Having a headache is the worst. Especially if you’re trying to be productive or when you want to be out enjoying yourself. Typically, you’d probably be inclined to pop an over the counter headache pill to ward off that throbbing sensation, which is totally fine, but what if there was a more natural way you could relieve the pain?

Headaches occur for a few different reasons. They can be caused by stress, tension, dehydration, food allergies, lack of sleep or oxygen deprivation. It’s said that you can find out what the cause of your headache may be by where you’re feeling the pain. For example, if you have a tension headache it may feel like a rubber band compressing your head, and your neck might feel tense and sore too. Or if you are dehydrated, your headache may get worse with movement, especially when you bend over to pick something up. You know your body best, so this is one of those times where it’s imperative that you listen to your body to determine what it needs the most.

Stay Hydrated

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We hear it all the time, but it is super important to remain hydrated. If you already have a headache, you may be dehydrated. First of all, try drinking a big glass of water. Drink it slowly, but make sure you drink the entire glass. Then fill it up again and sip at it over the next 20 minutes. Sometimes you get busy, and you forget to drink enough water, and before you know it, you have a headache. But it’s so important to stay hydrated as our cells need water to function. So keep a vessel of water with you or nearby at all times and aim to drink at least 8 to 10 cups of water per day, more if you’re active.

Deep Breathing

Just like our cells need water to function, they also need oxygen. Breathing may seem like such a silly thing to have to remember to do because our bodies just naturally do it all the time without us even having to think about it. You may be surprised to find out that while you may be breathing, you’re not getting enough oxygen to your brain. Most of us breathe very shallowly, taking short little breaths which give us just a bit of oxygen. So if you have a headache, take some time to yourself to breathe deeply. Breathe in through your nose to the count of four, and breathe out through your mouth to the count of four.  Doing this five to ten times can really help to relieve stress and replenish the oxygen in your body. You can also try daily meditation for its many benefits.

Ice It

Apply an ice pack to the back of your neck when you have a headache.  Or, grab a bag of veggies or fruit if you don’t have an ice pack in your freezer.  The ice will help to bring down inflammation which will ease your head pain.  

Rest

Some headaches are caused due to lack of sleep. If you have a headache, and you’re feeling tired, give yourself a break and have a nap, or go to bed early. Try to get at least eight hours of sleep every night too so that your body can rejuvenate through the night.

Essential Oils

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Essential oils are great for pretty much anything and everything including relieving headaches. In this case, you can use lavender essential oil which has a natural calming effect on the nervous system.  Peppermint oil is also wonderful for easing pain and muscle tension. Just put a few drops of each oil in some coconut oil and rub the mixture all over your neck and the back of your head. You can also rub it on your temples, just be careful not to get any in your eyes. Here are five essential oils you may want to keep on hand at all times.

Move Your Body

Do some light stretching or yoga postures that feel good to do and that don’t increase the symptoms of a headache. Getting up and going for a walk can also be helpful in getting your blood circulating which is especially important if you’re sitting a lot throughout the day.

Try these six simple home remedies out then next time you have a headache and share them with your friends too so they can find relief. Also, if you’re getting headaches regularly, it’s probably a good idea to go see your doctor or a naturopath to get to the root cause of the headaches.

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