If you’re like most people, you probably struggle with that occasional headache. You may even count yourself amongst the ranks of those who suffer from recurring headaches or even a dreaded full-blown migraine.
In this post, you will learn how to reduce headaches indirectly by implementing five simple-yet-effective self-care ideas.
1. Try Shiatsu or Aromatherapy Massage
Massages are not only effective for sore backs and strained muscles but can also help address migraine headaches as well. However, you want to make sure that you’re using a massage technique that actually helps with these concerns.
That said, some massage techniques may exacerbate your symptoms, so you need to select the type of massage wisely.
For instance, a Shiatsu massage is an excellent way to ease tension headaches and de-stress. This Japanese healing modality has been around for over a century and involves proven pressure points stimulated with a rhythmic and static finger, hand, and palm pressure.
Ancient cultures used Aromatherapy by distilling essential oils and applying them to help heal and soothe the body. In fact, Hippocrates, the renowned father of modern medicine, was claimed to have said, ‘the key to good health rests on having a daily aromatic bath and scented massage.’
An aromatherapy massage can also do wonders in lowering anxiety and helping you relax — both of which are critical aspects of avoiding migraines.
If you choose to address your headache pain with a massage, make sure to communicate with your massage therapist beforehand. They’ll likely have several recommendations for the best massage techniques that can help with your particular situation.
2. Find a Good Deskercise Routine
Many modern jobs require prolonged periods spent at a desk. This sedentary nature can make it easy for muscles to tense and soreness to build.
Leaning forward to look at a computer monitor placed more than an arm’s length away or looking up at a screen that’s above the recommended eye-level height can lead to a stiff neck and headaches.
An easy way to keep yourself limber and relaxed while working is to adopt a good deskercise routine. Most routines consist of a series of stretches that keep you loose as you sit all day long.
If you’re specifically trying to address migraines or headaches, you will want to incorporate specific stretches that are good for these issues. For instance, a chin tuck or neck extension can do wonders in helping get rid of a tension headache.
3. Care for Your Eyes
Your eyes are a significant part of your life. They can also be a contributor to recurring headaches and migraines. For instance, if you spend all day looking at a screen for work, it can lead to strained eyes and excess head pressure.
A few ways that you can care for your eyes include:
- Getting consistent checkups (even if you have healthy eyes).
- Get plenty of sleep — at least 7 hours each night.
- Taking out your contacts at night and wearing them no more than 14-16 hours per day.
- Reducing your screen time by avoiding screens outside of work or school.
If you can help your eyes stay healthy, it can go a long way in preventing headaches and migraines from flaring up.
4. Consider Your Environment
Sometimes good self-care doesn’t have to do with you so much as your surroundings. If you’re suffering from headaches regularly, take some time to consider if your environment is contributing to the issue.
For instance, if you’re exposed to black mold, it can give you headaches. Sewage exposure can also lead to multiple conditions associated with head pain. If you want to get to the root of the problem, don’t just care for your mind and body. Make sure that your environment is healthy, too.
5. Take Breaks and Unplug
If you’re spending too much time hunched over a desk, it’s also wise to schedule consistent breaks. This gives you a chance to stretch, get up, drink some water, or even run through a deskercise routine.
It’s recommended that you spend no more than two hours on a single task. Along with frequent breaks throughout your workday, it’s also wise to find times to unplug fully. When you do so, turn off your notifications and find screen-free, stress-free activities to help you relax and unwind.
Using Self-Care Against Headaches and Migraines
You can always lean on medications and professional help to manage chronic head pain. However, if you genuinely want to address the deeper issues causing the problem, you may need to consider what you can do differently in your day-to-day life.
Incorporating small self-care measures like taking breaks and getting a massage can help you avoid headaches, migraines, and the medical solutions that are so often resorted to resolve them. So pick a couple of options out from the list and try them today. You’ll thank yourself when you start feeling that pounding pain ease up.
