Headaches: The Great Productivity Killer
Headaches are one of the greatest productivity killers. When you’re trying to get something done and a headache comes on, it’s game over. Even if you try to make it through, you’re not going to be nearly as productive and you’re likely going to be more miserable than ever. While it’s no fun, there are some natural and simple methods to cure your headache!
The Quick and Natural Way to Cure Headaches
The idea behind relieving a headache is to do it naturally and quickly. There are plenty of over-the-counter medications, but they have their own side effects that just create a new problem. If taken too frequently, headache medicines may even lose their effectiveness.
Here are some natural headache remedies that you can use to quickly eliminate that headache:
Our favorite:
Soak or continuously dip your feet in cold water (monitor the temp to avoid frost-bite) Your body will have an innate response to help keep your body warm sending blood down to your feet and away from your head, eliminating or reducing your headache.
Many will recommend hot water on your again with the premise that more blood circulates down to your feet. With this method a cold compress applied to your neck or far head may keep you more comfortable.
Additional remedies:
- If you’re at home, take a warm bath. Many headaches are caused by contracted muscles and a hot bath will relax those muscles. This is especially great for tension headaches.
- If it is a stress headache, exercising can relieve it. Taking a walk to increase blood circulation can help dramatically.
- If the headache is caused by dehydration, drinking water can help, but it may take several glasses until the problem is solved.
- Massaging the shoulders and neck can relieve a tension headache. This is because the tightened muscles causing the headache are loosened. When tension headaches are a constant in your life, consider a few medical massage sessions, after consulting with your doctor, of course.
- For a caffeine, sinus, or allergy headache, a cold or hot compress can make the headache go away.
- Reduce your intake of caffeine in order to avoid caffeine headaches. This can be one of the worst types of headaches. Unfortunately, there are many people who attempt to solve this headache by taking in more caffeine. The problem is that this type of headache tends to be caused by caffeine withdrawal, so it’s a catch 22.
- Have a cup of strong coffee. Caffeine reduces blood-vessel swelling, and thus can help to relieve a headache, if you are not a heavy coffee drinker already. Keep in mind that caffeine withdrawal can cause headaches, creating a vicious cycle.
- Try to sleep the same hours every night. Too little or too much sleep can cause headaches. You also want to try to keep a consistent bedtime.
- Try not to sit, stand, or work in the same position for long periods of time. This can put strain on your back, shoulders, and neck. This strain can lead to a tension headache, so change position frequently to keep this from occurring.
- If bright lights make your head hurt, avoid them. If you already have a headache, try to sit in a room with minimal light. People with migraines tend to benefit from this technique.
- Avoid foods that trigger headaches. If you notice a pattern that your head hurts after eating a certain food, that is your sign to avoid it. Try eating organic fruits and vegetables because of their nutritional value and health benefits.
- Tie a headband, scarf or tie around your forehead, then tighten it just to the point where you can feel pressure all around your head. Reducing the flow of blood to your scalp can help to relieve the pain caused by swollen blood vessels. You might also want to try soaking the headband in vinegar, which is also a traditional headache remedy.
Since everyone is different, different remedies will work for different people. You may need to experiment to find out which one is going to work best for you. Once you find your remedy, stick to it.
How to Prevent Headaches
You can prevent headaches by controlling your stress levels, exercising, and eating balanced meals. All of these go hand-in-hand because stress can be relieved by exercising and eating healthy foods. It may require a lifestyle change, but you’ll not only feel better but you’ll relieve the majority of your headaches!
By implementing these changes and eliminating your headaches, you’ll boost your quality of life and get more done.
If you are looking to make changes in the life you want but don’t know where to start or how to get there, coaching may be just what you need! We can find a way to help you bridge the gap between what you should do and doing it and doing it consistently. Visit our Health and Wellness Page or give me a call at 631-462-4263 for more information.
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
All information stated is for educational and informational purposes only, to help the client to pursue his/her life goals in a healthy manner. Coaching is NOT a substitute for counseling, psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, mental health care, or substance abuse treatment. Coaching is not to be used in place of any form of diagnosis, treatment, or therapy. The content should not substitute for medical advice from a qualified health care professional, medical or psychological (mental) diagnosis, treatment, and care.
ACCURACY
Although every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of information shared on or through our website, the information may accidentally contain inaccuracies or typographical errors. Every effort has been made to present you with the most accurate, up-to-date information, but because the nature of scientific research is constantly evolving, we cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of the content.
Serving the Chronic Condition Community
Pain. Disease. Illness. Inflammation.
Lymphatic & Immune System Challenges
Marla Kaplan
Nationally Board Certified Health and Wellness Coach
HealthAndWellnessCoachLI.com
631-462-4263
