Mentally well people are positive and self-confident and are able to manage their thoughts, emotions and behaviors. This allows them to face challenges, build strong relationships and enjoy life. Dr. Sgoifo revealed several studies that highlight the importance of our parasympathetic system, the one responsible for slowing our heartbeat and promoting relaxation and sleep, which in turn supports our physical and mental resilience. How do we make this system more effective in countering stress and trauma, especially given the recent Covid-19 pandemic, so that long term complications from stress can be mitigated? Without a doubt by resorting to innovative methods such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) which reduces stress-induced increases in cortisol and facilitates healing from traumatic experiences, reducing the likelihood of developing PTSD. 

Another simple and practical technological tool acts on the vagus nerve, the fibers of which end in a series of regions of the brain that control the stress response. These devices are small, inexpensive, mobile, safe and without side-effects. 

Of course, lifestyle interventions are critical and can have both preventative and therapeutic effects.

Regular exercise of moderate intensity increases the functionality of the vagus nerve, while a sedentary lifestyle can cause vagal imbalances. Initially, exercise triggers an acute inflammatory response and cortisol secretion. Dr Sgoifo explains that "This hormonal response allows the mobilization of energy and reduces exercise-induced inflammation in the muscles." Many studies show that daily exercise protects against chronic inflammation. For example, moderate exercise for six weeks reduces pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and improves mental health, protecting the brain from diseases such as depression.  

In other words, exercise strengthens resilience by facilitating improved physiological, immune, endocrine and psychological functioning. Vagal functionality is a key mechanism within this corporeal context.

"The practice of yoga, based on posture, slow breathing and meditation, improves the function of the vagus nerve, lowers cortisol levels and decreases the levels of some inflammatory responses, promoting adaptive changes in the brain regions involved in the regulation of cognitive and mood functions (amygdala, hippocampus, prefrontal cortex)."

When it comes to lifestyle and mindfulness, what can be said about ones skincare routine?

“We have promising evidence published in the scientific literature - confirms Dr. Sgoifo - on the impact of aromatherapy cosmetic routines. In a recent study we carried out in collaboration with Comfort Zone, the cosmetic division of the Davines Group, we demonstrated that even a single application of a cream and a lotion enriched with essential oils such as skin regimen tripeptide cream and skin regimen essence, while massaged into the skin, produced a transient enhancement of the parasympathetic modulation."

When the application of the two products was used over time (twice a day for a month) it inhibited the increase in cortisol, reduced anxiety states and created positive changes in the mood profile. "Overall - concludes Sgoifo - this study has shown that the self-administration of a cosmetic cream enriched with essential oils deserves to be considered a valid complementary strategy for resilience to stress and fortifying mental well-being."