Remedies for Tension Headache

Life of a mom could oftentimes get hectic and overwhelming. Everyday, we are so absorbed with taking care of our family’s needs that we often neglect to find time to unwind and relax. Stressful everyday life is one of the common causes of tension headache. As moms we cannot afford to be sick. Usually our first impulse when we start feeling a headache is to go to the medicine cabinet and reach for that quick fix. To avoid over using pain medication, we should  try these simple remedies first.

Take a shower.  Taking a hot shower may relax you and ease the tension in your head and neck. It will soothe the muscles and relax them that will help relieve your headache. Some people prefer the feeling of cold against their foreheads and necks and for them it seems to help.

Take a nap.  Take a power nap, even a 15 to 20 minute good nap will make you feel a lot better.  It will refresh your system and clear your head. Avoid oversleeping because you're more likely to wake up with a headache. Don't sleep in an awkward position, it can cause the muscles in your neck to contract which could trigger a headache. The best sleeping position is on your back.

Exercise.  A brisk walk for 30 minutes every day will help relax your muscles. It will also help you sleep better at night. Walking is very relaxing and a good stress reliever.

Drink some water. Mild dehydration is common cause of many headaches.

Take vitamins. When you’re under a lot of stress, your system runs out of nutrients, such as vitamin B and magnesium. Replenish what you’re missing, and your system will be less likely to stay out of whack.

  Avoid skipping or delaying meals. A missed meal can cause muscle tension and when blood sugar drops from lack of food, the blood vessels of the brain tighten. When you eat again, they expand leading to headache.

 Avoid certain foods. Take notes of the foods you eat, headaches could be caused by the foods you eat such as aged cheese, chocolate, monosodium glutamate (MSG), nuts, yeast and alcohol can cause mild allergic reactions that results in headaches. Experiment through elimination to see whether any of these could be causing your problem.

Try an acupressure technique. With your thumb, press the point on the back of your other hand where the base of your thumb and your index finger meet. Apply pressure for about two minutes. This helps trigger the release of endorphins, the brain’s feel-good hormones. Squeezing under the bony ridges at the back of the neck also can help.