It’s national headache and migraine week, from the 11th-17th of September, and with increasingly large amounts of the population suffering from headaches and/or migraines, it is important to know how best to deal with and prevent headaches and migraines.
Headache Australia, as well as many other organisations across the country, are offering free seminars and presentations, as well as encouraging sufferers to sign up for the National Headache Register, which helps raise funds for research.
Exercise and healthy eating have been proven to have non-related, positive effects on the body, and can reduce the amount and intensity of headaches and migraines. Keep reading to find out how exercise and healthy eating could help you.
Headaches, migraines and exercise
Regular exercise can reduce the frequency and intensity of headaches. This is because when you exercise, your body realises endorphins, which is one of the body’s natural painkillers. Exercise also reduces stress levels and anxiety, and if you have exercised during the day, it will be easier for you to sleep that night. Stress and lack of sleep are both major causes of headaches, and exercise can reduce both of these.
Tips for getting started with exercising
- Start out slow – Don’t go crazy and start exercising everyday. Start out slow, try 1 or 2 times per week to begin with, and increase from there.
- Pick something you enjoy – The key to exercising is making sure you are doing an activity that you enjoy. Try jogging, swimming, cycling or brisk walking.
- Make sure to stay hydrated – Hydration is important in preventing headaches, so make sure you are drinking adequate water before, during and after exercise.
- Eat sufficient food before exercising – Make sure to eat a sufficient meal about an hour before exercise, to ensure you don’t get a drop in blood sugar levels, which could lead to a headache or migraine.
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