Life Hacks for Reoccurring Migraines for Parents
Migraines can become quite debilitating to manage in the long term. Most people think migraines are just acute headaches, but they are more than that. Regular headaches do not bring nausea, vomiting, sight impairment, and sensitivity to certain foods, lights, and sounds. Migraines are a nearly lifelong condition that can affect teenagers, adults, and especially parents of young children. Thankfully medicines can help manage the pain and allow you to function normally.
The best way to reduce the pain and allow for some normalcy in your life during an attack is through medicines. While several natural and DIY treatment options curb the discomfort, only medicines help you cope with the migraine attack. Most people buy sumatriptan online since it is convenient to have the medication delivered home. You do not need to rush to the pharmacy to refill your prescriptions when your vision is impaired during a migraine.
Let us look at some life hacks to help you and your children deal with reoccurring migraines.
Manage Stress:
Did you know stress is one of the primary reasons for recurring migraines? Parents of young children tend to get more migraines due to the excessive parenting, running around, sleepless nights, and more. As your stress levels increase in the body, so do the chances of getting a migraine attack.
- Breathe: Whenever you feel you are under stress, the first thing to remember is to give your body amply oxygen. Try this exercise (even if you are at work). Close your eyes for 30 seconds, and concentrate on your breaths. This will help increase the oxygen-carrying capacity in your blood and allow your head to clear up a little.
- Manage Your Tasks: Instead of adding to your work, try to reduce or delegate some tasks. Getting the help of a sitter or a nanny might help to unburden yourself and allow a little time to relax.
- Manage Time: Being organised, having lists ready, and making time for all your tasks will help you stay on track and plan everything in advance.
Regularly Exercise:
Physical activity helps the body release certain chemicals that help block pain signals to the head. These chemicals are useful for migraine control, but they also help alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety. Regular exercise also helps control symptoms of obesity which can decrease the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood and, in turn, can help prevent migraines. Children can also exercise, play, run, and do light stretches with their parents as a bonding exercise. Parents of young children should supervise to ensure they are doing it correctly.
Before starting any strenuous exercise regime, it is best to speak with the doctor. They can tell you which exercises will suit your body type, how many minutes you should exercise, and how to proceed. Any form of cardio like brisk walking, cycling, and light jogging can help get the blood pumping.
Keep a Food Diary:
Food diaries help identify triggers of migraine. Certain foods often cause a reaction in the body which can spell the start of a migraine attack. If you suspect that you get sick after eating certain foods, you should immediately identify and avoid them in the future.
Children can also have these triggers, and many can also have dairy products as one of the main sources around migraines. Some other commonly known migraine triggering foods are alcohol, chocolate, aged cheese, and certain dairy products.
Rest Well:
The trick to controlling your migraines is maintaining a sleep schedule and finding time to rest. Resting or sleeping in a dark, slightly cool room will help ease your migraines and allow you a breather. Many people create a conducive sleep environment by dimming the lights, playing soft music, reducing/ increasing the temperature, and getting comfortable in sleep clothes so they can rest.
Children should also take short naps at the same time. You can use this as a tactic to ensure you also get some rest while allowing your children a nap. The chemical released in the head while resting helps ease migraine pain and considerably reduces the effects.
Showers and Compresses:
Applying a compress (cold or warm) to the forehead or the nape (back of the neck) can help reduce the tension in the nerves and ease the strain on your muscles. During a migraine, the muscles in the neck bunch up, creating tremendous pressure. Relaxing them helps distract the mind from migraine. This technique is especially useful for parents with children younger than 5 years, since you may have to hold your children, play with them, carry them, feed them, and more. This constant physical strain will cause the muscles in the neck to bunch up.
Warm showers also work similarly. They help ease the stress and strain in the body and allow muscles to relax. Some people prefer taking a bath before bed and dipping in warm water. Adults and children can take a warm shower before bed to ensure they get adequate rest at night.