Headaches are really common in our daily life. They produce discomfort and pain in our head. Based on the level of discomfort, headaches can be mild or severe. To some people, headaches are a daily occurrence. But certain routines can significantly alleviate this discomfort. Constant pain can disrupt our daily routines.
I personally feel very weak whenever I suffer from a headache. I cannot complete any work, and it becomes painful for me to get through the day. Sometimes, I cannot sleep at all due to the pain. But some strategies can help. They tend to relieve the pain significantly.
Identify the Type of Headache
Understanding why you have a headache can help solve 60% of the problem. That’s why it’s important to figure out what type of headache you’re dealing with.
Tension Headache
If you’re stressed, you might experience a tension headache. It causes a steady pain on both sides of your head, making it feel tight and uncomfortable.
Migraines
Migraines can be very painful and hard to deal with. Sadly, there’s no cure for them. Migraines usually cause strong, throbbing pain on one side of the head. Some people also feel sick, vomit, or have sensitivity to light when they get a migraine.
Sinus Headaches
Sinus headaches happen when the spaces in your face around the eyes, nose, forehead, and cheeks get filled with fluid instead of air. This can lead to pressure and a severe headache. Sinus headaches often make you feel stuffed up and uncomfortable.
Cluster Headaches
Cluster headaches cause sharp pain around the eyes and can last for weeks or even months. They come in “clusters,” which means they appear in groups. While there isn’t a cure, there are ways to reduce the pain.
There may not be a single medicine to fix all headaches, but some home remedies can help make the pain less severe and bring relief.
Home Remedies for Immediate Relief
Hydration
Your brain needs water to function properly. When you’re dehydrated, it affects how your neurons work, which can lead to headaches. Dehydration causes your brain to struggle with its tasks, creating stress and eventually resulting in a bad headache. To prevent this, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking enough water throughout the day. A normal adult needs around 2 liters of water daily. Drink water whenever you’re thirsty, and it can help to set a reminder to drink regularly.
Rest in a Dark, Quiet Room
Bright lights and loud sounds can make headaches worse. Find a quiet, cool room to rest in. You can also place a cold towel on your forehead to ease the throbbing pain of a migraine. This will help you relax and reduce the discomfort.
Apply Heat or Cold
Using a cold compress on your forehead can provide quick relief from headaches. For tension headaches, try applying heat to the neck and shoulders. This helps relax tight muscles and improves blood flow, which can reduce the pain.
Practice Relaxation Techniques
Stand straight and gently bend forward from the waist, bowing down. Stay in this position for about 30 seconds. Repeat this 3 to 4 times, with a 10-second break in between. This simple movement helps increase blood flow to the head and may ease the headache.
Caffeine
Caffeine, found in tea and coffee, can sometimes relieve headaches by stimulating the brain. However, too much caffeine can lead to other health issues, so it’s important to enjoy it in moderation.
Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Relief
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle can lead to headache-free days.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Eat your meals at the same time every day.
- Eat a balanced diet to avoid other health concerns.
- Exercise regularly, at least for 20 minutes.
- Manage stress with proper planning of the day with a time frame.
If you feel like you are having severe pain for several days, try to contact a physician. If you have met with an accident and are experiencing headaches afterward, this could mean something is wrong. Talk to your physician. They will provide prescribed medicines.
