Since June is
Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, I’m dedicating my blog posts to this
topic. In my last post we explored
different kinds of headaches and natural ways to relieve headache pain. Today
we are going to focus on prevention. Because let’s face it, why not avoid
headaches in the first place if we can, right? It’s not always easy to do what
it takes to prevent headaches, but it’s worth it. And by taking these steps
you’ll positively affect your overall health, wellbeing, energy level and
happiness.
How to Prevent Headaches
1. Stop Stressing
Out - Daily stress is a reality for most of us, and the number one culprit of
most headaches -- along with numerous other ailments. De-stressing isn’t a
luxury, it’s absolutely necessary to maintain our good health and well being
these days. Great ways to train your mind and body to relax and stay relaxed is
through regular meditation, massage, sleep and scheduled time for doing nothing
or for activities you enjoy.
2. Stay Hydrated
- Dehydration is the cause of many headaches! To prevent and relieve headaches
make sure to drink plenty of water! To calculate how much water you need, take
your weight in pounds and multiply the number by 2/3 or .66. This is the
minimum number of ounces of water you should be drinking each day. You’ll need
to add to water intake if you exercise and if you live in a hot or dry climate.
3. Take Clear Headache - This unique blend of homeopathic and herbal ingredients helps reduce
the severity and frequency of headaches. It can safely be taken continuously
for up to two to three months, or anytime as needed before you’ll be exposed to
headache triggers such as smoke, red wine, certain foods, stress, etc.
4. Exercise –
You’ve heard this advice a million times (or more!), but I’ll tell you why
regular exercise is a great way to prevent headaches: it increases blood flow
to your brain, reduces blood vessel constriction, it reduces stress, it reduces
inflammation, and it helps rid the body of toxins.
5. Avoid Triggers
– This might go without saying, but it’s important to discover and avoid those
things that trigger your headaches, whether it’s red wine, aged cheese,
cigarette smoke or working overtime too many nights in a row. If you can’t
avoid these triggers or absolutely love drinking red wine while eating aged
cheese and smoking a cigar… by all means refer to tip #3!
6. Don’t skip
meals – First of all, this is not an effective way to lose weight, and second,
skipping meals triggers a drop in blood sugar, which can lead to all sorts of
problems, one of which can be a pounding headache, or worse – a migraine! Even
if you can’t get a full meal in, eat snacks with protein and some whole grains.
7. Stay Aligned –
Driving, sitting at your computer or being on your feet for long stretches of
time can wreak havoc on your alignment, tighten back, shoulder and neck
muscles, and pinch nerves -- which can all lead to headaches. Pay attention to
your posture, take frequent stretch breaks (even if just for a minute) and build
your core strength. Planking anyone?
8. Stretch –
Stretching is so enjoyable, yet so hard to do on a regular basis. Build this
important activity into your schedule by taking five minutes when you wake up
in the morning and five minutes before you go to bed to stretch the major
muscle groups. This helps you stay aligned, loosens your muscles and prevents
tension headaches. Don’t forget to schedule mini stretch breaks throughout your
day, as well.
9. Massage – If
you have the budget for a weekly or monthly massage, by all means, take
advantage of this stress-relieving, headache-preventing, happy-producing
activity! If this doesn’t fit into your budget (and even if it does) learn how
to give yourself and head and neck massage and do it every day.
10. Take care of
the whole package – When it comes to preventing headaches – or cancer or high
blood pressure or almost any ailment -- it’s important to promote the health
and wellness of your entire being,… your mind, body and spirit. A great way to
do this is to take up yoga or tai chi. These practices promote relaxation,
balance, alignment, clarity and strength.
Dr. Stas' Ozog III, Ph.D.(A.M.), L.Ac., Dipl. A & C.H.(NCCAOM), MTOM
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