Alternative sources of relief
Mind over matter. What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger. This too shall pass. Time heals all wounds. Don’t sweat the small stuff. Axioms that make sense most of the time, but not necessarily when you’re dealing with a cold sore. The feelings of self-consciousness and the worries about others’ perception of us are tough to deal with. The awkwardness of wondering, “why is everybody looking at me” in class, at work, in a meeting, or wherever you may be in public. We get it. So finding alternative sources of relief can be really helpful.
Gratitude and your happy place
However, we also know that with stress as one of the primary causes of cold sores, it may be time to reframe your thinking. A deep breath, and, as they say in the 50th state, “mahalo,” a pause for gratitude. Your cold sore is a moment in time, albeit one you’d prefer to not experience, much less remember. May we recommend a listen to either side of Led Zeppelin IV, any Mozart concerto, at least four Khalid or Eric Clapton songs, or any set of tunes of your choosing. The goal is to boost your mood and just remind yourself that you are strong, confident and worthy of happiness.
You know what brings you joy and contentment, so find that center and focus. Believe and see yourself in a place filled with soft waves a cool breeze and friends raising you on their shoulders, embracing the fact that they are fortunate to have a friend like you!
A number of contributors like to write (well, about their cold sores at least). But, you don’t need to be a strong writer to find relief by writing. An alternative source of stress relief can just be taking the time jot down your thoughts. It does not need to be structured if you are not that type of writer, but getting thoughts to paper is the key.
If you have more tips or alternative sources of stress relief we would love to hear from you!
