Migraine, is something I have experienced from a young age and after many years, I have come to the conclusion that the only way for me to deal with them, is to be fully prepared with an action plan in place for when one occurs.
So, I thought I would share with you what works for me and hopefully some of my suggestions might help you too. As always, when considering any form of medical condition and how to address it, I would strongly recommend that you speak to your GP first for advice and guidance and of course full diagnosis.
Over the years, I have tried many treatments, natural, and medical and I find a combination of both works best for me.
My migraines are mainly triggered by hormone fluctuations, but cold weather is a trigger too. However, it was only recently that I started using two excellent apps that help me monitor the fluctuations of migraine and hormones. You may find these useful too, so I’ll put a link to both at the bottom of this blog for you to explore further.
I find the following daily tools work best for me.
Feel free to try them out or do share what works for you too.
Weather:
Be alert to weather changes, I find particularly cold weather aggravates my migraine activity. Anything under 6 degrees can really bother me, so I try and keep a check on the weather forecast and plan in advance of what I may need to reschedule on what might possibly migraine days.
Stress
Be conscious at stressful times, easier said than done I know, but over the years, I have come to realise that my posture really suffers when I'm stressed, leading to migraines caused by stress but exacerbated by poor posture of my upper back and neck.
I’ve regularly use gentle yoga exercises to help with this issue. There are lots of good yoga classes on line but don’t forget to check with your GP first to rule out any other health issues.
Two yoga positions that really help me are:
Downward dog and Wide angle (standing forward bend)
Hydration
On a regular basis, being mindful as to how much water you are drinking is important.
I do fall down on this quite regularly. I love my cups of tea, but forget to have a few glasses of water too. So Im trying to make this more a regular action throughout each day.
Medication
Obviously, if you have migraines you will have been diagnosed by your GP as having them. However, I can’t stress enough how my GP has continued to help me with mine over the years and how on occasion my medication has changed to suit my age and fluctuation of migraine occurrences.
It is a good practice (if you choose to take medication) to use it exactly as prescribed. For example I have found that a specific tablet prescribed by my GP, really helps me, so long as I take it as soon as I feel the attack beginning (as prescribed) and not later when the pain is much more intense.
Cool Compress
A cool compress on my eyelids, (more of a soothing experience than one that relives the pain) helps me relax and blocks out light which can be painful to me during an attack.
Environment
Not always easy to achieve in a busy life, but laying down in a cool, dark room ideally with a fan next to me is also really helpful. I prefer there to be no sound, but you may prefer gentle music or maybe a meditation app.
Soothing aromas.
Very much personal taste, but I like to use my own pure lavender melts as soon as my aura arrives and especially in the evening before an attack really kicks in.
I find the pure essential oil is naturally soothing, helping me to relax and achieve calmness.
However other people may find certain aromas produce migraines or just make them feel worse.
This is something very individual and when supporting yourself with aromas, I would recommend the small quantity approach. E.g. just try a little bit to begin with and try a variety of aromas as what relaxes one person may not be liked by others. Generally though, there is consensus as to what essential oils are specifically for relaxing.
Just make sure the products you purchase are made with pure essential oils and not synthetic fragrances.
Forgiveness.
Most import to me is forgiving myself in the moments of being forced to stop and rest. Realisation that it is not my fault, if I cannot achieve everything I had hoped to do that day for myself and others. There is always another day after the migraine.
Hope this is of some help to you migraine sufferers out there.
If you have any of your own supportive tips, i'd love to hear them.
Apps that have helped me.
With regard to the apps that I use, my favourite migraine tracker app is N1-headache app (the website can also be found at: https://n1-headache.com/)
If like me you find your migraines have changed or are connected to hormones I would recommend the Health & Her Menopause App (not just for those experiencing the menopause but those pre and post too.) there is also website https://healthandher.com/
There are lots of other types of support out there to and I have only tried to offer what works for me. Always check with your GP for medical advice and support.
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