It can be easy to get caught up in your day to day schedule and stress when things get chaotic. We’re not going to tell you to relax (that has the opposite effect), but we are going to share some tips with you on how to deal — from our very own, Dr. Sandra Lee. As a board certified Dermatologist, founder of SLMD Skincare and the Dr. Pimple Popper brand, and star of her own TV show on TLC, she leads a very busy life. While it’s important that she shows up for others, Dr. Lee emphasizes the importance of showing up for YOURSELF.

Say No Sometimes!

I definitely have a full plate when it comes to work and I also have two young boys, a husband, and wonderful friends that I can’t forget about! These people are the ones that keep me sane, when life feels hectic. I’d say these relationships make me the most successful. My girlfriends remind me to take time for myself and I spend quality time with my family, frequently! I’ve started using the word no more, which I never used to. The first couple years, I agreed to do any press or collaboration that came my way. I worked hard to establish myself, but now I realize that some no’s will not hurt me, and sometimes are necessary to get a better YES. 

Give Your Skin Some TLC

I like to spend some extra time with my skincare routine, when I want to show my skin a little more love. I’ll do a nice face mask or even apply my SLMD Salicylic Acid Cleanser on my face, and let it sit for awhile, like a little at-home exfoliating face mask. I am very aware that I have dry skin and am prone to eczema, so I’m sure to keep a bottle of moisturizing lotion in the shower (like my Glycolic Acid Body Lotion) and I’ll apply it right after I shower when my skin is still damp, and before that moisture evaporates. These things keep my skin healthy, and make me feel the most physically comfortable.

Physically AND Mentally Prepare

When I was young I learned to play the classical guitar and performed for some pretty big crowds. It was stressful and made me pretty nervous. My guitar instructor would tell me that when you prepare for a performance, it’s important to be 110% prepared. Go through the motions, your fingering, the melody, meticulously within your mind so it’s really committed to memory, actually overcommitted to memory.  When you are performing, you probably won’t do as well due to nerves, etc — but if you prep for 110%, you’re still likely to be happy with the outcome. I remind myself of this comment often, whether I’m being interviewed on a live television show, or performing a surgery with cameras on me. I am thoughtful and prepare to 110% and I’m confident and happy with my results. Mental preparation is just as important as physical preparation.

Be Around The People You Love Regularly

I lean into my family and my two cats a lot. My parents live very close and we will join them for dinner sometimes a few times a week! I have young teenage boys, and I love that they get to grow up knowing my parents well - they learn so much from them. They were such a positive influence on me and I’m so pleased they get to make a difference in my kids’ lives. Family time like this fills me up and makes me happy! My two cats, Taquito and Dim Sum have the same effect on me. Sometimes, I’ll go home during my lunch break to rest and play with them, even for a few minutes. They relieve my stress.

On Sandra’s BEST Day

Those are days that I get a good night’s sleep, exercise, I don’t overeat or over drink the night before, and probably had a great day of work with wonderful interesting patients and felt like I made a difference. I suppose this means that I have to get a good night’s sleep, and not overeat and overdrink, but of course I don’t always listen to my own advice! The way I view it is that you have to have a bad day to actually appreciate a good day, right?

On Sandra’s Not So Good Day

I lean on the love and support from my husband, my kids, and my great friends. I crawl into bed, watch trash TV, and eat potato chips. Tomorrow is a new day!