Living with migraines can be challenging, especially when you’re constantly on the move. Unfortunately, a migraine can creep up when you least expect it. Whether at work, traveling, or just out and about, the last thing you want is for a painful headache to ruin your plans. Managing migraines on the go is all about preparation and migraine self-care. By being proactive and following these simple tips, you can reduce the impact of migraines and keep them from derailing your day.
1. Always carry a reusable water bottle with you.
It’s easy to forget to drink water when you’re out and about, but dehydration is a common migraine trigger. Make a habit of carrying a reusable water bottle and taking regular sips throughout the day. Keep sugary and caffeinated drinks to a minimum, as they can dehydrate you further. Proper hydration can help prevent migraines from creeping up throughout the day.
2. Keep a stash of healthy, migraine-friendly snacks.
Skipping meals or even eating the wrong foods can trigger a painful migraine. Before heading out, take a few extra minutes to pack a few migraine-friendly snacks that you can nibble on throughout the day, like nuts, fresh fruit, or yogurt. Avoid processed foods, sugary snacks, and foods with artificial additives, especially monosodium glutamate (MSG). Having a small, nutritious snack on hand can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and keep migraines at bay.
3. Keep your eyes protected.
Bright lights and screens can trigger a migraine for some people. If you’re going to be outside, wear sunglasses with UV protection, even on cloudy days. If you’re using electronic devices, especially for prolonged periods, lower the screen brightness to a comfortable level and take frequent breaks to rest your eyes. Blue light-blocking glasses can also help reduce eye strain and potentially prevent or diminish migraine pain.
4. Scope out (or create) a quiet place to retreat.
If you feel a migraine coming on, seek out a quiet, dimly lit space to rest. Sometimes, a short break away from the hustle and bustle can be enough to prevent a migraine from escalating. If you’re going somewhere new, it doesn’t hurt to scope out a quiet place ahead of time. As part of your migraine self-care routine, consider carrying a small eye mask and earplugs or noise-canceling headphones in your bag to help create a peaceful environment wherever you are when you need it most.
5. Manage your stress, even while you’re on the go.
Managing stress is crucial for migraine self-care, especially when dealing with busy schedules. Deep breathing exercises, even if it’s just for a few minutes, can help you relax. Some apps even offer guided meditation sessions that you can access right from your smartphone. Don’t underestimate the power of a few calming breaths in a stressful situation. Other stress management tips you can try on the go are taking a quick walk (even better if you can head outdoors), listening to calming music, doing some stretches, closing your eyes, or squeezing a stress ball.
6. Carry a migraine emergency kit.
If you will be out for a while, be prepared with a handy kit that includes items you might need for relief. The tools in the kit can look different for everyone, but consider including any medication you usually use, instant cold packs, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones, eye mask, essential oils, and ginger candies or chews (to help relieve migraine-related nausea).
Another item to consider adding to your migraine kit is the FDA-cleared gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS). It’s a portable, handheld device that helps to relieve migraine by blocking the pain receptors when used on the neck. You can use gammaCore nVNS up to 24 times daily to help treat unexpected attacks. It can also be used for migraine prevention when used once every morning and night.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our physician finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
