Coping with and Preventing Migraines

Migraines are debilitating, scary and just downright horrible. So many people have brought to my attention there concerns of not wanting to have to constantly take medication. So in working to overcome this problem these strategies that I am sharing with you have helped tremendously, either totally eliminating the problem but for many decreasing them to where they can't remember the last time they had a migraine.

As we know medication is a proven way to treat - and prevent - migraines. But medication is only part of the story, taking care of ourselves is the vitally important.

The same lifestyle choices that promote good health can reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines.

In fact, combining lifestyle measures with medication is often the most effective way to handle migraines

Here are some tried and true ways to help you to manage these debility moments:

•Seek a calm environment

At the first sign of a migraine, retreat from your usual activities if possible.
◾Turn out the lights. Migraines often increase sensitivity to light and sound. Relax in a dark, quiet room. Sleep if you can.
◾Try temperature therapy. Apply hot or cold compresses to your head or neck. Ice packs have a numbing effect, which may dull the sensation of pain. Hot packs and heating pads can relax tense muscles. Warm showers or baths may have a similar effect.
◾ Massage painful areas. Apply gentle pressure to your scalp or temples. Alleviate muscle tension with a shoulder or neck massage. If you engage in having regular massage treatments with a Professional Massage therapist this has been known to help prevent migraines.
◾Drink a caffeinated beverage. In small amounts, caffeine can enhance the pain-reducing effects of acetaminophen and aspirin. Be careful, however. Drinking too much caffeine too often can lead to withdrawal headaches later on
◾Sleep well - Migraines may keep you from falling asleep or wake you up at night. Likewise, migraines are often triggered by a poor night's sleep. Here's help encouraging sound sleep.
◾Establish regular sleep hours. Wake up and go to bed at the same time every day - even on weekends. If you nap during the day, keep it short. Naps longer than one hour may interfere with night-time sleep.
◾Unwind at the end of the day. Anything that helps you relax can promote better sleep. Listen to soothing music, soak in a warm bath or read a favorite book. But watch what you eat and drink before bedtime. Heavy meals, caffeine, nicotine and alcohol can interfere with sleep.
◾Minimize distractions. Save your bedroom for sleep and intimacy . Don't watch television or take work materials to bed. Close your bedroom door. Use a fan to muffle distracting noises.
◾Remove Negative Habits : Habits that are harmful to you such as smoking, taking of social drugs, drinking excessive alcohol, even sometimes not necessarily drinking alcohol in excess will be a contributing factor to migraines due to the preservatives used.
◾Don't try to sleep. The harder you try to sleep, the more awake you'll feel. If you can't fall asleep, read or do another quiet activity until you become drowsy.
◾Check your medications. Medications that contain caffeine or other stimulants - including some medications to treat migraines - may interfere with sleep. Your eating habits can influence your migraines.

◦Mindful Nutrition

By becoming aware of the foods we eat, when we eat and what may be consistent in bringing on a migraine may well assist in keeping these to a minimum.

◦Be consistent. Eat at about the same time every day.
◦Don't skip meals. Breakfast is especially important.
◦Eat Fresh have a diet with 75% Fruit and Vegetables
◦Protein have good quality protein such as lean meat, chicken fillets and fish (Preferably organic when possible and from a good quality butcher for meats and Fish shop
◦Foods that may trigger migraines. If you suspect that a certain food - such as aged cheese, wine, msg, additives or preservatives - is triggering your migraines, eliminate it from your diet to see what happens. Eliminate if not entirely the majority of processed foods this includes anything that is in a packet or a tin, the other important food to eliminate is processed meats such as ham, processed chicken, salami, metwurst and so on.
◦Drink Water – water is an essential part of our daily activity plan it flushes out the toxins in our body, it also is the carrier for essential nutrients to the brain therefore plays a vital role in the prevention of headaches/migraines
◦Stress: Learning to acknowledge and cope - Stress and migraines often go hand in hand. You can't avoid daily stress, but you can keep it under control - which can help you prevent migraines.
◦Exercise regularly during physical activity, your body releases certain chemicals that block pain signals to your brain. These chemicals also help alleviate anxiety and depression - conditions that can make migraines worse. If your doctor agrees, choose any exercise you enjoy. Walking , swimming and cycling are often good choices. But it's important to start slowly. Exercising too vigorously can trigger migraines.

•Lifestyle Changes
◦Simplify your life. Rather than looking for ways to squeeze more activities or chores into the day, find a way to leave some things out.
◦Manage your time wisely. Update your to-do list every day - both at work and at home. Delegate what you can, and break large projects into manageable chunks.
◦Take a break. If you feel overwhelmed, a few slow stretches or a quick walk may renew your energy for the task at hand.
◦Change our attitude . By staying positive - If you find yourself thinking, "This can't be done," switch gears. Think instead, "This will be tough. But I can make it work."
◦Let go. Don't worry about things you can't control.
◦Relax. Deep breathing from your diaphragm can help you relax. Try to do 20 minutes of deep breathing every day. It may also help to consciously relax your muscles, one group at a time. When you're done, sit quietly for a minute or two.
◦Keep a migraine diary Living with migraines is a daily challenge. But making healthy lifestyle choices can help. Ask your friends and loved ones for support. If you're feeling anxious or depressed, consider joining a support group or seeking counselling. Believe in your ability to take control of the pain. A diary may help you determine what triggers your migraines. Note when your migraines start, what you were doing at the time, how long they last and what, if anything, provides relief. Eventually you may be able to prevent migraines by changing patterns in your daily life.
◦If migraines persist on a regular basis that is daily, weekly, even monthly it will pay for you to have a health check and go through other possible causes.

Take time out to Enjoy life & Regenerate

Aim for Balance