Suffering from a Migraine? 7 Steps to Take

Migraines can be excruciatingly painful, and for people who suffer from them regularly, they can have a severe impact on their quality of life and even their ability to work. Unfortunately, some find that taking their prevention medication and avoiding their triggers is not enough to ward them off.

When a migraine strikes, it then becomes about easing the symptoms as much as possible and speeding up recovery. Not every technique will work for every person, but if you are suffering from migraines and looking for home remedies to help, here are seven steps to take to try to ease the symptoms and be as comfortable as possible as you ride it out. 

1.  Rest in a dark and quiet room 

A lot of people who suffer from migraines are sensitive to sound and light, which is why taking time out in a quiet, dark room can be very soothing. If you are able to fall asleep, this may also help as the brain can emit chemicals while you’re asleep, which may soothe the pain. 

2.  Use a hot or cold compress

Some people find placing a hot compress across their forehead or the back of their neck to be very soothing while others prefer a cold compress. Both techniques can help tense muscles to relax and can stimulate nerve endings, so it’s about finding the option which works best for you. 

3.  Practice mindfulness and meditation 

Try to take yourself somewhere quiet and focus on your breathing right there in the moment. This approach has been found to reduce physical pain in scientific studies, even if it is just by distracting you from it. 

4.  Smell lavender 

Lavender scent has been found to help people relax in many studies, whether it’s inhaled as an essential oil, heated in a hot compress or ingested as a tea. It is widely available in health food stores and pharmacies. 

5.  Stay as hydrated as you can 

Being dehydrated is a common trigger for migraines, so it’s important to replenish the body’s fluids and electrolytes. You can do this by drinking lots of fluids while limiting high caffeine drinks which will dehydrate you further. Alternatively, a course of IV therapy Los Angeles can deliver the fluids, vitamins and minerals your body needs to recover from the symptoms of your migraine sooner rather than later. 

6.  Consider a head massage

This technique is not suitable for everyone as some people who suffer from migraines find their head is very sensitive to touch, but head massages can be beneficial for some people. Massaging your temples can stimulate circulation and relieve muscle tension, but massaging any muscles of the body may help you to relax. 

7.  Try to exercise 

Again, depending on the severity of the migraine, this step may not be realistic, but exercising can help to soothe a migraine. Exercise reduces stress and increases circulation around the body while also stimulating the release of endorphins which make us feel happier. A simple walk could be enough, while many people find light stretching or yoga to be helpful. 

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This post was written for the Life According to Steph audience