In the past year, 50% of the adult population has experienced a headache.
It may start as a dull throb in the head, but sometimes a headache can feel like someone repeatedly stabbing your forehead. In some cases, a headache can turn into a terrible migraine.
Migraines are extremely painful and can prohibit people from carrying on with their normal daily tasks. They are severe and can last for days. If you experience migraines for yourself, you know how disabling they can be.
When you get a migraine, not knowing how to take care of yourself can only add to the pain. Below are 9 remedies you can try in the case of getting one.
Headache vs Migraine
For those who are familiar with migraines, you know how different they are from a typical headache.
Headaches are uncomfortable pains in your head that could last for a few minutes or even a few hours. They may be mild, but they can also be severe. Stress, dehydration, or hunger can cause headaches.
Migraines are severe, highly intense headaches that come along with other symptoms. Other symptoms may include vomiting, slight vision loss, and pain behind the ears.
1. Shield Your Eyes From Light
As you search for migraine relief, reduce the amount of light your eyes are taking in as much as possible. This can be difficult depending on your location or work situation, but do what you can.
Try keeping a pair of sunglasses on you at all times to slip on in the case of a migraine. Purchase blackout curtains for your room, and turn off any lights you may have on in your room.
2. Reduce Stress
Stress is a major trigger for migraines. Reducing stress in your life is extremely difficult due to school, work, family, and friends. It’s crucial to find healthy coping methods.
If you’re able to afford it, invest in regularly seeing a therapist. Talking with them and developing a toolbox to combat stress can decrease migraines.
You can also try picking up relaxing hobbies to turn to in the case of feeling anxious. Try watercolor painting, drawing, hiking, or yoga.
3. Ask for Medication
Just like people use medication to fight anxiety or an infection, you can ask for medication to fight migraines. Many times, over-the-counter pain relief pills don’t do the job.
Medication can help alleviate pain associated with migraines and reduce migraine symptoms such as vomiting. Many people have found relief by seeking help from medical professionals.
Schedule an appointment with your doctor to discuss the issues you’ve been having, and state your desire for migraine relief.
4. Sleep Well
Are you one to skip out on much-needed sleep? By not getting an adequate amount of sleep, you’re on the road to disaster. Getting enough sleep will help prevent migraines.
It gives your body time to recharge and relax. Your brain has time to do some organizing while you sleep. Plus, who doesn’t love crawling into the covers after a long day?
5. Eat a Healthy Diet
Properly nourishing your body will help decrease the risk of migraines. If you’re stressed and constantly finding yourself at the local fast food joint, migraines are more likely to come your way.
Eating plant-based meals and avoiding alcohol as much as possible is highly suggested if you’re prone to headaches or migraines. Don’t go overboard on coffee, but you also don’t have to deprive yourself of it.
Small treats are totally fine but do your best to eat a balanced diet.
6. Pay Attention to Scents
Depending on the scent, getting a whiff of something can either help or hurt your head.
Strong perfumes and flowers may cause you to have a headache. Avoid people who use too much cologne, and stray away from any lotions with strong scents. Go for more natural options.
If you want a scent that helps, try peppermint oil. You can diffuse peppermint oil in your office or room with an oil diffuser, or you can buy a roll-on stick to keep near you.
Spritz lavender spray on your pillow at night to calm any nerves. It’ll relax your mind and allow for a deeper sleep.
7. Grab Blue-Light Glasses
With how virtual our world is now, it’s nearly impossible to avoid looking at a screen in the day. We constantly keep our phones by our side, and many of our jobs require the use of a computer.
Purchase blue-light glasses to help combat migraines you get from staring at technology. You can even buy filters to stick on your computer screen if you don’t want to invest in a pair of glasses.
As you work, don’t forget to take frequent breaks to release your eyes of strain. Every hour or so, take a small walk around the office or stare off at something at least 20 feet away.
8. Get a Massage
Too much muscle tension can be one of the biggest migraine causes on the list. Take a weekend to treat yourself to a massage. Working out the tension in your body could hurt a bit, but it’ll be worth it in the end.
When going in for your massage, be honest with the massage therapist about your problem areas and frequent migraines. They’ll know exactly what to do.
After your massage, don’t neglect further relaxation. Take the rest of the day to watch movies or lay in bed. Don’t undo the work that was done.
9. Cut the Noise
In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it can be hard to escape the noise. If you’re having a migraine, take a deep breath, and turn off the noise.
You can escape the noise by taking a nap, going outside in nature, meditating, or putting in earplugs. If you work in a loud environment, you might consider investing in a pair of noise-canceling headphones. Quiet instrumental music is better than constant chattering.
Migraine Relief Is Closer Than You Think
The next time your head is pounding, you’ll be desperately needing migraine relief. Check out the list above for remedies to keep in your back pocket. Most are much simpler than you think.
To create a healthy lifestyle and reduce migraines, get plenty of sleep, and eat a balanced diet. You’ll also want to take measures to reduce stress and relax your mind. While you’re stuck at work, use earplugs and blue-light glasses.
If you’re in need of medication for migraines or any other physical ailments, check out the rest of our site. Contact us to get started.