When all is said and done, headaches are one of the few things that can ruin an entire day. And, let’s not start about migraines, which take the throbbing and discomfort a notch up. Migraines are a severe type of headache accompanied by extreme pain, light sensitivity, and nausea. They are often recurring and usually affect only one side of the head.

While we would like to think of migraines as a rare disease, they are, unfortunately, quite common. And, if you have one, you do not have to just wait for it to settle down. These simple tips can help you when it strikes again:

1. Use eye shades
If your migraine leaves you light sensitive, and then it is best to stay away from bright environs. Turn off the lights and draw the curtains; relax in a dark, quiet room, and try and get some sleep. If this is not possible, then wear sunglasses to avoid excess light. You should also switch from regular fluorescent lights to softer ones and adjust the brightness of your gadgets accordingly.

2. Stay away from scents
Scents can have a profound effect on headaches. If you have sensitivity to smells, then it is important that you stay away from such fragrances. However, there are some soothing scents that many migraine patients swear by, such as coffee, mint, etc. If your symptoms are not intensified by these fragrances, you can consider trying them out.

3. Try temperature therapy
Steamy shower, warm compresses or ice baths with cold packs can help relieve the symptoms as well. Apply the compresses to your neck or head. Warm compresses can relax tense muscles while cold packs have a numbing effect that can dull the pain. Depending on your preference you can choose one.

4. Avoid screen glare
We know our gadgets more than we know our relatives and friends. Even if your phone is your one true friend, you must avoid using it during an episode. Average gadget screen emits a lot more blue light than the eyes can safely handle. Not only does it affect the retina, but it also aggravates the migraines, especially if you are photosensitive.

5. Mute all noises
There are many triggers of a migraine, and any of those can lead to an episode. One of those triggers is noise. Loud noise can not only set off an episode but also increase the discomfort. Even if you are not sound sensitive, it is always best to keep clear off distractions.

6. Set a schedule
Migraines can easily disrupt a schedule, but they are also caused by changes in the said routine. A troubled night’s sleep can often lead to another episode. Thus, it is quite important to stick to a routine - even on the weekends. Monitor your sleep and try going to bed at the same time every night. Even if you take a day nap, keep it under 30 minutes or it will interfere with nighttime sleep.

7. Avoid stress
High stress can also bring about a lot of change in routine and overall well being. Avoid last-minute hassles and plan your day beforehand for minimal stress. Prioritize your activities and try not to overburden yourself. If you feel overwhelmed, take a short break and relax. Meditation and Yoga can help in stress management as well.

8. Keep a diary
Earlier it was believed that avoiding triggers is the best way to deal with migraines. However, recent studies have shown otherwise. If you do not know the triggers or have a hard time pinning them down, a migraine diary can help you identify the situations that led to the episode. Note down the time it started and the time it quells along with anything that provided relief.

Conclusion!
Migraines usually become an unwanted part of daily life. However, they can not only be medicated but also be managed. Medicines, though are just one side of the coin, can help in managing and preventing them as well. However, when the pain strikes, it is very important to know how to cope with the discomfort. Lifestyle choices also play a pivotal role in determining the frequency and intensity of the symptoms. Behavioral and lifestyle changes can help you manage the pain and can offer you some control during the episodes.