How to survive a migraine
I've suffered from migraines since I was in high school. It took me a lonnnnngggg time to realize what my triggers are... but knowing your triggers is KEY in how to treat your migraine.
So many things can trigger one of these monsters: Changes in the weather, fatigue, stress, anxiety, bright or flickering lights, loud noises, strong smells, insufficient sleep, and hormonal changes (in women) can all trigger migraines. And in addition to the dietary habits that can cause tension headaches, migraines can also be set off by chocolate, an increase or decrease of caffeine, and foods with monosodium glutamate (MSG). If a butterfly sneezes in Japan, or a cricket chirps in Zimbabwe. )Ok, fine those last two are mere guesses on my part...)
For me, my triggers are hormones, lack of sleep, and fluorescent lights. Soooo yay! Because I'm an insomniac and I have a period every month! lol.
Since I am NOT triggered by caffeine, and I only have migraines surrounding my period, I treat mine with caffeine. (Also, I'm NOT caffeine-sensitive). I drink a sugar-free Redbull and take two excedrine migraine tablets first thing in the morning. Please DO NOT do this if you have a heart issue, or are caffeine sensitive.
Other things that I do that help:
1. A headache band. I ordered this one on Amazon. You can put it in the fridge, and get the bands nice and cool. Mine came with two bands-- so you can use one, while the other one is cooling for you. Use caution-- sometimes, putting cooling agents on the base of your neck can actually trigger more pain in migraine sufferers. So pay attention to your body.
2. A nice cool dark room. If I don't catch mine in time, I have to spend the afternoon in my bedroom. Lucky for me, this doesn't happen often, but when it does, I get some nice quality quiet time, which brings me to number three.
3. Turn off screens. No laptops, phones, ipads, or television. Or at least, as much as you can help it. Reasons that your screen can affect your head include: Blue light, screen brightness, flicker frequency, or viewing distance.
4. Break out the essential oil!
I'm not advocating for any particular brand-- these three are just what I have on hand right now. I blend the three, then dab it on my forehead, temples, and a little on the tops of each cheekbone (don't get too close to your eye. TRUST ME!) This method is natural, and for me, when I use it in combination with some of my other methods, it works. Let's face it- I'm an all-in kinda gal. I always figure... if a little of something is good, then ALL OF EVERYTHING must be better! lol
5. I've heard tell that exercise can help prevent migraines, since exercise releases endorphins. However, I've been allergic to exercise since I turned 35, so you'll have to try that one for yourself.
6. A few months ago, I had a brilliant idea that I should make an ice hat. Something that covered your whole head in soothing coolness, and I would make a billion dollars. And then I googled it, and found that someone had, of course, already thought of this.
I've had my eye on this one for awhile, and one of these days, I'll probably order it and try it out, regardless of the fact that I'll look insane and my entire family will laugh at me. When I do, I'll report back to you!
I also think-- and I'm not a doctor--- but I do notice that if I slouch in front of my computer, it tends to give me headaches, which sometimes turn into migraines. So sit up straight, ladies. It can't hurt. Plus, straight spines are pretty.
All in all, these are the things I do for my migraines. If you have any other tried and true tricks, I'd love to hear 'em!
#Migraine #MigraineTreatment #AtHomeRemedies #MigraineRemedies #IceHat #essentialOils