A tension headache can be so severe and debilitating that you don’t want to get out of bed or complete the daily tasks that you would normally perform. There are medications that you can take to relieve these headaches, but there are also natural ways that you can alleviate them that usually won’t have an impact on your overall health and that will allow you to function normally each day. There is a possibility that you have to combine a few remedies before you get any headache relief, but once you begin to see the difference, then your body will thank you.
Essential Oils
Get a diffuser for the home so that you can use essential oils for your tension headaches. Avoid using strong scents as they can often make your headache worse. Peppermint or lavender work well to relax the mind and ease the stress that is often associated with headaches.
Heat Therapy
Sometimes, a little heat can do the trick to relieve stress that causes headaches. Release some tension in your neck by loosening those muscles with soothing heat from either a hot water bottle, heating pad, or heat wrap. Once the muscles are relaxed, then you can focus on releasing the stress that has built so that your headaches improve.
Hydrate
If you aren’t hydrated like you should be, then you can experience tension headaches. That does not mean that you should drink sodas and other beverages that have sugar in them. Drink plenty of water during the day to keep your body hydrated, which will in turn help to relieve the headaches you have and keep the rest of your body healthy.
Move Around
When you sit in one place for a long time, then the muscles in your neck and back can get stiff. This can then result in headaches. Even if you have a job where you sit at a desk all day, try to take breaks so that you can move around. Your blood will flow through your body and reach your brain and other areas, decreasing the headaches you have because there will be more oxygen and nutrients available to your organs.
Rest
Instead of just resting on a bed or couch, try also resting in a room that is dark. Classical music can be turned on as well to help take your mind off of the noises in your home. If your headache goes away after being in a dark room, then you might want to consider treatment for migraines instead of only tension headaches.
Headaches don’t have to keep you from doing the things that you enjoy during the day or the things that you need to get done. Try to use a few natural remedies before taking medications. When your headaches go away, try to figure out what triggers them so that you eliminate those factors from your day.