Listly by Molekule
As migraine sufferers can confirm: migraine pain can be so sudden, so excruciating, and so debilitating that it greatly decreases one’s quality of life. And it’s definitely not all in anyone’s head: neurologists confirm that the severity of migraines can literally feel like a headache on steroids. But there is hope, and there are ways to reduce migraine triggers.
Light doesn't just make migraines worse; it can actually trigger one in the right circumstances. Blackout shades will eliminate brightness, so you can relax in your home without exposing yourself to unnecessary light. You should also rearrange your furniture, particularly your work-from-home desk if you have one, to ensure that you're not facing direct sunlight. Work is already full of enough pressure without blinding rays beating down on you.
Mom was right: you need to sit up straight. The repeated strain of bad posture can lead to migraines. The right chair that supports your back and allows your joints to healthfully rest at a 90-degree angle can correct your posture without much extra effort on your part. From ergonomic chairs to lumbar support pillows to stand-up desks, redistributing the weight of your body can potentially reduce your migraine frequency.
Stress can be a major contributor to migraines, and mindfulness is a great weapon to fight against it. The goal of mindfulness is to draw your attention away from what's out of your control. Whether you use meditation apps or journaling, you can stop stressing about the past and the future and remain peacefully present. Even in the midst of the most trying situations, take deep breaths to steady yourself.
This is a common piece of advice for anyone who suffers from migraines, and it's also one of the most ignored. No set amount of water will keep migraines away, but the goal is to keep drinking throughout the day. If you're getting in a lot of physical activity during the day, you'll need to drink even more than usual. Monitoring how much you drink and squeezing in an extra glass can make a difference.
A healthy sleep schedule should be routine and consistent. If you're not prioritizing when you go to bed and wake up, it can make it difficult to correlate your migraines with your habits.
An alarm clock might seem like an unnecessary expense when you have a smartphone on your nightstand, but the blue light and late-night scrolling might be contributing to your migraines more than you think. Try putting your phone in another room to keep your bedroom screen-free.
With airborne viruses, bacteria, allergens, perfumes, and food smells, is it any wonder that you're sensitive to the air in your home? Air purifiers like Molekule Air Pro and Air Mini filter particles while also accelerating oxidation, which breaks down pollutants at a molecular level. Reducing pollutants like pollen and household chemicals is a fast and easy way to help make your home cleaner and create a more relaxing environment for yourself.