Do you suffer from migraine? 5 ways to reduce stress and migraines.

September 4^th- 10^th2011 is Migraine Awareness Week organised by Migraine Action, a charity providing support and information to migraineurs and their families. Migraine is a much misunderstood condition which affects 1 in 7 people. Two-thirds of sufferers are women and a migraine can last an incredibly painful and distressing 4 -72 hours. Migraines strike suddenly yet many people don’t understand why migraineurs can be fine one minute and very unwell the next. This is why migraine is often viewed by others as an excuse for a sickie. Anyone who has ever had a migraine would, I assure you, much rather be at work than forced to lie in a dark room with a head that feels as if it’s going to explode.

Migraine can be triggered by many things, including certain foods, physical tension, hormonal changes in women and also environmental factors such as artificial light or a stuffy atmosphere. Stress, however, is thought to be a significant factor in 75% of migraines. Sometimes a migraine will be triggered during the stressful event itself but often it comes on as you relax. This is often called weekend or let down migraine. This was the type that my grandmother suffered and I remember many Christmases where she would cook the Christmas dinner and then take to her bed for the next two days, sadly missing all the results of her hard work.

Keeping your stress levels in check during a challenging time is, therefore, one of the key things a migraineur can do to prevent migraine.  Here are my five top tips to prevent the build-up of stress:

1. Make time for exercise every day: a brisk half-hour walk is ideal.
2. Learn a simple relaxation technique and practice it regularly, especially when you are under pressure.
3. Establish a good sleep routine: relax during the hour before you go to bed.
4. If you work at a computer, take regular breaks from the screen. Stand up, stretch and loosen your shoulders and neck.
5. Learn how to switch off from work. If you are in the habit of taking work home or working long hours, then make at least 2 week nights work-free. Spend the evening relaxing and do something unrelated to work.

Visit www.migraine.org.uk. for a wealth of advice, support and information about managing migraine.

Click on the link here for my relaxation podcast.