How To Deal With Stress And Migraine

The world we are living in today is a fast-moving place. Every day is a new challenge and is different from yesterday. The aims and ambitions, the wants and needs, and the failures and successes of every individual are different from one another. With all the different things happening around in the modern world, one thing that remains a point of commonality among people is stress. Stress is something that every person experiences at a certain point in their life.

What Is Stress? 

Stress is a mental or physical response produced by the body upon experiencing certain triggers (stressors), such as sudden changes, challenges, unhealthy lifestyle, failure, etc. It is entirely normal and happens to almost everyone. However, when stress remains consistent and is not managed correctly and on time, it can cause harm to health. Stress is responsible for various body conditions such as sleep loss, anxiety, depression, and high blood pressure. However, the most important and common concern is stress-induced migraines.

What Is A Migraine?

A migraine is a headache characterized by severe pulsing and throbbing pain on either one or both sides of the head. The pain is usually prominent around the temples, the back of the eye, and the neck. Stress-induced migraines are often accompanied by sensitivity to light, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.

Does Stress Cause Migraines?

Stress and migraines go hand in hand. Most migraines are stress-induced migraines. Having stress and migraine is like being stuck in a loop where stress triggers migraine, and chronic migraine causes more stress. Sudden lifestyle changes, shocking news, excessive social burden, the pressure of not being able to achieve something, or the fear of losing are some potential stress triggers. This baggage of stress keeps piling up if not managed efficiently, often resulting in massive migraine pain.

Symptoms Of Stress-Induced Migraine

The various symptoms of stress-induced migraines (tension-type headaches) are:

• Irritation
• Throbbing headache
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Pain in the back of the head
• Tender scalp
• Tension in shoulder and neck
• Dizziness

 Top 10 Preventive And Management Measures For Stress Induced Migraine

To prevent migraine, it is essential to manage stress. Stress and migraine can be reduced by certain preventive measures. Some preventative measures for stress and migraine headaches are:

1. Sometimes the most productive thing you can do is relax: Relax yourself by practicing meditation, getting a good relaxing massage, and taking a relaxing walk in the morning or evening.

2. Exercise: Regular exercise can reduce stress which can reduce migraine. Simple body movements like yoga, walking for 30 to 40 minutes, cycling, and jogging can be practiced daily.

3. Organize, plan and simplify:  Get organized and plan your day or week by making a schedule, setting achievable goals, planning smartly, and simplifying your day-to-day routine. Because, unable to complete a task and piling workload can end up in stress.

4. Eat healthy: A diet packed with fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds can help you manage stress. Avoid eating greasy, fried, sugary, or processed food and stay hydrated.

5. Sleep well: A minimum of six to eight hours of sleep is essential for overall well-being. Practice sleeping early and waking up early to reduce stress induced migraine.

6. Set your limit: Set boundaries, manage time efficiently by separating personal and professional space. Balance work and personal life efficiently. Do not overcompensate for what is done, do not feel guilty and keep regretting your mistakes; instead, learn from them and work towards being a better version of yourself.

7. Make time for yourself: Spend quality time for yourself. Do something you love like reading books, painting, having a cup of tea or coffee alone, walking in the evening, or listening to music.

8. Spend quality time with the people you love: Spending quality time with family and friends can help you relax and feel happy and lessen stress.

9. Limit your bad habits: Avoid excessive smoking, alcohol, and caffeine consumption.

10. Medications: Relieve your migraine pain that can cause more stress by taking medications like pain killers. You can also ask help from a doctor who could prescribe you medications (like beta-blockers or antidepressants) to prevent and relieve stress and migraine headaches.

It’s Not The Load That Breaks You Down, It’s The Way You Carry It

Managing stress is the most effective key to preventing migraine. Life throws a curveball at us every day, but what is essential is how we deal with it. Little things like staying healthy, taking time for yourself, and spending time with people you love will help you not only manage stress and migraine headaches but also help you with your overall well-being. To be Stress and migraine free, remember that, 

Every day brings a choice: To practice stress or to practice peace