Which one you use is really a matter of personal preference. Both can work, but some work better for some people than others. Heat tends to work better for a sinus headache because it helps loosen up congestion. [4] X Trustworthy Source Cleveland Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Use a bubble bath or shower gel with a calming scent, such as lavender, to compound the effect.
When you wake up, you might find that your headache has miraculously disappeared! However, if you have limited time, be sure to set an alarm so you don’t miss anything important. Keep your nap short! Naps longer than 20-30 minutes can interfere with your nighttime sleep and cause more headaches. [7] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Studies show regular massage therapy can reduce the frequency of tension headaches. [10] X Trustworthy Source PubMed Central Journal archive from the U. S. National Institutes of Health Go to source But even if regular sessions with a massage therapist aren’t available for you, self-massage can still be extremely beneficial.
If you get in the habit of taking regular breaks, especially if you have to look at screens a lot for work or school, you’ll likely find you get fewer headaches. Look into glasses to reduce glare from screens if eye strain headaches are an issue for you.
Generally, you can tell that you’re properly hydrated if you’re rarely thirsty and your urine is clear or pale yellow in color. This works as a more immediate cure as well as a preventive measure if your headache was caused by dehydration.
You can also use exercise to treat headaches. Even though working out might be the last thing you want to do when your head is pounding, a brisk walk might help. [15] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source Studies have shown that aerobic exercise can help lessen the intensity of pain and regular exercise can help reduce the frequency of headaches. [16] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MDBoard Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview. 2 February 2021.
If you’re used to slouching, it can take some time to get in the habit of sitting and standing with good posture, but you’ll start noticing benefits almost immediately.
If you want to start a regular meditation practice, you don’t have to do it alone—there are plenty of smartphone apps you can choose from to get started. Many of them are free to use, although some require a monthly subscription to unlock all the features.
It can take several days for a reaction to develop, which makes it difficult to pinpoint your exact sensitivities—but a food diary can help! For example, you might notice that you get a headache the day after eating beef. You might want to avoid beef for a few weeks to see if the headaches go away or decrease.
Creating a bedtime routine can also help. Turn down the lights about an hour before you go to bed and avoid screens (computers, phones, TVs) for a half-hour or so before bedtime. Taking a warm bath can also help calm your body and get you ready for sleep.
For example, if you’re used to drinking a cup of coffee (or two) every morning, not getting your usual cup of Joe could trigger a headache. At the same time, caffeine can cause headaches in people who are sensitive to it. Understanding your triggers helps you not only prevent headaches but also find the best way to treat them when they come.
Coenzyme Q10: may reduce the frequency of headaches and migraines Melatonin: helps improve sleep quality and may decrease headaches, especially morning headaches Magnesium: when taken daily, may help reduce the frequency of headaches and migraines[24] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MDBoard Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview. 2 February 2021. B vitamins (also found in leafy greens, beans, nuts, and seeds): B2 (riboflavin), in particular, helps reduce the frequency of headaches[25] X Expert Source Joel Warsh, MDBoard Certified Pediatrician Expert Interview. 2 February 2021. Although some studies support the use of supplements for headaches, more research needs to be done to determine whether it is effective. [26] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
Feverfew (standard dose 50-100 mg daily): reduces inflammation of blood vessels in your head—great for sinus headaches and congestion Ginger (tea or candy, 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger in hot water): decreases headache severity, may relieve nausea that often accompanies a migraine headache Lavender (2-4 drops of oil in water): soothes pain and boosts mood Peppermint (tea or 2-4 drops of oil): soothes pain; has a cooling effect Although some studies support the use of supplements for headaches, more research needs to be done to determine whether it is effective. [28] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world’s leading hospitals Go to source
