Try relaxation techniques

Stress can also wear down your immune system, giving a cold sore a chance to launch a sneak attack. Instead, breathe deeply and relax. While there are a variety of relaxation techniques, here are two to get you started.

Breathe deeply through your abdomen. Take a five-minute break and sit in a comfortable position with your back straight. Place one hand on your belly and the other on your chest, then breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth slowly. When you exhale, push out as much air as you can. Your belly should rise while your chest moves minimally.

Do a mental body scan. With your eyes open or closed, sit with your feet on the floor or lie flat on your back with legs out straight and arms by your side. Breathe deeply for two minutes in this position or until you feel relaxed. Then begin focusing on the toes of your right foot – notice how they feel – and breathe into them by imagining you are sending oxygen to them. Continue this process with your left toes, working your way up from your toes to the top of your head. After you’ve scanned your whole body, spend a minute or two in your relaxed state.

The key to relaxation techniques is finding those that fit your lifestyle. Sometimes it works best to combine or alternate the methods that work for you to keep you motivated.