Tips To Avoid Winter Migraines And Headaches

Tips To Avoid Winter Migraines And Headaches

As winter approaches, the atmosphere will become fun and beautiful with snowfalls and fog. But for certain individuals, this season also brings a rise in the frequency and intensity of migraines and headaches. Getting an insight into what causes these winter migraines and taking effective measures to combat this problem accordingly can help an individual have a happy life.

So, what is winter migraine? And how is it triggered? And how can we prevent this? All these questions will be answered in this article. So, let’s start.

What are Winter Migraines?

Winter migraines are headaches that can be triggered by fluctuations in temperature, atmospheric pressure, and indoor heating during colder months. Increased levels of stress during holidays are also one of the reasons for these headaches. Moreover, decreased levels of sunlight exposure can impact serotonin levels, which also contributes to winter migraines.
Nausea, light and sound sensitivity, and throbbing pain are some of the common symptoms of Winter Migraines.

Root Causes of Winter Headaches

• Cold weather: A sudden drop in temperature can contract blood vessels reaching the head, causing tension and migraines.
• Being less active: Many people become less active during winter months, which causes them to feel migraines.
• Indoor heating: Harmful dry air from heaters can cause dehydration, which is the most common cause of migraines and winter headaches.
• Routine change: The holiday season more commonly results in irregular eating and working habits, which can also provoke migraines.

Tips for preventing winter migraines

• Stay Hydrated
  Dehydration is the most common cause of migraines and headaches. During winter people are more prone to dehydration due to the dry air present in the environment which causes more loss of water from the body. To tackle this problem staying hydrated becomes important. Try to drink at least two to three litres of water daily. Also, consider including herbal tea or soups in your daily meals that can help you maintain hydration.
• Get Natural light
  Limited exposure to the Sun is also a crucial cause of migraines. This may lead to reduced levels of Vitamin D, which in turn affects serotonin levels and triggers winter migraines. Try to spend time outdoors in the afternoon if possible or mimic natural light, also known as a light therapy box, as an alternative. These measures can help in migraine prevention.
• Manage Stress
  For most migraine patients, stress is a big trigger. Winter often adds other stressors in the form of holiday preparations and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). You can also benefit greatly by adding some stress management techniques to your routine. Activities like yoga, meditation, or deep-breathing exercises. Even moderate physical activity can reduce stress and tension. These activities help in managing stress which will in turn help in migraine prevention.
• Be Careful of Diet
  There are some foods that can also trigger winter migraines. Some of them include aged cheese, processed meat, chocolate, and alcohol. Keeping a dietary diary may help to keep in check the potential triggers. Try to follow a balanced diet that is rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, & lean proteins. If possible, try to consume fish, as fish contains omega-3 which is a helpful ingredient in reducing migraine.
• Limit Caffeine Intake
  While taking caffeine-rich products can help in migraine prevention for some people, it does not always work for everyone. Sudden changes in intake can also cause migraine if you are a regular consumer of caffeine. Withdrawal can also lead to winter headaches or migraines. Try to consume caffeine-based products in limited amounts.
• Do Regular Exercise
  Physical exercise is a powerful tool in migraine prevention. Regular exercise could help people reduce stress, become more pleasant to be around and become healthy individuals in general. Do at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activities like brisk walking, cycling, or swimming per week. If you like doing activities, exercising won’t even feel like exercising.
• Avoid Strong Odours
  If you are allergic to strong smells or odors then try to avoid them. These smells irritate the nervous system that causes winter headaches or migraines to individuals who are vulnerable to them. Besides, cold air increases sensitivity to odors making them making them more prone to winter migraines or headaches.
• Keep a Good Posture
  It is a common habit of many people to sit in a poor posture while working at home or exploring social media which can lead to tension and headache. Poor posture also puts pressure on the neck which causes tension and headache. Ensure your workspace is a comfortable place. Take regular breaks to relax and stretch your body muscles to rule out any possibilities of migraine and headaches.
• Try Using Supplements
  If necessary consider using supplements present in the market that can help in migraine prevention. Magnesium has been shown to decrease the frequency of migraine attacks in some people. Some supplements that can be considered include coenzyme Q10 and riboflavin (vitamin B2). Any type of supplement treatment should initially be prescribed by a physician to ensure that it does not adversely affect the patient’s medical treatment plan.
• Consult a Doctor
  For the individuals who are prone to winter migraines or headaches on a regular basis need to consult their doctor. A doctor can provide medication or exercise that suits you and your daily routine or if needed any therapy. Keeping a diary about your symptoms or how often they occur can help your healthcare provider navigate through your problem with more accuracy.

Conclusion

Winter migraines and headaches can be difficult for many to cope with during the winter months. Understanding common causes and taking the right preventative measures will reduce the frequency and intensity of these exhausting parts of life. Hydration, regular exercise routine, stress management, and dietary awareness are very important parts of migraine prevention. Professional counselling and keeping up with all sorts of physical activities may also ensure the complete welfare of any person during the winter. A proactive approach can be that one would never have any kind of headache or migraine, even during winter, and would enjoy those seasons more vividly.