Herpes and High Stress Job

[Confused12]

Does anyone have a high stress job while dealing with outbreaks? I'm in graduate school and am wondering if the stress of this has caused my outbreak to last 4+ months. Any tips on destressing under constant high pressure?

[mr_hopp]

Hi @Confused12! The basics are still the best here. Notice when you are stressed. When your mind is racing, when you're holding tension. And consciously breathe all the way down to your belly. Slow and deep. You're literally telling your nervous system "There's not actually a life-threatening emergency here" (which is what your fight-or-flight system is thinking). Even in the midst of crazy deadlines, you can still breathe calmly. Keep your mind trained on the goal instead of spinning off into worst-case scenarios and cooked up negative fantasies. There is the stress from working hard, then there's the stress from worrying yourself crazy. The first can actually be positive (eustress) if you choose to see it as a mind workout; the second is detrimental and draining. Keep a positive outlook and see everything that comes your way as an opportunity to be strong and grow. That growth mindset will make you unstoppable. 

Alongside this mental training, keep your body as healthy as possible. Treat this like you are doing an actual marathon. Because in some ways, you are. Eat well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sleep well. Work out regularly. Treat your body as the fine-tuned machine that it is. 

[Confused12]

12 hours ago, mr_hopp said:

Hi @Confused12! The basics are still the best here. Notice when you are stressed. When your mind is racing, when you're holding tension. And consciously breathe all the way down to your belly. Slow and deep. You're literally telling your nervous system "There's not actually a life-threatening emergency here" (which is what your fight-or-flight system is thinking). Even in the midst of crazy deadlines, you can still breathe calmly. Keep your mind trained on the goal instead of spinning off into worst-case scenarios and cooked up negative fantasies. There is the stress from working hard, then there's the stress from worrying yourself crazy. The first can actually be positive (eustress) if you choose to see it as a mind workout; the second is detrimental and draining. Keep a positive outlook and see everything that comes your way as an opportunity to be strong and grow. That growth mindset will make you unstoppable. 

Alongside this mental training, keep your body as healthy as possible. Treat this like you are doing an actual marathon. Because in some ways, you are. Eat well. Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sleep well. Work out regularly. Treat your body as the fine-tuned machine that it is. 

Thank you, that is very true!!