Recovering From A Migraine
Learn how to heal yourself and recover from a migraine
When a migraine is over, it isn’t really over. The pain may be gone but the brain isn’t functioning totally normally. It is important to be gentle on yourself and take the time to fully recover. Your body has been through a lot and it needs time to adjust to the changes that are occurring.
Tip: Namaste away from the pain. Gentle stretching, simple yoga postures and practicing deep breathing techniques can help you recover from a migraine.
8 ways to be gentle on yourself and recover from a migraine
- Put your home on Migraine Mode
When you have a migraine, you are sensitive to light. Using your smart home app to dim your lights can help reduce eye strain and reduce your pain. If you don’t use a smart home system, dimmer switches can be an easy and effective way to head off the pain.
- Put on your Migraine playlist
Many people find it easier to relax when they have a soundtrack of soothing music. These days, it’s easier than ever to search for meditation playlists and find one that works for you. Just remember to listen to music out of speakers instead of headphones. Headphones can make your ears ring, and your pain increase.
- Sip on caffeine
Whether you prefer tea, espresso or regular cups of joe, moderate amounts of caffeine can help you recover from a migraine. Just remember to sip small amounts. Too much caffeine can increase the pain.
- Soundproof your home
Soundproofing your home can help you rest easier, and it’s easier than you think. Rugs, drapes and even plants can help drown out noise to make recovering easier.
- Take a bath or shower
Just as a hot bath or shower can make you feel better when you have a cold or flu, they can help you recover from a migraine. Just remember to use unscented soaps and bubble baths. Harsh scents can be a migraine trigger.
- Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate
Dehydration is a big migraine trigger, so drink up. It’s important to aim for 2 liters a day. Remember that foods have a lot of water in them and it counts towards your overall daily intake. Some water-rich foods include:
- Watermelon
- Strawberries
- Cucumber
- Cantaloupe
- Celery
- Peaches
- Oranges
- Lettuce and cabbage
- Zucchini
- Broths and soups
7. Drift off into dreamland
While it may be hard to fall asleep when you have a migraine, sleep is encouraged. Try diming the lights, putting on a sleep mask and playing relaxing music to help you fall asleep and recover easier.
8. Stretch and breathe
Simple stretching, gentle yoga poses and breathing exercises can help ease your pain and your tension. If you are going to yoga poses, remember to be gentle on your body and do things like child’s pose or bridge pose.
For more information about migraines, go to the migraine section on our website.
Sources:
- “Get Fewer Migraines at Home.” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/migraine-prep-19/migraine-proof-home. Reviewed by Lawrence C. Newman, MD on January 09, 2019
- “How Can Relaxing to Music Help with Migraines and Headaches?” WebMD, WebMD, www.webmd.com/migraines-headaches/qa/how-can-relaxing-to-music-help-with-migraines-and-headaches. Reviewed by Neil Lava on May 5, 2019
- Lubin, Edward. “Migraine Headache FAQs: How Long Do Migraines Last & More.” EMedicineHealth, www.emedicinehealth.com/migraine_headache_faqs/article_em.htm. Reviewed on 11/8/2018
- “Migraine Hangover - What Is Postdrome?” American Migraine Foundation, American Migraine Foundation, 22 Feb. 2018, www.americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/migraine-hangover/.
- “Migraines: Steps to Head off the Pain.” Mayo Clinic, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research, 10 May 2019, www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/migraine-headache/in-depth/migraines/art-20047242.
- Rome, Tammy. “Gentle Post-Migraine Recovery.” Migraine.com, 27 July 2016, www.migraine.com/living-migraine/gentle-post-recovery/.
- “Top Home Lighting Options for Migraine Sufferers.” Vivint, 22 June 2016, www.vivint.com/resources/article/top-home-lighting-options-migraine-sufferers.
- Elliot, Brianna. “19 Water-Rich Foods That Help You Stay Hydrated.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/nutrition/19-hydrating-foods#section16.
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