Practice good eating habits

It’s not just what you eat, but how you eat that could trigger a migraine. Here are some tips to avoid feeding migraines.

• Don’t skip meals
  Low blood sugar from not eating enough can trigger migraines.
• Limit your sugar intake
  Spikes and crashes from eating too much sugar can bring on an attack.
• Stay hydrated
  Dehydration is a big migraine trigger. Aim for 8 glasses of water a day to help the pain stay away.
• Eat real food
  Processed and packaged foods may contain headache-inducing triggers.
• Enjoy bread and grains
  Yes, you read that correctly. High doses of Vitamin B-2 (riboflavin) may help prevent migraine headaches. You can find riboflavin in enriched breads, cereals, lean meat, milk and broccoli.
• Eat when you’re hungry
  Consider 5-6 mini meals instead of 3 large meals a day
• Keep a food diary
  Tracking your food can help you identify any food triggers

Ease your stress, and your migraine

In a perfect world, we would completely avoid stress. However, that world doesn’t exist. There are ways you can reduce stress and cope. Meditation, regular exercise, thinking of a peaceful scene or listening to calming music can help.

Catch more zzzs

Creating a bedtime routine can greatly improve your overall health. There are a few ways to ensure you get the right amount of sleep, and the right amount of migraine relief.

• Draw a warm bath and play soft music
• Go to bed around the same time each night, and wake up the same time each morning
• Avoid food and caffeine within 4 hours of bedtime
• Avoid caffeine
• Butt out – nicotine in cigarettes can mess with your sleep

Check up on your mental health

Between 30-50% of people with chronic migraines also suffer from anxiety

Living with a chronic disease like Migraine can make you feel sad, anxious and depressed. If you are feeling that way, talk to a professional. The sooner you get help, the sooner you will begin to feel like yourself again.