6.     6.  MONITOR YOUR DIET – It’s very likely that something that triggers outbreaks for me (like sugar) doesn’t aggravate your herpes, and vice versa.  Everyone has different triggers.  If you can find and eliminate them, by documenting your food intake/habits and subsequent health conditions, you will be well on your way to reducing outbreaks.  Apparently foods high in lysine are good for herpes sufferers, and foods high in arginine are bad.  Do your own experiments and find out what you should avoid.

7.     7.  EXERCISE – In addition to reducing stress, exercise is a way to make your body stronger and, therefore, healthier.  Join a gym, take a dance class, run through the park, play basketball…whichever activity you enjoy doing, do it, and not only will your body thank you, but your mind will too.

8.     8.  WRAP IT – No, I’m not talking about holiday presents, I’m talking about using condoms.  If you are not in a monogamous relationship, or suddenly find yourself hooking up with the cute bartender from the holiday party, make sure you keep yourself protected.  Coming in contact with someone else’s herpes, or another STD like HPV, can cause more problems and outbreaks. 

9.    9.   KEEP UP ON THE NEWS – There are constant developments and discoveries in the field of medicine and technology – every day scientists are gaining a better understanding of herpes and its causes and effects.  Herpes Connection does a great job of posting the most pertinent information and breaking news on our homepage.  Take a look around, be informed, and you may learn new facts that will make having herpes even more manageable. 

10 10.   IMAGINE YOU ARE HEALTHY – I know this may sound kind of hippy-dippy, but I really believe if you carry anxiety with you and focus your attention on your illness, it will always stay.  The mind is a powerful force that can have a great effect on your body, and having a positive attitude may be some of the best medicine for an unhealthy one.  The placebo effect proves how tricking ourselves into thinking we are getting better can actually make us get better.  I used to get really down about having herpes, now I’ve started thinking: “Oh that old thing?  It’s nothing!” 

Hopefully this list has given you some ideas about how to avoid herpes outbreaks and/or other health issues.  If you have any other suggestions, please share with us below.  Or if you're shy, at least write your ideas down to use as your own guideline throughout 2010.