (caffeine)
- Juices, sweets, sugary drinks (sugar)
- Fried foods, snacks, processed meats (fat)
- Frequently drink water.
- Drink water or tea frequently (2 liters per day)
- Lack of water worsens sweat quality and body odor.
2. Exercise habits
- Moderate exercise relieves stress and eliminates waste products through sweat.
- Choose exercise that suits you, such as walking, jogging, muscle training, etc.
- Exercise 3-5 times a week for at least 30 minutes within a reasonable range.
- Wash off sweat thoroughly after exercise.
- Wash off sweat thoroughly in the shower to prevent the growth of bacteria.
- If you are not in the habit of exercising, start with light exercise.
- Choose exercises that you can easily continue, such as stretching or yoga.
3. Sleep
- Reduce stress and inhibit body odor-causing substances with quality sleep.
- Secure 7-8 hours of sleep.
- Avoid using smartphones and computers before bed
- Create a good environment in the bedroom (dark and quiet environment)
- Use supplements to improve sleep quality.
- Melatonin, glycine, GABA, etc.
- Consult a doctor or pharmacist before taking.
4. Relaxation methods.
- Deep breathing, yoga, listening to music, etc. Find a way to relax that works for you.
- Take a bath in warm water and soak slowly.
- Aromatherapy oils are also effective.
- Aromatherapy, forest bathing, and interacting with pets are also effective.
- Calm the mind through mindfulness, meditation, etc.
5. Identify the cause of stress.
- Write down the situation that is causing you stress.
- Write down specific situations such as work, relationships, personal life, etc.
- Analyze the causes and come up with solutions.
- Heavy workload: Consult with your manager and adjust work assignments.
- Poor relationships: Improve communication and distance
- Lack of a fulfilling private life: Find your own ways to refresh yourself, such as hobbies or exercise.
6．Create habits to reduce stress.
- Create stress-relieving habits such as hobbies and exercise.
- Exercise is not only effective in relieving stress, but also in eliminating waste products
- Choose an exercise that suits you (walking, jogging, muscle training, etc.)
- Set aside time to talk with friends and family.
- Having someone you trust listen to you will make you feel better
- It is also useful to exchange information with people who have the same problems
- Plan to take a vacation.
- Take time away from work to refresh yourself
- Spend time off that you enjoy, such as traveling, going home, or engaging in hobbies and activities.
7. Professional consultation
- If there is no improvement with self-care, consult a specialist such as a dermatologist or psychosomatic medicine specialist.
- Receive a diagnosis from a physician to determine if the cause of body odor is due to illness or physical constitution.
- If necessary, receive treatment such as medication or psychotherapy
Summary
Stress body odor can be improved by improving lifestyle and reducing stress. Practice the measures introduced in this article and enjoy a comfortable work life.
Small steps you can take today will lead to big changes tomorrow.
For your own sake, start one new habit today.
Have a good life!
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