Stress is something modern humans feel at all times. Some stress is good, like the kind that pushes you to achieve a goal. But there’s other stress that can be damaging to your health. Chronic stress can cause things such as weight gain, sleeping problems, and depression. Unfortunately, it could also be possible for chronic stress to reactivate the simplex virus that’s otherwise dormant.
How Is That Even Possible?
Chronic stress can suppress our immune system. Our immune system is what’s responsible for fighting off viruses. This is why it’s possible for chronic stress to reactivate the simplex virus in those living with it. This is how.
When we’re stressed, our body releases corticosteroids and proteins such as glucocorticoids, cytokines, and catecholamines. They can wreak havoc on our immune system, which prevents it from fighting off recurrent viral infections.
How Can I Stop Stress?
There are many relaxation techniques to help you reduce stress, and they can vary from person to person. Some of these include:
- Listening to music
- Meditating or practicing yoga
- Going for a walk or exercising
- Taking a long bath
- Spending time with loved ones
Aside from these general techniques, it can also be extremely helpful to identify what is causing the stress. Once you sort out the cause or causes, you can work on overcoming it.
In Conclusion
It is important to understand that not all of these techniques will rid every person of stress. They can definitely help though. The ability of chronic stress to reactivate the simplex virus lies within our own emotions, so it’s important to tackle this head-on.
