A migraine is a terrible, skull-splitting headache that usually causes nausea, vomiting, and increased sensitivity to sound and light. Many people who live with migraine claim that it is one of the most disrupting occurrences to their quality of life.
The exact cause behind a migraine is unknown. However, studies have found links between your lifestyle and the frequency and intensity of migraines.
Here are 7 lifestyle changes you can do to live migraine-free, or at least reduce the frequency of migraine episodes:
Stop smoking
Smoking is not only bad for your lung health, but can also exacerbate the pain you feel with migraine episodes.
Eat a healthy, balanced diet regularly
Include more vegetables, fruits, lean protein, whole grain, and healthy fats into your diet to prevent migraines from occurring frequently. If you have a habit of skipping meals, then it’s time to practice eating at a regular schedule to avoid feeling excessively hungry – which may trigger a migraine episode.
Avoid certain foods
Identify what your dietary migraine triggers are and steer clear from them. These commonly include, alcohol, chocolate, or aged cheeses.
Get regular exercise
Not only does exercise keep stress levels at a minimum, it also helps reduce symptoms of migraine. You may incorporate strengthening, cardio, and flexibility exercises into your workout routine.
Establish a fixed sleep schedule
Getting adequate and quality sleep helps maintain a strong immune system, fights anxiety and depression, and promotes deep relaxation. Establish a fixed sleep schedule by going to bed and waking up at the same time every day. Not getting enough sleep or keeping up with bad sleeping habits may trigger a migraine.
Practice good posture
Poor posture (especially among those who are hunched over a computer desk all day) can strain your shoulder, neck, and head muscles, which may trigger a migraine. Be more mindful of your posture throughout the day and you may help reduce the number of migraine episodes you’ll have to deal with.
Reduce stress
Migraines are most often caused by high levels of stress. Managing stress and how to prevent it can also help you live migraine-free, or at least reduce the frequency and severity of your migraine episodes. You can relieve stress by utilizing visualization techniques, or just by taking some downtime to do something you love and enjoy.
Read the full article by Practical Pain Management here for more tips on how small lifestyle changes can help you live migraine-free.