Over the last few decades it has become more and more clear how stress and anxiety trigger, intensify, elongate hives outbreaks. Stress related hives are a part of a ‘fight or flight’ response in the body. In other words, when the body detects stress, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. This mobilizes the body’s defenses by creating a physiological response. In this case the body activates the opening of blood vessels, which results in redness or blotchiness of the skin, in other words stress related hives.
The moment a stressful situation is sensed by the brain, this involuntary bodily reaction occurs. Stress related hives are most common in people who get extremely anxious in stress related situations, such as in social situations or performance evaluations. Some people are so sensitive to stress, that they will break out in stress related hives even during casual conversations.
Possibly the worst part of stress related hives is that the anxiety that you feel about your hives breakout intensifies that redness and itching even more. So, not only do you experience more physical discomfort, but your confidence, social appearance, and professional performance are also impacted as well. The results can be devastating both personally and professionally (HivecTen.com, 2012).
Preventing Stress Related Hives
MySensitiveSkinCare.com provides six tips to help you prevent hives which are caused by stress. If stress causes hives, the website states, then it makes perfect sense to prevent hives outbreaks by reducing stress. Try the following techniques:
- Exercise – Exercise naturally reduces stress, in fact it raises your endorphin levels which makes you feel great.
- Drink plenty of water – Drink at least 64 ounces of water a day to ensure your body functions at its best.
- Get ample sleep each night – Everything gets worse when you are tired, and if your body is not functioning at its best then stress is more likely. Getting adequate rest gives you a better chance of thinking clearly and managing stress effectively.
- Eat a diet that is healthy and balanced – Sugars, fats, artificial flavors, and preservatives should be avoided. Try to eat more natural products such as whole grains, vegetables, lean proteins, and fruits.
- Make a list – Making a list allows you to get things off your mind and onto paper. As you check off each item, your stress level usually will fall.
- Give yourself time to relax – Give yourself permission to do things that you want sometimes, or take time to do things just because you want to, not because you have to.
