I am quick to tell people that canker sores "are not the herpes thing, that's a COLD SORE, and those are really contagious." A canker sore is a small ulcer on the inside of one's mouth that heals itself usually in about 10-14 days. I began researching canker sores and found that the medical community does not know exactly what causes a canker sore -- and, in turn, does not know exactly what will cure one. There are theories as to what contributes to a sore developing, from one's diet to a lack of certain vitamins to emotional stress. Many experts believe that a fluke in one's immune system is the main culprit. One theory based on this belief I found quite interesting:
Basically, your body senses that there is an intruder in the soft tissues of your mouth -- but it isn't really there. Your brain's like, "Hey, white blood cells, go attack that intruder!" So they rush off to fight this "infection." When they arrive at the spot marked 'X', all that's there is normal, healthy tissue. But the white blood cells are all gung-ho for fighting at this point, so they just do what they do best -- they attack, and they attack hard. They eat away at what they think is the bad guy, but really it's that normal, healthy tissue in your mouth. Ouch.
Anyway, so one of these bad boys appeared out of nowhere last weekend. Being genetically prone + lack of certain vitamins + PMS + high stress = perfect conditions for a sore to develop; so, it's not all that difficult to understand why I got one. Thankfully, mine is pretty much gone now. But it got me thinking about stress and how it affects one's body. I've always thought of stress as a feeling -- if I felt stressed-out or on edge, my body was under stress. If I didn't feel stressed, then my body wasn't under stress. However, this is not necessarily true. Stress is a very literal thing -- there are hormones, such as cortisol, released in one's body that affect the functions of the body. And in this fast-paced, high-pressure, jam-packed culture we live in, it's important that we take time to take care of ourselves. So here are some things that I do to lessen my stress . . .
1. Have you ever been given the advice to take a minute or two to literally sit and do nothing? Well, have you tried it? I have, and I'll be the first to say it sounds silly . . . but I'll also be the first to say it really helps lessen stress! If you have difficulty making yourself do nothing for a few minutes, go here: the quiet place. There, now you have no excuses.
2. Light candles. Especially aromatherapy candles. As these candles burn, essential oils are released into the air which enter your body as you breathe to help relax and calm you. You may not consciously realize that your stress is being lessened, but remember: stress is not always a feeling -- it is literal hormonal activity in your body.
3. Eat dark chocolate.
It is fairly common knowledge that chocolate releases endorphins in our bodies which make us feel good. However, dark chocolate not only releases these same endorphins, but also contains powerful antioxidants which help to lower high blood pressure, improve one's skin, and boost one's mood, among other things. Now, you probably shouldn't go eat a whole bunch of dark chocolate . . . but a couple ounces a day (maybe in place of that cookie or brownie??) can help lower your stress levels.
4. Smile and laugh. Seriously. Need some help? Here you go. <-- he has no problem doing it. Why should you?
Well that's all I have right now. There are tons of other things that can help reduce stress -- go for a jog, get a massage, take a bath. Just take some time -- make some time if you have to! -- to take care of yourself for a minute. You're worth it.