Migraine: changing for the better

Making some positive changes in your lifestyle may help you manage your migraines. Keep a journal of things that seem to be related to your headaches, and look for lifestyle changes you can make to avoid these migraine triggers.

Many of us get caught up in work and forget to take care of ourselves. The first thing to go when things get busy? Sleep! Get plenty of rest and practise good sleep hygiene (for example, try to go to bed and wake up at approximately the same time every day; keep your bedroom for sleep, not work; and don't oversleep on weekends).

It's important to learn effective ways to reduce and manage stress, such as relaxation techniques, meditation, and yoga. Exercise reduces tension and improves overall well-being. Talk to your doctor before beginning any exercise program. But avoid exercise during a headache – it can make the pain worse.

You may find behavioural therapies, like stress management and relaxation therapy, to be helpful. Smoking can trigger and worsen headaches (not to mention the other health problems it causes!). Talk to your doctor about quitting smoking.

If you're having trouble coping with migraines, you may benefit from talking to a counsellor or therapist. There are also support groups for people who have migraines, and they can be a good source of information.

Avoiding your triggers, finding effective treatment, and making positive lifestyle changes are the keys to living well with migraine. You play an important part in improving your well-being. It will take some time to find the right balance, but it's well worth the effort! Talk to your doctor for more information on how you can find migraine relief.

All material copyright MediResource Inc. 1996 – 2023. Terms and conditions of use. The contents herein are for informational purposes only. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Source: www.medbroadcast.com/healthfeature/gethealthfeature/The-Impact-of-Migraine