By Sachin Murdeshwar

Mumbai : You probably know that Stress is one of the biggest triggers of migraine. If you are leading a stressful life and that is worsening your migraine then how does one tackle it? Doing so can help you get rid of those notorious headaches. Adopt these vital strategies and stay happy. migraine is a neurological condition that causes a throbbing headache with a pulsating sensation on one side of your head. Often, one will also feel nauseated and there will be increased sensitivity to light and sound. a migraine attack can even last for a few hours or even days and that unbearable pain can also interfere with your day-to-day activities.

Stress and migraine

Stress is one of the main triggers of migraine and chronic pain causes more stress. Hence, the cycle will continue. It can also lead to a tension headache, which is a slightly different type of headache from migraine, without nausea or one-sided symptoms.

Following these strategies can help reduce stress and deal with migraine

·         Eat a well-balanced diet: Foods rich in Vitamin B-2(Riboflavin) and Magnesium can be helpful.  Salmon: It is abundant in omega-3 fatty acids and can help control migraines. Whole grains, beans, and leafy dark green vegetables are all high in magnesium, and according to the research, people who have magnesium get migraines. Mushrooms can help you deal with headaches and control migraines. Even carrots and sweet potatoes.

·         Say NO to chocolates:  Avoid chocolates, preservatives, additives, cheese, red wine, smoking, alcohol, citrus, and processed foods. Avoid foods with preservatives monosodium glutamate (MSG) and artificial sweeteners as they are knows migraine triggers.

·         Adopt a healthy lifestyle: Follow a regular schedule with respect to eating, sleeping, and exercise.  Adequate sleep for 7-8 hrs will help you get rid of the headache. opt for relaxation techniques such as yoga and meditation. This can help you to relax and de-stress. You can also opt for deep-breathing exercises. Exercising daily can also be beneficial. It can help you stay stress-free. You can do activities of your choice like running, walking or even aerobics.

·         Keeping a Journal can be helpful: Write down about the situations that stress you, when your migraine triggers. Write about your feelings. Then Look for those triggers and avoid them.

·         Stick to a proper schedule: Build a routine. Make a time table of the tasks you are supposed to carry out throughout the day. Stay organized. Amid work, don’t forget to take out some time and rejuvenate yourself. You can do any favorite activity like reading, gardening, listening to music or painting or simply relaxing. This can help you stay stress-free and in turn reduce your chances of suffering from a migraine. Also, try to spend some quality time with your family and friends. Open up about your feelings. Try to speak to your near and dear ones about the things that worry you.

Takeaway: It is essential to get rid of stress in order to manage your migraine. Also remember that you must not self-medicate. Doing so is a strict no-no. Consult your neurologist if your migraine is bothering you.