Top 10 tips for headache and migraine relief. Alarming causes you might not be aware of!
Headaches and migraines can be a real pain – quite literally!
They can impact your ability to perform basic daily tasks and affect your physical, emotional and social life.
Whether you suffer from headaches, migraines, tension headaches or cluster headaches, finding relief can be frustrating. But fear not, there are several things you can do to avoid them and ease your symptoms.
1. STAY HYDRATED
Dehydration can cause headaches so keep a water bottle hand and take regular sips throughout the day. Add some flavour if it helps!
2. LIGHT EXERCISE
Going for a walk, stretching or yoga can help alleviate tension that may be contributing to your headaches.
3. REDUCE STRESS
Relaxation techniques, deep breathing, meditation, warm bath or shower can help ease muscle tension and promote relaxation.
4. PAIN RELIEVERS
Pain medication may provide relief but always seek medical help with any medication options.
5. SLEEP
Did you know lack of sleep or too much sleep can be triggers for headaches or migraines? Sticking to a regular sleep schedule is important so when possible, try to go to bed and get up around the same time each day. Some products that may help your quality of sleep include essential oils (sprays, roll ons or used in air diffusers), eye masks to block out light and ear plugs to reduce noise. For more tips on getting a better night’s sleep click here
6. DIET
Consider investigating your diet. Certain foods have been known to trigger headaches in some people. Common culprits include chocolate, caffeine, citrus fruits, alcohol, MSG and artificial sweeteners.
7. HUNGER
A hunger headache may be a result from not eating and when your blood sugar starts to dip lower than usual. Eating healthy meals at regular intervals delivers the fuel your body needs to keep your blood sugar levels in check.
8. ELECTRONIC DEVICES
Blue light from devices such as televisions, smartphones and tablets can upset your body’s natural sleep-wake clock and mess with your body’s ability to prepare for sleep. Shutting down all your devices 1-2 hours prior to sleep and relaxing may help your sleep cycle. Investing in blue light blocking glasses designed to reduce blue light exposure might also provide relief. To learn more about blue light blocking glasses click here
9. SCENTS
Exposure to some odours or scents can trigger headaches and migraines. Many candles, air fresheners, perfumes and everyday products contain fragrances with chemical components. Keep an eye on the timing of your headache or migraine and if you were exposed to a scent.
Natural Essential oils such as peppermint and lavender can help treat headaches and migraines plus reduce stress and tension. There are several different ways people use essential oils to treat headaches such as applying diluted essential oils to the temples or forehead, inhaling oils, using on a compress or adding diluted drops to a bath. Many companies provide specific blends for migraine and headache sufferers so it is best to try out a few options that work for you. Some people are allergic to essential oils, even in their diluted form, so it is advised to test for any allergic reaction first.
10. HEADACHE OR MIGRAINE TRACKER
Keeping a headache or migraine tracker will help you identify your patterns and triggers. You can then use this information to make small changes in your everyday life to reduce your triggers and focus on relief options that work for you.