Different kinds of headaches arise from different situations and are caused by different stimuli. I know how uncomfortable and how debilitating they can be.

Getting rid of a headache is sometimes as simple as taking a breather. If not, a cup of coffee or a quick nap might do the trick.

This is why I have put together a list of things that help prevent or get rid of both chronic and temporary headaches.

1. Stress headaches. I know I get these a lot. Chances are you might not even notice this type of headache creeping up on you as you are busy worrying about everything under the sun. If you get stress headaches often the first thing to do is to pinpoint the stressors that trigger the headaches. This will allow you to avoid, or brace yourself better, for the future annoying headaches that feel like they will never leave. Sometimes simply identifying triggers can help alleviate the symptom as the symptom is usually there to tell you something is wrong.
2. Check your diet. Some foods can trigger headaches if you eat too much or too little. For example, sugar and caffeine. Too little or too much of these can cause persistent headaches until you satisfy your body’s need. If you don’t drink coffee, there is still an added benefit to drinking a small cup when a headache arises. Studies have shown that a nice hot cup of coffee can curb an asthmatic reaction as well as headaches. They have also shown that caffeine can help alleviate muscle pain.
3. Exercise. This can prevent as well as get rid of headaches. A good, sweaty run can get rid of toxins in your body as well as charge neurotransmitters that help alleviate pain.
4. Drink lots of water. Some headaches are due to not drinking enough liquids, especially water.
5. Get enough sleep. Too little sleep can lead to headaches as your body is trying to signal you to sleep more. Also, too much sleep can also cause that dull aching in your head that makes it difficult to move and think. Most people do not realize the cons of oversleeping.
6. Keep a consistent sleeping pattern. Now that you drink enough liquids, keeping a consistent sleeping pattern will also avoid headaches by helping to prevent oversleeping or under sleeping. A consistent pattern is also important because your body will habituate to the cycle and it is by breaking this cycle that some headaches are formed.
7. Check your pillows or posture when you sleep and sit. Straining your neck during sleeping or when you sit can also cause headaches! Make sure your pillow is not so fluffy that your head is at and odd angle, and make sure that it is firm enough to support your head. When sitting, try to keep your back and neck straight.
8. Limit screen time. Watching too much t.v or spending too much time in front of a computer screen is also a cause of headaches. Especially if the screens are bright and the room is not well lit.
9. Check with your doctor. You might need glasses. Eye strain can cause headaches, and some eye strain is the product of needing to adjust your eyesight. A quick checkup with your doctor can also signal any other, potentially dangerous reasons you could be having chronic headaches.

Exercise is an important deterrent to headaches as well as keeping hydrated and watching your diet. You do not always have to turn to medications to help alleviate pain.

Finally, sometimes a simple smile will help get the endorphins going and the dopamine flowing and therefore getting rid of, or preventing an oncoming headache from turning into a monster.

photo by Mrs. Maze