Migraines – you never know when they will strike. It’s like a big, invisible lion following you around and you never know when it’s going to strike.

So here are 5 tips to help you turn that lion into a pussy cat.

1. Food and Drink

Many migraine sufferers have a list of “trigger foods”. While these can be a factor it is much more important to focus on the bigger picture – staying well hydrated and keeping your blood sugar levels fairly stable.

Alcohol is often a trigger – it dehydrates you and messes with your blood sugar levels! Drink water with your wine and make sure you eat to reduce the effects.

2. Exercise

Any kind at all – get moving!

1. Sitting hunched over your laptop means you are putting pressure on the nerves in your neck. Doing this for long periods irritates the nerves and triggers a migraine
2. Research shows that exercise seems to have almost magical pain killing properties! It beats ibuprofen and paracetamol hands down in numerous studies.

3. Sharing the load

Check the weight of your bag. If you often carry a heavy bag (or child!) for long periods then it can start to affect the function of the muscles in your upper back and shoulders.

Get a bag with wheels, use both straps on your backpack, get a Sherpa . . . .

4. Watch how you feel

Stress and emotions can also play a big part. Do you only get migraines when you have to deal with that nightmare client? Or perhaps when you have a big social event coming up? Keeping a diary can help to understand what else might be triggering your migraines.

5. The missing factors

Migraines are a big bucket. There can be a LOT of different causes and without that information it is hard to get rid of them. Getting a proper assessment by a qualified professional can make the difference between waiting for the lion to pounce and putting him back in his cage.