Decompression, Knowledge, Support and Involvement

36Smile! Day 34

I had the exciting opportunity to be interviewed by a journalist looking to pitch a national women's magazine on how stress affects the skin. She received my information from a contact at National Psoriasis Foundation, of which I am a mentor.

For those who don't know, stress is a major trigger for psoriasis—which appears as white, scaly patches on the skin.

Any opportunity to bring more awareness to this disease and I am all about it. Especially if it's a national women's magazine. I can only hope her article does get picked up.

Some important points and my tips from the interview:

• Since stress is a major trigger, you have to find a way to de stress or decompress. Decompression is a big thing for me. It gives you—and your body—a chance to chill out from the day and rejuvenate. Read a good book, listen to music or just sit in silence for at least 10 minutes. This time is so important.Side note about this photo: This was taken when my sister visited Chris and I on Maui. It's one of my most favorite places in the world. It's a hidden spot along the Road to Hana. To be able to sit on the edge and look out at Mother Nature—crystal blue water as far as you can see. I always felt so calm and relaxed. I like to think about this place when I get stressed.

• Knowledge really is power. As corny as it was when we first heard it in the 5th grade, it rings true here. If you don't know about the disease—the facts, prevalence, symptoms, remedies—then how are you supposed to explain it to someone else? Once I got involved in the National Psoriasis Foundation, it was so much easier to talk about what I have and help others. That brings me to my next tip:
• Talk about it! Whether you have psoriasis, eczema, heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, thyroid, etc., talk about it with those close to you. Talk about how it affects you, what the disease truly is. A majority of the people probably have misinformation about the disease any ways. It will feel like a huge weight is being lifted off your shoulders.
• Find a good support system. If those around you don't understand, are embarrass, don't want to talk to you about then it's not worth being their friends. Find your support system and stick with it.
• Get involved. Find the national organization for your disease and they will be able to send you to a local chapter to help you get involved. Once you help yourself, you will be ready and able to help others just like you achieve the confidence that you now have.

These have helped shape me into the person I am now, wanting to talk about my disease and wanting to help others live a healthy and balanced life.

36Smile! is blog where Sabrina will be writing about and sharing memories that make her smile 365 days of the year! Too often, we are wrapped up in the hustle and bustle of this crazy little thing called life. We should take time out to enjoy the little things that make us smile and celebrate it!