Lifestyle Changes You Should Make To Ease Your Headache

Headaches are so common that almost everyone has experienced it at some point in their lives. People who suffer from headaches infrequently can afford to ignore them. However, some have severe forms of bothersome headaches on a regular basis bringing their life to a standstill.

If you suffer from severe headaches, your lifestyle habits may be to contributing to it. Chronic headaches can be caused by poor sleeping routine, alcohol and tobacco use, excessive tea or coffee, stress and even your posture.

Different causes of headaches

There are different types of headaches, ranging in severity from a mild ache to severe pain. A variety of lifestyle factors and external triggers can cause each type of headache. When your headaches first appear, it can be difficult to determine what is causing them; however, this is an important step in determining how to prevent and treat your headaches.

Headaches can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Stress
• Lack of sleep
• Hunger
• Hormone changes
• Lack of caffeine
• Too much caffeine
• Change in weather
• Certain foods or food additives

Some causes can trigger more than one type of headache. These triggers aren’t always obvious, so you may have to suffer through several headaches before you figure out what’s causing them. Headaches aren’t always harmless, so if you get a sudden headache that’s worse than usual or if your symptoms are severe, seek specialist/ emergency care.

Which lifestyle changes can ease your pain?

Your headache might be difficult to deal with, but the small changes you make in your lifestyle can go a long way in managing it. It can be quite simple to keep your headaches at bay, once you’ve mastered the art of avoiding certain triggers and sticking to a routine.

You can take several steps to reduce the likelihood of headache attacks, including:

Getting adequate sleep daily

A common trigger for headaches is lack of sleep. Establish good sleep hygiene by going to bed at the same time every night (preferably not very late), not eating a heavy meal before sleeping, and taking a bath before bed.

Live a stress-free life

Stress is again a common trigger for your headache. As much as possible, you should avoid stress. Staying stress-free lowers, the chances of getting a headache. Meditation can be quite helpful in promoting relaxation and helping you control your mind especially if you have a problem of excessive thinking.

Avoid certain food items

For some individuals, certain foods can trigger headaches, like cheese, chocolate, alcohol, very heavy and oily meals, and sweets. Avoiding these triggers can go a long way. However, don’t skip meals. Skipping meals or eating excessively can both cause headaches. You must eat on a regular basis and in moderation.

Avoid going out in the bright sunlight

If bright sunlight gives you a headache, you may be suffering from a light-sensitive migraine or a heat headache. Heat headaches are common in hot weather or after prolonged sun exposure.

Drink plenty of water daily

Water is essential for overall health, but it is especially important if you suffer from dehydration headaches.

Do regular exercise

Regular exercise can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. When you exercise, your body produces endorphins, which are natural pain relievers and ‘feel-good’ hormones. Exercise relieves stress and improves sleep quality. Doing 30 minutes of moderate physical activity daily is recommended.

Takeaway

Many lifestyle-related headaches can be avoided by making these simple changes to your daily routine. If you have frequent headaches, seek a specialist opinion.

Dr. Amod Manocha, the best pain management specialist in Delhi and Gurgaon, has a goal: to help you get rid of your headaches as best as possible so you can live a pain-free life. He is an expert in treating all types of pain, including headaches.

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