Search:

Got a Headache? Here Are 10 Ways to Prevent One

By: Kim Archer There are few things that can wear you down like a painful headache. A headache zaps your energy, lowers your productivity, interferes with your social life, and just plain hurts.

There are a number of types of headaches, such as tension, sinus and migraine. But as we learn more about this problem, it becomes evident that they are often avoidable.

As a substitute for the bottle of ibuprofen, consider using more preventative strategy to manage your pain. Here are 10 tips that are proven to help you head off your next headache.

1. If you're spending time outdoors on a sunlit day, cover up with a hat. An overdose of the sun's warmth can lead to vascular changes in your brain and alter its complex balance of fluids. A headache is often the consequence.

2. Avoid exhaust fumes. The toxic mixture of chemicals emitted by heavy machinery or a car's exhaust pipe can quickly trigger a headache.

3. Don't style your hair too tightly. Tight ponytails, braids and buns irritate the connective tissues of the muscles around your scalp. The same applies to headbands, tight hats and heavy earrings.

4. Take it easy. Stress is a known cause of tension headaches. If you're feeling stressed, take a break, take a walk, listen to music, or soak in a hot tub. Even a short nap can help forestall a headache if you feel one coming on.

5. Shut out the racket. Noise pollution is a leading cause of headaches. And we're not just talking about the cacophony of a busy city street with traffic and construction. Turn down the volume on your stereo. Turn off the TV if you're not watching it. Send the kids outside to play. Invest in some ear plugs for when you venture out into noisy surroundings.

6. Get a checkup with your dentist. Oftentimes, the pain of a toothache feels like a headache, or can cause one to occur. If your troublesome tooth is in your upper mouth, the threat of a headache increases.

7. Straighten up. Poor posture can trigger a headache because it puts pressure on the muscles in your shoulders and neck. If your job requires you to sit most of the day, take care that your workstation is set up to discourage slouching. You might want to try out a cushion to support your back.

8. Eat on a regular basis. Skipping meals leads to low blood sugar and reduced energy, which can cause a headache or even a migraine.

9. Steer clear of monosodium glutamate and caffeine, both of which are known to cause migraines.

10. Start a headache diary. Whenever you experience a headache, make note of the conditions. Did you eat something strange? What was the weather like? Were you unusually stressed, or maybe in PMS? After a while, your headache journal can help you identify a pattern to the cause of your headaches.

The above are just some ways you can pinpoint and eliminate, or at least reduce, headaches. If they continue, make sure you get your doctor's advice. It is often possible, though, to take care of headaches, as long as you know what you're doing, without having to resort to medications.

So put your new-found knowledge to use and starting heading off those headaches.

Article Source: http://www.lifeweightloss.com

Kim Archer writes about women's wellness. She is publisher of The Internet Spa, where you'll find up-to-date information to rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit.

Please Rate this Article

Not yet Rated