5 Ways to Ease Tension Headaches
Tension headaches are a common problem and more often than not they’re caused by stress. Often the best ways to ease or even prevent tension headaches are activities associated with relaxing. It’s important to focus on your overall wellbeing as well, stay active and hydrated, and don’t consume too much junk. If you frequently have tension headaches it’s necessary to identify the cause in order to fight them. Here are five ways to ease your headaches.
Identify the cause
Tension headaches tend to cause a dull ache in the neck and other areas of the body as well. There are several common causes. One of the main ones is stress and the symptoms of stress such as lack of sleep. Certain people have other conditions that could be linked to headaches such as allergies, or nasal blockages such as sinusitis that affect your breathing. In order to ease your tension headaches, you need to understand your options better, identify the cause, and find the right treatment.
Massage
You can perform a tension headache massage on yourself or see a professional massage therapist. If your tension headache is caused by stress, then a massage could be very beneficial. It relaxes the entire body and mind and increases blood flow. This will help transport healthy oxygenated blood around your body, boost your immune system, and even improve digestion. Headaches are often connected to your overall health so it’s important to look after your wellbeing. Getting a professional massage is one of the best ways to do this, so don't be afraid to try it out if you haven't before!
Aromatherapy
As well as massage, you could try aromatherapy in order to relax. There are several essential oils for headaches that can be soothing either in the bath or for massage. Try a little peppermint oil as this produces a cooling sensation. You could also ease your headache using hot and cold compresses. Oddly, both heat and cold work to alleviate soreness and tension so choose the one you feel most comfortable with.
Mediation
If you’re feeling stressed you need to make sure you look after your wellbeing. Be mindful of your body and the world around you. You could try mediation in order to relax and clear your mind of stress. Focus a little more on self-care and you’ll be able to identify and cope with the causes of your stress. In turn, you should then sleep better, feel more positive, and ease the tension. Deep mindful breathing exercises are also very effective at easing headaches.
Stay active
It’s proven that you should stay active and do exercise to beat headaches. You might not feel like a workout if you’ve got a headache but it’s another good way to get your circulation flowing. Try a calmer activity such as yoga, for example. Start slow, and speak to your doctor or trainer at the gym if you have any concerns. Make sure you stay hydrated especially while exercising as dehydration is also a common cause of headaches. Find a new sport or activity that you enjoy. This will help you relax and hopefully will ease your tension headaches.
