As a nature lover, I long for the freedom to explore the Philippines and other countries. Memories are forever. I walk through the forest and hear the rustling of the leaves. I hear the raindrops as I swing in a hammock. My feet splash water as I pick-up seashells. I rest under a gushing waterfall and feel the cold mountain water on my shoulders. I sit on the edge of a hill and look at the dolphins swim in the ocean below. I glide past corals and swim with the sea turtles in Apo Island. There is a repository of memories in my cortex, and when I am stressed, I close my eyes, take a deep breath, and I am there.

Such imagery is possible through years of prayer, yoga, and meditation. As a dermatologist specializing in dermatologic surgery and Mohs micrographic surgery (a specialized type of skin cancer treatment), 98% of my patients are treated surgically under local anesthetic. How is it possible to do these procedures without the patient freaking out big time as I cut into their skin, ear, nose, or eyelids? There is no gimmick. I tell them to take a deep breath and think of their special place. I talk to them about things that make them happy- their children, grandchildren, hobbies, and past times. One time I had the pleasure of treating an expatriate, and he said, "I have no hobbies." I said, "What do you do on weekends?" He replied, "Nothing, I work." Moving on, I simply talked to him about his work- what he enjoys about working in the Philippines. We all have that place of bliss in our minds. No judgment.

I believe this is especially true in these times. More often than not, those living in the city have a tiny area where they can “enjoy” their work from home situation. The workplace can get toxic since you no longer have the space to have coffee or go out for lunch. There is no more "he is stuck in traffic." Employees are now attached to the corporate world's umbilical cord via Zoom, Google Meet, or Microsoft Team. Is there an escape hatch, one wonders.

In light of decreased mobility, there can be a lot of COVID-induced stressed. This can result in mental issues and skin disturbances.

Lately, there is a rise in stress-induced skin conditions in my practice ranging from shingles to atopic dermatitis (aka skin asthma) to vitiligo to dandruff to skin cancer (particularly melanoma). These are all connected to immunity. The skin is the biggest organ in our body, and when the mind is bombarded with elevated stress, this is transmitted to the immunity cells in the skin resulting in flaring rashes and other skin problems.

Together with a sensible skin regimen and consultation with your dermatologist, address these skin issues by decreasing your stress response. You cannot control the people and circumstances around you, but you can control how you respond. Having a hard day? Listen to calming music. Stop listening to negative news. Exercise and pray. Do yoga. Most of all eat well. The body is as good as what you put into it. It will respond better when you eat fruits and vegetables.

The mind, body, and skin are all connected. Take care of all the parts. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and you are in your happy place.

To get your skin glowing, visit the Wellness and Aesthetics Laser Center on the 6th floor The Medical City Ortigas. Our 27 board-certified dermatologists can help you remove the skin problems that have been bothering you. Contact the Wellness and Aesthetics Institute at 8988-1000 ext. 6586/ 6576 for inquiries or to set an appointment.

This article originally appeared in Manila Bulletin.