Are You Under Stress? Successful Natural Relief for Migraines

How to Avoid the Effects on Your Body

Many of you probably have already seen or experienced the effects that anxiety and stress can have on your body. This is especially so when we think about migraine triggers. Stress is one of the number one triggers of migraines, and yet stress is all around us. At home; in the work place; on the roads; even in the grocery store. Many factors in our lives, environmentally, socially and relationship-wise can cause us to experience stress overload. Anxiety in and of itself induces stress. Stress can not only trigger migraines, but if it is not dealt with, it will lead to other issues, sickness and symptoms in your life.

I remember years ago when my husband was still in the Air Force, he had to go on a “remote” tour of duty for a year. It was a very hard year for both of us, as well as our two small children. While my husband was so stressed away from home and family, he developed high blood pressure, but stress for me was more subtle. As the year went on, I began to feel sick and weak, and I experienced so many symptoms in my body that three-quarters of the way through the year, I had convinced myself that I was dying – and probably of cancer. I was so fearful and yet at that time, didn’t associate my symptoms with stress. Once he came home and I was able to voice my concerns, and we got back into a normal routine, my symptoms went away. Of course, now I understand how the mind-body association work and how stress can cause all kinds of symptoms in our body.

So, it is important if you are a migraine sufferer that you learn ways to manage your stress.

When you’re feeling anxious or stressed, here are some strategies to help:

• Take a time-out. Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from the problem helps clear your head.
• Eat well-balanced meals. Do not skip any meals. Also, keep healthy, energy-boosting snacks on hand.
• Limit alcohol and caffeine. These beverages can aggravate anxiety and even trigger panic attacks.
• Get enough sleep. When you are stressed, your body needs additional sleep and rest.
• Exercise daily.  This will help to relieve stress, and will help you feel good. It will also help you maintain good health. Walking is a great exercise and one most of us can easily do.
• Take deep breaths. Inhale and exhale slowly.
• Count to 10 slowly. Repeat, and count to 20 if necessary.
• Do your best. Instead of aiming for perfection, which we all should know isn’t possible, be proud of what you accomplish.
• Accept that you cannot control everything. Put your stress in perspective: Is it really as bad as you think?
• Remember humor. A good laugh goes a long way to relieving stress.
• Maintain a positive attitude. Change your mindset. Make an effort to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.
• Get involved. Volunteer or find another way to be active in your community. You will find this not only creates a support network for you, but it will also give you a break from everyday stress.
• Learn what triggers your anxiety and stress. Is it work, family, school, or something else you can identify? Learn to journal, even though it may be hard at first. When you write in a journal when you’re feeling stressed or anxious, not only can writing it down help relieve the stress, but it will help you to find a pattern that can be changed.
• Talk to someone. Talk to someone you can trust – a health coach like me  – friends, family, or even a therapist. When you are feeling overwhelmed it helps to have someone there to listen and lend support.
• Learn some affirmations. These are a great way to relieve stress and anxiety, especially if you are feeling a lack of confidence or have low self-esteem. Positive affirmations will reinforce and build you up, which will replace the anxiety, fear and stress. The power of the word is positive and changes the energy around you.
• Take some “me” time. Again, as in the first point I made – because this is important – take some time for yourself. Go out and get a massage, or a pedicure, or something that will help you relieve the stress and get away for a while. Go and hang out with some friends for a while.