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PLAN FOR IMPORTANT DAYS
Stress doesn’t just accompany negative events and situations. Holidays and other important days can create stress too. If you’re susceptible to stress-triggered cold sores, it’s important to plan for important days.
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![Man sleeping in a bed]( "Man sleeping in a bed")
Rest up
Don’t let anticipation take away your much-needed sleep. 7 to 8 hours of sleep helps restore and maintain your mental and physical health and may be your biggest defense against a cold sore.
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![Woman smiling and holding a bowl with salad | Eat fresh]( "Woman smiling and holding a bowl with salad | Eat fresh")
Eat fresh
Food is at the center of most holidays and parties, but it’s important to consider how much and what you’re eating. Steer clear of canned and processed foods, which are high in salt and can raise your blood pressure. Instead, try and stick to fresh foods.
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![Woman smiling and standing on a set of stairs | Walk it out]( "Woman smiling and standing on a set of stairs | Walk it out")
Walk it out
When you can, get out for a walk or use the stairs rather than the elevator. Exercise is a proven stress-buster: just 10 minutes can make a difference in your mood.
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![Woman meditating in a group | Make time for yourself]( "Woman meditating in a group | Make time for yourself")
Make time for yourself
On important days, you might feel pressured to always be “on.” But taking a little time for yourself — a quiet walk or a few minutes of meditation — can help keep you energized and focused.
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![Woman lying in a grass field with a butterfly sitting on her nose]( "Woman lying in a grass field with a butterfly sitting on her nose")
Stay in the moment
Thinking about tomorrow, next week, and the coming year can be overwhelming. But those considerations have little to do with what you’re doing today. Remind yourself to stay in the moment and enjoy what you’re doing today.
Rest up
Don’t let anticipation take away your much-needed sleep. 7 to 8 hours of sleep helps restore and maintain your mental and physical health and may be your biggest defense against a cold sore.
Eat fresh
Food is at the center of most holidays and parties, but it’s important to consider how much and what you’re eating. Steer clear of canned and processed foods, which are high in salt and can raise your blood pressure. Instead, try and stick to fresh foods.
Walk it out
When you can, get out for a walk or use the stairs rather than the elevator. Exercise is a proven stress-buster: just 10 minutes can make a difference in your mood.
Make time for yourself
On important days, you might feel pressured to always be “on.” But taking a little time for yourself — a quiet walk or a few minutes of meditation — can help keep you energized and focused.
Stay in the moment
Thinking about tomorrow, next week, and the coming year can be overwhelming. But those considerations have little to do with what you’re doing today. Remind yourself to stay in the moment and enjoy what you’re doing today.
