Mastering the Migraine – Migraine & Headache Awareness Month

“…and may the odds be ever in your favor.”

What has now become a household quote from the Hunger Games Trilogy is also a fitting statement for those who suffer from Migraine and Headache Disorders. According to the American Headache & Migraine Association, Approximately 37 million Americans live with Migraine Disease. About 14 million Americans live with a form of chronic daily headache, such as Chronic Migraine.

A migraine is not just a headache. Those who suffer from headache disorders know that there is no “cure” but there are ways to overcome the migraine battle.

To be the victor of the migraine game, these are the rules:

1. Plan A Strategy

The best way to manage migraine headaches is to avoid them. To avoid them, you need to identify the “triggers” that bring them on. Finding and avoiding your triggers can limit how often you get migraines and how bad they are.

Spot and track your triggers by keeping a log of your actions leading up to the onset of a migraine. Some common triggers are:

• Food
• Menstruation
• Your Environment
• Stress

2. Find Your Weapon

If you’ve ever had a migraine, you know that when the first symptoms strike, it’s time to find relief — and fast. And when you find something that works, you stick with it. Arm yourself with the knowledge and the right tools that will help you get through the pain of a migraine. Aspirin and over-the-counter pain relievers typically don’t stand up at the enemy lines. Some natural remedies to ease the mind and get you to a place where you are relaxed include:

• Massage – A targeted massage treatment can relieve the stress and tension that can become a migraine trigger.
  Try: A Massage Membership – regular treatments that are affordable and beneficial

• Aromatherapy – The scent of peppermint can have pain-reducing effects
  Try: Clear My Head Ache – a convenient roll-on to target tension headaches

• Meditation – Find your center with stretching and meditation. It costs nothing and can be done at home or in the office.
  Try: Clear My Head Linen Mist – bring the spa experience to your towels, yoga mats and bedding

• Drink More Water – Dehydration can be a trigger. When you feel a migraine coming on, pour yourself a tall glass of H20. Not a huge water fan? There are plenty of ways to snazz up a glass or trick yourself into sipping more throughout the day.
  Try: A Fruit Infusion Pitcher – It has never been easier to add fruit to your favorite beverage

3. Sing Sweet Victory

Don’t let your migraine defeat you. Learn to say NO to known stressors in your life — and YES to YOUrself. And if there are some stressors you can’t avoid, see if you can change the way you view them.

“You’ve got to go through it to get to the end of it.” (The Hunger Games, “Catching Fire”)

So in honor of Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, we challenge you to take a stand to educate the public in an effort to fight the profound stigma associated with Migraine, Cluster Headaches and other Headache Disorders.

June 2013, Migraine and Headache Awareness Month, is dedicated to Unmasking the Mystery of Chronic Headache Disorders. The 2013 Migraine and Headache Awareness Month Blog Challenge is a project of FightingHeadacheDisorders.com.