Headache is something we all have experienced at some point in our life.
Be it after a long day at work or before an approaching deadline, it is normal to feel pressure in the head. But some struggle with it daily.
Persistent headaches can interrupt your work and can lead to drastic mood swings. This could also be a sign of an underlying health condition or depict lifestyle problems.
To reduce the likelihood, frequency, intensity, and severity of pain it is crucial to practise headache hygiene.
Cutting down some habits or modifying them may help to reduce the risk of severe attacks. Here are 5 changes you can make in your daily routine.
1. Eat healthily
The food you eat in the day from the moment you get up till you go to bed may also trigger your headache. Excess intake of caffeine, tea, alcohol, salty snacks, and processed foods may also cause headaches. Notice which food causes you headache and try to reduce intake of such foods during day time. Besides, skipping a meal can also lead to throbbing pain in the head. Try to have a balanced meal in a day. Fruits, vegetables, and whole grains should be a part of your regular meal.
2. Fix your posture
Poor posture can put you at the risk of developing headaches. Hunching your shoulders and sitting in sloppy postures can put strain on your head, neck and shoulders, leading to tension headaches. If you have a sitting job, sit properly on a chair and table and not on the bed. Also, keep checking your posture throughout the day. Keep your spine erect, laptop at the level of your eyes and shoulders straight. Take a break after every hour.
3. Stress
Stress is a major contributor to tension and migraine headache. So, if you are one of those who often suffer from the problem of headache try to manage your stress level. Meditation, breathing exercises, yoga or even a small walk in the middle of the day can calm your mind and reduce your manage level of stress hormones. If you are struggling to manage your stress level then consult a professional.
4. Avoid smoking
Honestly, smoking has no health benefits. It damages your lungs, affects your gut health and also reduces your immune health. Now there is another addition to this list- headache. Smoking and second-hand smoking, both can contribute to headaches. The pain is intense if you smoke too many cigarettes in a day or have it on an empty stomach. This happens due to the presence of nicotine, which constricts the blood vessels and reduces the blood flow in the brain, leading to throbbing pain.
5. Sleep schedule
After working all day long, your body needs time to rest and rejuvenate. Putting extra load on your brain and cutting down your sleep time will trigger headaches, lead to weight gain and decrease your concentration level. It is better to stick to your sleeping schedule and maintain a healthy sleeping schedule.