Muncie, Indiana Blog – Ahhh, spring. The snow thaws, the trees turn green, and the allergens explode. It’s nice to shuck the coats and boots and enjoy the weather — if you’re not plagued by headaches. Luckily, there are ways to combat headaches (whether they be chronic or allergy-related) so you can enjoy the sun and warmth without feeling like you’re dying.
Allergies
Spring equals suffering for people with tree allergies. If spring is unusually rainy, mold can also bother those sensitive to it. Check in with a Muncie-specific allergy forecast to see whether you’re sensitive to whatever has a high count that day — you’ll know if you need to fortify yourself with allergy medication, headache medication, nasal sprays, or whatever works best for you.
If you’re not a fan of medication — over the counter or prescription — you can reduce headaches caused by allergies by placing a warm washcloth on your face, breathing in steam from a sink or a hot shower, and drinking lots of fluids.
General Wellness
A handful of general wellness tips can help prevent headaches:
- Stay hydrated. Drinking fluids aren’t just good for you; it also thins out mucus.
- Be careful of too much time in the sun. Bright lights, heat, and dehydration can all make excellent conditions for a headache.
- Avoid eye strain. Eye strain can degrade your vision and cause headaches.
- If you drink alcohol, stay hydrated with other non-alcoholic drinks (preferably water), as alcohol is a diuretic and causes dehydration.
- Sleep. Lack of sleep can lead to headaches. Make sure you’re sleeping in a cool, dark room, and cut down on screens. If you’ve had your mattress for a decade or more, it’s time for a new one.
- Manage your stress. Chronic stress can hurt your heart, stomach, and head. Look for stress-relief methods that work for you, like breathing exercises, massage, or progressive muscle relaxation.
- Work on shedding extra weight. There is a connection between being overweight and migraines.
See Your Doctor
If nothing else works, check in with your doctor. Doctors can run allergy tests to determine what is causing the allergic reaction. They can also check you out for a variety of other health issues that might be causing headaches. Your doctor should be your first stop if you feel the problem is severe, or if you think something just isn’t right. Trust your instincts if you feel your body is trying to speak to you. You know yourself better than anyone else.
Spring is an excellent time to check in with all your annual medical appointments. Get your eyes checked to see if your vision has changed. Eye strain can cause headaches. Visit the dentist, have a yearly checkup with your doctor, and visit any specialists you usually consult to manage any chronic condition. Changes in your physiology can cause headaches.
Little changes and a smidge of planning will keep your springtime fun and pain-free. Whether you’re white water rafting, hitting the farmer’s market, or spending your time indoors, taking care of your head will help you make the most of spring.
