Slip on Shades

Does light makes you wince in pain? You could be one of the many people with migraine who have light sensitivity, called photophobia. If you can’t dim the brightness around you by drawing the curtains or turning off the lights, make your own darkness and wear sunglasses indoors.

url

Stick to a Schedule

The key word is “regular.” Pick set times to go to bed and wake up every day. Exercise regularly. Stick to usual times for meals and snacks. Consistency helps your body know what’s coming up next and may give you fewer migraine attacks.

url

Get a Grip on Your Stress

It’s one of the biggest triggers for migraine pain. So aim to boost calm in your life. Un-busy your schedule where you can, but carve time for things you enjoy. Steady relief is your friend.
If you stay stressed during the work week and relax only on the weekend, the shift can bring on migraine, too.

url

Block the Scents

If someone’s perfume or other odors set off your migraine, reach for a soothing scent like mint or coffee beans.
A sniff of the substitute scent can block the smell that causes pain and may head off an attack.

url

Aromatherapy Therapy

Speaking of scents, some smells may help dull headaches.
Peppermint may make you less aware of pain, and lavender may lower your anxiety. You can apply them in their oil form to your temples or the inside of your wrist.

url

Turn Up the Heat

Warm compresses, a steamy shower, or a toasty soak in a bath can ease the tension of tight muscles that might add to your migraine pain.

url

Cool Down

Go the other way and try a cold comfort. Some studies show that wrapping a cold pack around your neck when a migraine hits can lower your headache pain. Experts don’t know why that helps.
Cooling down the blood as it makes its way to your brain may lower swelling and dull your pain.

url

Tame Screen Glare

Blue light is usually the hardest hue to handle when you deal regularly with migraine. That’s the color that glows from your computer and smartphone. So break away from screens when you feel a migraine coming on. Some people say rose-tinted glasses help by blocking blue light.

url

Have an Orgasm

It doesn’t work for everyone, but sex can be a migraine-buster for some. Experts think it may be because endorphins, aka the feel-good hormones, released during an orgasm act like natural painkillers. Masturbation is also an option.

url

Roll Away Pain

Relaxing your feet can ease tension in other parts of your body, including your head. Sit and put your bare or sock-covered foot on a tennis ball and roll it around. Notice areas that are especially tender and focus in on those. Repeat on the other foot.

url

Pinch Your Hand

Another spot you can target for tension relief is the fleshy pad between your thumb and first finger. Pinch this area with two fingers and feel around for soreness. One reason this might help is by giving you a feeling of control over your pain.

url

Breathe Mindfully

Focus as you breathe in and out for at least 10 minutes.
That can flood your body with calm and lower your stress.
Boost your relaxation and target the different muscle groups in your body as you inhale and exhale to release all your tension.

url

Mute the Noise

Migraine can be triggered by just about any of your senses, including your hearing. Just like lights, loud noise can set off your migraine. Get to a quiet space when it hits.
If you can’t, carry earplugs to block out the din on the spot.

url

Settle Your Stomach

If migraines give you nausea, keep motion-sickness bands handy to ward off a queasy stomach. Sip peppermint tea and nibble saltines, which also can help a crummy tummy.

url