How I Found Stress-Related Psoriasis Relief Through Grounding and Healing

How I Found Stress-Related Psoriasis Relief: A Personal Healing Journey

Last month, I talked about how most of us may be more stressed than we realize. This month, I want to share my personal story about how unaddressed stress showed up in my body — and how I found stress-related psoriasis relief through healing, grounding, and rest.

I’ve lived with eczema and psoriasis since childhood, and while it’s always been a manageable condition, about two months ago, I experienced a major flare-up in a new area — the backs of my thighs and around my glutes. The inflammation made sitting painful, and despite trying everything from diet changes to essential oils and alternative therapies, nothing worked.

From my experience and research, I know that psoriasis flare-ups can be deeply connected to stress. It was clear my body was sending me a big red flag, and I had to pay attention.

Here were the hidden stressors affecting me:

• The pressure of running a small business and wearing many hats.

• Financial uncertainty after leaving corporate law.

• Feeling unsupported.

• Fear about the future and where my path was leading.

Interestingly, I didn’t feel particularly stressed — until I took the time to step back and reflect.

Then, I went on a 6-day shamanic retreat in Perth. I immersed myself in healing sessions, walked barefoot on the beach, swam in the ocean, and reconnected with friends and nature. I finally let my nervous system reset.

The result? My painful psoriasis — the condition that made daily life unbearable for two months — was 98% gone by the end of the retreat.

What Helped Me Find Stress-Related Psoriasis Relief

• Grounding: Walking barefoot in nature, swimming in natural water, spending time in the sun.

• Nervous system rest: Stepping away from daily stressors and allowing my body to fully relax.

• Connection: Reconnecting with people who uplifted me emotionally and energetically.

• Awareness: Realising that stress isn’t always obvious — it can be running in the background until your body forces you to listen.

Your Body Is Speaking. Are You Listening?

If you’re experiencing unexplained physical symptoms or skin flare-ups, consider the role stress might be playing. A flare-up may be your body’s way of waving the red flag, asking you to slow down.

Over the upcoming break, try grounding yourself for at least 20 minutes a day — walk barefoot, lie in the grass, or swim in the ocean — and see how your body responds.

Sometimes, the best medicine is slowing down, tuning in, and reconnecting with yourself and the Earth.