Mindfulness
Mindfulness can be overwhelming as a concept if you haven’t done it before, but it’s not as difficult as it may seem. Taking time for yourself in this unique way can have profound effects on your mind and body. There are endless resources to help you out!
So what is mindfulness? Simply put, mindfulness is taking time for yourself to clear your mind and ease your worries. You don’t have to practice mindfulness in a quiet room with ambience and incense! It is best that no one is trying to talk to you directly. Mindfulness can be practiced at home, during your lunch break, or in the middle of a busy train ride.
It is easier to start out in a quiet space, and the key to seeing long-term results is practicing regularly. 30 minutes of daily practice is recommended, but take it at your own pace so creating the habit doesn’t feel impossible. For more information, Miles for Migraine has a program dedicated to mindfulness geared toward those with headache diseases:
Movement
Mind and body go hand in hand. Anyone with a headache disease understands that more than most. One way to significantly decrease pain days is staying active. This doesn’t mean you have to work out hard every single day. Like with mindfulness, there is an ideal amount of movement to try and reach.
30 minutes of activity that raises your heart rate each day is the most effective in terms of movement; however, it’s best to take things at your own pace! Activities can be simple, such as: going on walks, watering the plants and making the bed. These can boost the “happy” chemicals in your brain, serotonin and dopamine. This can create better sleep and lower stress levels. Lack of sleep and stress can trigger aspects of daily life for those with headache diseases.
Other healthy lifestyle habits
Mindfulness and movement aren’t the only healthy lifestyle habits that can create better days. Anything from diet to sleep habits could make a significant change in your daily life. To find out more about “headache hygiene,” read the American Migraine Foundation’s article.
