Most of us have experienced an occasional headache, but for some it can be a reoccurring pain that disrupts daily routines. In honor of National Headache Awareness Month, the health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company, have put together some natural ways to help prevent headaches, but if your headaches persist, severity changes or you experience any new or changing symptom, please consult your medical professional for evaluation.
1. Stay Hydrated. With busy schedules and hectic work lives, it can be difficult to remember to drink enough water during the day. Develop a routine of drinking at least eight 12 oz. glasses each day. Put refill reminders on your calendar, set your phone alarm or keep a water bottle handy and bring it with you to meetings or other activities. Accomplishing your daily water intake goal not only helps prevent headaches but combats fatigue, prevents muscle cramps and keeps skin hydrated and glowing.
2. Rest Up. A good night’s sleep can help conquer your headache woes. Follow a schedule that ensures you’re getting at least six to eight hours of sleep every night, including weekends. Establishing a sleeping pattern helps repair and replenish your body, and can keep it in balance to limit headache pain.
3. Tame Triggers. Keep a journal or diary to determine causes of your headaches. Take note of when the pain started, what prompted the discomfort, how long it lasted and what helped ease the pain. While there are unavoidable environmental triggers like pollen, changes in barometric pressure and humid weather, you can pay attention to food and household triggers. It’s important to dive into the details and identify patterns so you’re able to find solutions with desirable outcomes.
4. Increase Exercise. Regular activity is another way to help lower your chances of experiencing a headache. Evening jogs around the park, biking your favorite trails and walking are excellent heart-pumping activities that help reduce the chance of a headache by activating your muscles, increasing blood flow and stimulating your cardiovascular system. Don’t forget that consistent exercise also decreases your risk of heart disease, cancer and stroke.
5. Curb Caffeine. While caffeine is a powerful stimulant that can give you a boost of energy and increase alertness, it could also be a contributor to your headaches. If you’re a coffee, tea or soda lover, a good rule of thumb is to limit your intake and stick to one caffeinated beverage per day.
About Envolve, Inc.®
Envolve, Inc.® is a family of health solutions, working together to make healthcare simpler, more effective and more accessible for everyone. As an agent for change in healthcare, Envolve is committed to transforming the health of the community, one person at a time. Envolve unifies medical management, utilization management, specialty pharmacy, PBM, vision, dental, behavioral health management, life and health/wellness management, empowerment and education services, telehealth services, 24/7 nurse advice services, and data, analytics and IT solutions. For more information, please visit our website www.envolvehealth.com or contact us today at info@envolvehealth.com.