It might surprise you to learn that headache disorders affected around 3.1 billion people globally in 2021. According to the World Health Organization, this is approximately 40% of the population, making headache disorders, like migraine, among the three most common neurological conditions for most age groups, starting as young as five and as old as 80 years old.
When it comes to migraine, even a single attack can cause major challenges in your day-to-day life, such as difficulty focusing at work, preparing dinner, or caring for children. Needless to say, dealing with a migraine can be overwhelming, especially during more hectic times of the year, like the holidays. The good news is you can still enjoy stress-free holidays by managing migraines effectively during the festive season. Here are a few holiday stress relief tips to keep in mind.
Identify Your Migraine Triggers
Migraine triggers vary greatly between individuals. Some may experience migraines after consuming certain foods, while others might find that stress or bright lights play a role.
Paying attention to patterns in your migraine attacks can help pinpoint the triggers. Keeping a journal of your symptoms and diet is one of the most effective migraine management strategies. Recognizing triggers early makes it easier to avoid them and reduce the frequency of episodes.
Create a Relaxation Routine
Finding ways to relax, especially amid the hustle and bustle of holiday stress, is crucial for reducing and preventing migraines. There are various techniques that can help instill a sense of calm and relaxation, such as:
- Deep breathing
- Yoga
- Meditation
- A warm bath
- Aromatherapy
- Massage
A quiet moment each day to unwind can be invaluable during busy periods. Incorporating relaxation exercises into your routine is an excellent holiday stress relief tip. Plus, building habits that promote relaxation ensures better mental and physical health.
Practice Mindfulness to Reduce Holiday Stress
Mindfulness involves being present in the moment, intentionally engaging with what’s happening around you, and paying attention to your thoughts and observations without judgment. Practicing mindfulness can help reduce the impact of holiday stressors and improve overall well-being. Short mindfulness exercises (such as pausing for a moment to focus on your breathing) can work wonders to bring a moment of calm in the middle of a hectic day.
Integrating mindfulness into your daily life will not only ensure stress-free holidays from migraines, but will also provide long-term benefits.
Balance Lifestyle and Nutrition
Maintaining a balanced lifestyle and eating nutritious meals, even during the busy holiday season, can significantly reduce stress and migraines. On the other hand, skipping meals or indulging in too many sugary snacks can often worsen symptoms.
Staying hydrated and eating meals rich in nutrients are essential for managing migraines effectively and can make a big difference. Avoid the temptation to indulge in unhealthy meals over the holidays and be mindful of what you’re eating and drinking. Regular exercise also supports both physical and mental health. When holiday stress starts to feel overwhelming, it’s okay to take a step back and make time to move your body, which allows you to reset mentally and physically.
Tackle Holiday Stress with Ease
Managing holiday stress and migraine doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. Prioritizing these migraine management strategies will not only ensure a stress-free holiday season but will also set you up for a more balanced life overall. If you still find yourself struggling to enjoy stress-free holidays with migraine, consider consulting with your health care provider, who can help you determine alternative treatment solutions, such as gammaCore™ non-invasive vagus nerve stimulator (nVNS).
gammaCore nVNS is a non-invasive, FDA-cleared device that provides drug-free relief for migraine and cluster headaches. It’s clinically proven to treat migraine pain when used at the onset of pain and offers up to 24 stimulations per day. It also works to prevent migraines when used just twice daily–morning and night.
To see if gammaCore is right for you, visit our clinic finder to locate a health care provider near you, or contact our dedicated Customer Experience team at 888-903-2673 or customerservice@electrocore.com.
