My Migraine Routine

I fell ill this weekend with a migraine and I'm slowly rebuilding my energy. I've created and prefected a routine that helps me get back on my feet after dealing with the side effects of migraines. 

Migraines are extremely painful headaches that are often accompanied by sensitivity to light and sound and nausea. They can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days and can be extremely debilitating.

Disclaimer: I'm not a licensed doctor or professional - just a migraine sufferer for the past 10 years. Please consult your doctor before taking any of my advice. 

Meet with a neurologist to figure out what triggers your migraines and spot the warning signs that you're about to experience a migraine.

When I first developed migraines, I had no idea what was wrong with me. It was a pain like I'd never experienced before and it felt like it came on so suddenly that I couldn't figure out how to treat it.

My first step was to meet with my primary care doctor who in turn referred me to a neurologist. We were able to rule out any physical ailments that could be affecting me before determining that I was indeed dealing with migraines.

For the next three months, I charted my food and water intake, activities and general physical wellbeing to try to get in tune with what was triggering my migraines. The exercise also helped me to get in tune with how I was feeling right before a migraine so that I could react faster to treat them. 

Make your home migraine-accessible.

When I have a migraine, I feel extremely nauseous, tired, and sensitive to light. I'm a naturally organized person but having everything laid out in exactly the right spot means that I can navigate my home with my eyes closed when I'm dealing with a migraine and I don't have to worry about potentially knocking something over or not being able to find what I need.

I keep a jewelry box on my bookcase headboard that includes everything I could possibly need when I have a migraine - melatonin to help me sleep, aspirin to combat pain, and a sleep mask to keep the light out. I always sleep with a bottle of water by my bed because I know that I'm likely to get a migraine in the middle of the night. I don't have to fuss and fumble in the dark to quickly act to get my migraine under control. 

Try aromatheraphy.

I'm a huge fan of using aromatherapy in handling my migraines - I've found that they help combat the pain and nausea that are hallmarks of my migraines. I found this satin lavendar eye mask years ago and it's been so helpful. I place it under my sleep mask to alleviate eye pressure and let the lavendar scent help me breathe deeply to let more air into my body and release the tension in my head. 

I'm obsessed with 21 Drops' Headache formula for helping to combat nausea and helping me to breathe deeply. I always keep a tube in my purse and by my bed so I'm always ready when I'm on the go.

Finally, I spray my pillows each night with Bath and Body Works' Stress Relief pillow mist. The scent calms and relaxes me and is especially soothing when I'm dealing with a migraine. 

Carry a mini migraine kit.

You never know where you'll be when a migraine will strike. I always carry a mini pill case with aspirin, a tube of my headache aromatherapy and water so that I'm always ready to take a migraine on wherever I may be.

Stay hydrated.

Just about the last thing I want to do is consume anything when I have a migraine because the nausea overwhelms me. But staying hydrated is key - in fact, dehydration is a migraine trigger. I try to drink plenty of water (and preferably water with electrolytes) to stay hydrated or restore hydration if I've been sick.

Take it slow.

After I've taken my medicine and laid down for a bit, I find that my migraine will have largely gone away - but I never push myself after that. I always try to take it slow and pace myself with eating again or taking on any physical activities. My body is still trying to get back to normal even if the painful part of the migraine has gone away, and overexerting myself can cause it to come back or delay my getting better.

Let the people in your life know what to expect when you have a migraine.

Setting expectations is the greatest way to make sure that the people in your life know how to be responsive when you have a migraine. My friends and family know what I need when I'm dealing with a migraine and they respond accordingly. And my coworkers know that when I'm looking away from the monitor to readjust my eyes or when I need to turn off an overhead light that I'm simply taking the steps I need to take in order to be well.