There are many different types of headaches and they can occur for any number of reasons. In our region, the most common type of headache, particularly during the cool months and as various holidays approach, is the infamous tension headache. While I could suggest that you simply avoid stress, that would be unrealistic for most people but it would also fall short of some simple things I can suggest to help prevent the onset of a tension headache.

WATER

The most common suggestion to avoid headaches is to drink enough water. Believe it or not, lots of people become dehydrated during the cold months. They forget to drink water because the sun isn’t out. Yet, the heat is on in most houses and the home is like a big dehydrator. Combine this with the fact that a lot of people don’t like the idea of drinking a lot of water during the cool months and you have a recipe for dehydration, which leads to headaches. If you have an aversion to drinking cool water, consider drinking warm water in a tea cup. It isn’t a diuretic like tea and coffee so it will do you a lot of good. It might seem strange at first but I suspect you might like it after a couple tries.

COVER YOUR NECK

A not so common suggestion I have for preventing headaches as well as neck and shoulder tensions is to simply wear a scarf. Scarves are for more than just fashion. Really, bundle your neck up so your shoulders don’t creep up to your ears trying to keep you warm.  Think about it, when you get a shiver where do your shoulders go? What do your neck muscles feel like when you are cold? Are they limber, well stretched and relaxed or are they rigid, tight and shortened? Wearing a scarf is a simple thing and it feels nice and soothing to maintain warmth and not have cold air moving around your neck. Just because it feels good and can even look good, don’t underestimate the health benefits of wearing a scarf. Headaches and sore necks can disrupt our daily lives and can cause not just physical challenges but can interfere with our mental and emotional health. It is not easy to function, and sometimes impossible, when you have a bad headache. A turtleneck or something similar works just as well but the main concept is to keep your neck warm and snuggled in. You can do this while sitting at your computer, commuting or when you are out and about. Warmth encourages relaxation and circulation. If your neck is stiff, add a heating pad, hot water bottle or a heated rice pack under your scarf. While you are at it, pop a hat on your head too. Stay warm, comfortable and healthy by bundling up a little extra this season. This makes for really cheap but effective therapy.

WHAT ARE YOUR IDEAS?

I hope this tip helps keep you comfortable and in good health. Do you have any tips or ideas to help people stay warm and comfortable during these cold months? Please do share them below.

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