Headache solutions

Headaches are one of the worst things that can affect us while playing games, or participating in any activity really. There are many different factors that can play a role in causing headaches so let’s discuss some solutions that don’t involve popping pain pills.

1. Drink lots of water - The human body needs water to remain healthy and functional and dehydration is the most common cause of headaches. I make it point to drink at least two 32 oz. water bottles worth a day, if not more, and I feel so much better and have way less headache problems than I used to.

2. Diet - There are trigger foods that have been known to cause headaches and/or migraines in people (not to mention the healthier you eat the better you’ll feel in general). Pay attention to what goes in and if you start to notice a pattern, say (God forbid) every time you eat chocolate you get a searing headache about an hour later, it’s time to say bye bye to chocolate.

3. Calcium and Magnesium supplements - You can take these supplements to help relax your muscles and increase blood flow, which will help keep the toxins out of your muscles.

4. Exercise - Exercising will increase blood flow and circulation, which will keep the toxins out of your muscles.

5. Soothe eyestrain - Blink often, focus away from the screen when you can and above all try to rest your eyes as often as possible. Eyestrain, for us geeky types, this will be our most common cause of headaches. When you stare at a screen as long as we do, you are bound to do some funky things to your eyes/brain.

6. Massage - We carry the majority of our stress in the shoulders and neck, leading to tension headaches. A little massage either given by a caring individual, professional or yourself could help relax tight muscles and therefore alleviate the tension headache you’ve brewed up for yourself.

7. Hot shower or bath - Along the same lines a hot shower or bath will also help soothe tight muscles. The steam can also help unclog your sinuses, which can be another cause of headache.

8. Icepack - Applying an ice pack to the painful location(s) for 5 to 10 minutes at a time can reduce inflamed muscles in the shoulders and neck.

9. Pressure points - Pinch and hold the fleshy spot between your thumb and index finger for up to 5 minutes. Also try placing your index fingers in the middle and just above each eyebrow, press with your fingers and hold. Close your eyes and breathe deeply for up to another 5 minutes.

10. Relax and rest - Simple as that, take a break from whatever is stressing you out and go do something that will relieve your stress.

If you have tried these solutions and the headaches persist, you should visit your doctor.