Whether the pain grows gradually or comes on suddenly, frequent headaches can make it difficult to get through the day. The cause of frequent headaches varies but is often related to stress levels. Other triggers might include dietary habits, lack of sleep, caffeine and environmental triggers, such as cigarette smoke. Identifying your primary headache trigger helps you avoid it to reduce the chances of getting a headache. A generally healthy lifestyles aids in avoiding the major triggers of frequent headaches.
Step 1
Write down the date and time in a notebook or journal each time you experience a headache. Describe the pain and the events leading up to the headache, including the location and the activities you did. Use this documentation to identify headache triggers and focus on eliminating or reducing exposure to those triggers.
Step 2
Sleep enough each night to wake up well-rested. Keep the same bedtime and waking time every day to get your body into a routine.
Step 3
Eat a balanced diet with lots of produce, whole grains and lean produce to provide your body with the energy and nutrients it needs. Avoid skipping meals, which may lead to a headache. Document the foods you eat in your headache journal to see if a specific type of food is triggering your headaches.
Step 4
Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Keep a bottle of water next to you and drink anytime you feel thirsty to keep yourself hydrated.
Step 5
Exercise daily to reduce tension in your muscles. According to MayoClinic.com, exercise can also block pain signals in the brain.
Step 6
Take breaks from the computer, television and other stimulating activities. Get some fresh air or rest your eyes during your break.
Step 7
Practice breathing and relaxation techniques to reduce tension in the muscles that may lead to a headache. Close your eyes and breathe deeply, or visualize yourself in a relaxing environment. Stretch your muscles or tense and release the muscles in progressive muscle relaxation technique.
Step 8
Reduce stress levels by simplifying your routine, managing your time wisely and delegating some responsibilities to others. Keep a positive attitude, even with your life gets stressful. Learn to identify situations and problems that are out of your control and avoid dwelling on those things.
Step 9
Limit your caffeine intake, which can affect headaches. Reducing your caffeine intake drastically can cause headaches.
Tips and Warnings
- Contact your physician if your headaches change or become more frequent to rule out the possibility of a medical cause.
