5 Tips for Dealing with Daily Headaches

Headaches affect millions of American adults every day, making it one of the most common complaints. There are many types of headaches, but the most common are tension and migraine headaches. Tension headaches are the most common, and are described as the normal, daily headaches.Migraines are described as intense pain that usually starts on one side of the head and can be accompanied by blurred vision and nausea. They can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several hours, or even several days. Keep reading to learn how to deal with daily headaches.

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Causes

Headaches occur when blood vessels in the brain become inflamed and constantly dilate and constrict. For headaches to be considered chronic, they must occur 15 days or more per month for at least three months.

There are many things that can trigger daily headaches, including hormone fluctuations, poor diet, inactive lifestyle, poor posture, excessive stress, dehydration, insufficient sleep, and excessive caffeine and alcohol intake.

Tips

Follow these tips to overcome daily headaches.

Drink water

It is extremely important to drink plenty of water every day for optimal performance and overall health. Staying properly hydrated helps boost energy levels, improve bodily functions, and reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. You can tell if you are dehydrated by the color or your urine. It should be pale yellow - anything darker than that indicates dehydration. Keeping a reusable water around will remind you to drink.

Herbal remedies

Herbs with anti-inflammatory properties, like feverfew, valerian, lemon balm, and lavender are beneficial when dealing with daily headaches. These herbs work by soothing inflammation and preventing blood vessels in the scalp from dilating. You can find these herbs in supplement, tea, or essential oil form at natural food stores.

Get some sleep

Getting adequate amounts of sleep every night is vital to feeling your best throughout the day and preventing headaches. The average adult needs seven to eight hours of sleep every night. Taking a brief nap in the afternoon if you feel a headache coming on can also help.

Eat healthy

Eating balanced meals and healthy snacks every three to four hours is recommended for feeling your best. Eating healthy can also help prevent daily headaches.

Exercise

Exercising regularly provides numerous health benefits, such as increased energy, improved mood, and reduced stress. Getting at least 30 minutes of aerobic activity every day is the general recommendation. If you can't get to (or don't like) the gym, try yoga, swimming, biking or walking. These are all excellent low-intensity work outs that can significantly reduce stress and prevent headaches.

Daily headaches can be triggered by a number of things, like stress, inactive lifestyle, and dehydration. It is vital to maintain a healthy and active lifestyle to prevent daily headaches. Trying a combination of these tips can be useful when dealing with headaches to see which method works best for you, relative to your pain. Read more about treatments for daily headaches during menopause.