Migraines and frequent long lasting headaches can be debilitating. Anyone who has had to deal with them knows just how true this is. The pain associated with these type headaches is excruciating and can make daily life impossible. There are many coping techniques that can make living with these conditions more bearable, allowing you to function more normally.
There are many ways to try to keep your headaches to a minimum. Recommended ideas include:
* Learn new ways to deal with stress and anxiety. Reduce emotional stressors in your life. Take time for yourself to relax. Learn meditation or relaxation skills, such as deep breathing and progressive muscle relaxation.
* Follow doctor’s orders for your specific headache treatment. Avoid self medicating or deviating from the medications that have been prescribed or recommended by your doctor.
*Reduce physical stress on your body. Proper sleep will allow you to deeply relax. This is important for making yourself more able to face the stressors of each new new day.
*When sitting for prolonged periods, get up and stretch periodically. Relax your jaw, neck, and shoulders.
* Exercise regularly. Exercise is another great stress reliever. It opens up all the capillaries and helps deliver oxygen to every part of your body. Get at least 20 minutes of exercise three times a week.
* Stick with a routine. Eat at about the same times every day, and go to bed at the same time every night. Your body will function better if it is used to a routine. You will sleep better as well.
* If you are a smoker you must quit smoking. Smoking can trigger headaches and make any headache, especially cluster headaches, worse. If someone in your household smokes it is imperative that they do not smoke inside the house or around you. You can get help for yourself or a loved one by asking your doctor for information about smoking cessation programs in your community.
* Learn your body. Identify what triggers your headaches. Start by keeping a diary to keep track of what is happening in your life at the time you get the headache. You will most likely find out just what triggers your headaches and be able to avoid these triggers in the future.
In addition to these headache coping and prevention tips, there are multiple organizations and support groups available to help. Seek them out and use the help they are offering.