10 Tips for How to Deal with a Migraine

This post is 100% different from my normal posts. I came up with the idea for this post because I, like so many people, struggle with migraines. It was also partially inspired by the fact that I was dealing with a severe migraine the day before writing this post. (I was bedridden for about half of the day.) Before I get into these tips, though, I wanted to give a bit of an explanation.

What's the Difference Between Migraines and Headaches? Here are some of the major differences between migraines and headaches:

1. Migraines, more often than not, are debilitating (i.e. they tend to weaken and exhaust you). Headaches, while distracting, are tolerable.
2. Migraines are prolonged and can last for 2 or more days. Headaches, however, don't last more than a couple hours at a time on average.

Here are 10 tips for how to deal with a migraine.

Tip 1: Get off, and stay off, of technology as much as possible.

Yes, it's easy to get lost in the distraction of technology. However, if you're getting a migraine, it's best to stay off of technology as much as possible. Screens - whether our phones, computers, iPads, or TVs - often trigger the migraine and can make it worse.

Tip 2: Take headache/migraine/pain medicine.

You don't want to be taking a whole bunch of medicine. As a result, it may be best to do this tip in moderation. Tip 2-A: It's also recommended to drink some tea or coffee that has caffeine in it, but limit it to one cup.

Tip 3: If you're home, go lie down in your bedroom.

Resting up is usually one of the best things to do during a migraine. Migraines are often exhausting, so doing this often gives you a chance to recuperate and deal with the migraine.

Tip 4: Have the lights off and curtains closed.

This tip really helps with Tip 3. However, even if you aren't in a position to lie down for whatever reason, closing the curtains and turning off the lights can really help. Migraines often come with a side effect of light sensitivity, so reducing the amount of light really helps you deal with it. (An eye cover for sleeping can also help with this one.)

Tip 5: Try to eliminate sounds as much as possible.

This is very similar to Tip 4. Another side effect of migraines is sound sensitivity (worse than normal headaches). So turn off the TV, turn your phone on silent and do not disturb, and try to eliminate as many sounds as you can.

Tip 6: If necessary, have earplugs on hand so you can block out sound.

This one can really help out with Tip 5 if you aren't able to eliminate all sounds. Earphones can also help with this, but they may be uncomfortable.

Tip 7: Set up a migraine kit.

Migraine kits are very effective when you're not at home. You can click the link directly above for some suggestions as to what to put in your migraine kit. Even if you are home, a migraine kit can still help you out so that everything you need to deal with a migraine is in a single place.

Tip 8: Drink water and lots of it.

I know I mentioned drinking coffee or tea above in Tip 2-A. However, you should limit that to one cup. You want to be drinking mostly water, since dehydration (at any level), is a major trigger for migraines.

Tip 9: Try to eat something, even if it's a small snack.

Sometimes, nausea can be another side effect of migraines. So you don't want to eat a whole bunch during a migraine just in case. However, you may want to eat something small. This way, your body has some fuel.

Tip 10: Use a cold or warm pack or compress.

Ice packs, cold packs, and warm packs (and compresses) can also help with migraines. There's some science behind this that I'm not familiar with, but this tip can be super helpful.