1. Head Off Common Travel Stresses
Stress is a major contributor to travel headaches. Planning for some of the frustrations you might face can reduce stress while traveling. Always give yourself enough time to get where you are going. If you are flying, arrive at the airport well in advance in case long lines hold you up. Schedule your flight to arrive at least several hours before you need to be somewhere in case your flight is delayed. If you are driving, make sure you have accurate directions so you don't get lost. Have your car serviced before long road trips to prevent breakdowns and other hassles. If stresses do get the better of you, take time to relax, stretch, meditate and decompress. Taking half an hour for lunch and a bottle of water can sometimes make all the difference.
2. Carry Your Own Food, Water and Medication
Avoiding hunger and staying hydrated while you travel can also reduce headaches. Long trips can often interrupt your normal eating schedule, and hunger can trigger headaches. Carry a snack with you in case you can't get to a restaurant or store. Protein and meal replacement bars are portable and provide enough nourishment to keep you satisfied.
Cabin air on planes is dry and can contribute to dehydration--another headache trigger. Bring your own bottle of water on board so that you can hydrate whenever you want. TSA restrictions allow you to carry on liquids purchased on the other side of security. If you have recurrent headaches, bring a pain reliever or other medication in your carry-on.
3. Jet Lag: How to Adjust to New Time Zones
Disruption in your sleep schedule is a common trigger for headaches so maintain your regular sleep schedule when traveling. However, this may be impossible if you are traveling across multiple time zones. In this case, jet lag also can contribute to headaches. To minimize the effects, gradually set your sleep schedule to approximate the time zone of your destination city. For example, if you are traveling to a city that is 5 hours ahead of your time zone, go to sleep an hour earlier each night for 5 nights before you leave. By the time you arrive at your destination, your sleep schedule will be the same as everyone else's.
You can also minimize the effects of jet lag by sleeping on the plane if it is nighttime in your destination. Bring a neck pillow, eye mask and earplugs in your carry-on to help you sleep. Once you get to your destination, let the light help your circadian rhythm to readjust. Avoid staying out too late or getting up too early, as lack of sleep can also trigger headaches.
Member Comments