Top migraine hacks

A migraine can cause severe throbbing pain or a pulsing sensation, usually on one side of the head. In most cases they hamper and alter our lifestyle to a great extent. Here are some migraine hacks that you may find helpful.

Slip on shades: Does light makes you wince in pain? If you cannot dim the brightness around you by drawing the curtains or turning off the lights, make your own darkness and wear sunglasses indoors.

Stick to a schedule: The key word is 'regular'. Pick set times to go to bed and wake up every day. Exercise regularly. Stick to usual times for meals and snacks.

Get a grip on stress: It is one of the biggest triggers for migraine pain. So aim to boost calm in your life. If you stay stressed during the work week and relax only on the weekend, the shift can bring on migraine, too.

Block the scents: If someone's perfume or other odours set off your migraine, reach for a soothing scent like mint or coffee beans.

Turn up the heat: Warm compresses, a steamy shower, or a toasty soak in a bath can ease the tension of tight muscles that might add to your migraine pain.

Tame screen glare: Blue light is usually the hardest hue to handle when you deal regularly with migraine. That is the color that glows from your computer and smartphone. So break away from screens when you feel a migraine coming on.

Breathe mindfully: Focus as you breathe in and out for at least 10 minutes. That can flood your body with calm and lower your stress. Boost your relaxation and target the different muscle groups in your body.

Mute the noise: Migraine can be triggered by just about any of your senses, including your hearing. Just like lights, loud noise can set off your migraine. Get to a quiet space when it hits. If you cannot, carry earplugs to block out the din on the spot.