Do you have a headache and are desperately looking for some relief? We’ve all been there. We know how frustrating it can be to have the numerous items on your to-do list hampered by a pounding headache.
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Thankfully, there are lots of easy hacks you can try to quickly relieve your headaches. Let’s explore some proven methods that can help you feel better in no time.
Stay Hydrated
Dehydration is one of the most common causes of headaches. If you’re not drinking enough water, your body can react with a headache. Drinking too much coffee or alcohol, especially red wine, can also trigger a headache.
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So, when you feel a headache coming on, start your day with a large glass of water. Take sips throughout the day to stay hydrated. You can add a slice of cucumber or lemon to give it a refreshing twist.
Use a Cold Compress
Another quick headache remedy is to apply a cold compress to the back of your neck or your forehead. The cold helps to reduce inflammation and constrict blood vessels, which can reduce pain.
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So wrap an ice pack or a bag of frozen peas in a towel and apply it to your neck or forehead for fifteen to twenty minutes. You can repeat if necessary.
Practice Deep Breathing
One of the main triggers for headaches is tension and stress. You can ease your tension and reduce your headache by practicing deep breathing for a few minutes. Or you can sit or lie down in a comfortable position in order to feel better.
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Then you close your eyes and take a slow, deep breath in through your nose. After holding it for a few seconds, slowly exhale through your mouth. You can repeat this for 5-10 minutes.
Massage your Forehead and Neck
Massaging specific spots on your head and neck can help you reduce headaches. You should pay attention to the area between your eyebrows, your temples, and the base of your skull.
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To do this, softly massage these areas in a circular motion with your fingertips. Then apply some pressure, but not enough to cause pain. You can spend about 5 minutes on each area. Your head and neck will relieve you afterward.
Try Acupressure
Acupressure is the practice of applying pressure to certain body points to relieve pain. It’s similar to acupuncture but without the needles. One useful point to apply pressure to for headaches is the area between your thumb and index finger.
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Simply press on the webbing between your thumb and index finger with your other thumb and index finger. After applying pressure for roughly 30 seconds, switch hands. You can repeat this several times.
Reduce Screen Time
Staring at screens for long periods can cause headaches and eye strain. If you’ve been working on your computer or staring at your phone for a long time, take a break to rest your eyes.
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You can follow the 20-20-20 rule, which implies that every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for at least 20 seconds. Feel free to experiment with this hack; you’ll feel better afterward.
Take a Warm Bath or Shower
Sometimes all it takes to relieve a headache is a warm bath or shower. The warm water helps to improve your blood flow and relax your muscles. You can sprinkle some Epsom salts or a few drops of essential oil into your bath for added relaxation.
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Essential oils that have been shown to relieve headaches include peppermint and lavender oil. Their calming qualities can help ease stress and pain.
Consider Your Diet
Some people suffer headaches after eating certain foods. Common contributors include old cheeses, processed meats, and foods containing MSG. You should pay attention to your diet and note if any specific foods seem to trigger your headaches.
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You can keep a food journal to keep track of your diet and how it affects your headaches. Then reduce or cut out trigger foods.
Use Over-the-Counter Pain Relief
When natural remedies don’t work, over-the-counter pain medicines can be a fast and effective solution. Medications like acetaminophen, aspirin, and ibuprofen are common options.
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Always follow the recommended dosage instructions as directed by your doctor. Be careful not to abuse them, and if your headaches don’t go away after three days, you should visit the hospital.
Sleep
It’s important to stick to a regular sleep pattern because getting insufficient sleep might cause chronic headaches. Make sure to go to bed and wake up at regular hours. And abstain from stimulants like alcohol, sweets, nicotine, and caffeine before going to bed.
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Also, turn off electronics and choose a calming before-bedtime activity, like reading a book or taking a hot bath. Your quality of sleep can be greatly enhanced by following this easy, relaxing hack.
Gentle Stretches
Tight muscles in your shoulders and neck can commonly be the cause of tension headaches. Gentle stretching can help you ease your headache and release this tension.
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To try this, carefully move your neck back and forth, lift your shoulders up to your ears, and then let them drop. Then stretch your arms above your head and gently lean from side to side.
