How To Relieve Tension Headaches Quickly.
By far, tension headaches are one of the most common type of headaches, and most of us are likely to experience them at some point in our life. Tension is a fact of life for most of us in today’s high speed, modern world. When you’re are on the go, have deadlines to meet and children to tend to, it goes without saying that you just don’t have time to deal with that pesky tension headache. Try these simple tips below to help keep it under control.
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Relax Your Eyes
Tension headaches are often caused by eye fatigue. If your work requires you to stare at a book or a screen for a long time, be sure to rest your eyes by closing them for a few seconds or turning away and focusing on something different periodically.
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Give Yourself A Mini Massage
Start by rubbing your temples in a circular motion, then massage your scalp and neck region. Massaging your hands by squeezing the pads of your palms is also a great way to relieve stress from the body.
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Try Heat or Cold
A heat pack on tense muscles can relax them and make them feel less tight, but a cold pack across your forehead or the back of your neck can often bring more immediate relief.
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Drink The Headache Away
Some herbal teas, such as chamomile tea or peppermint tea, are known for their calming properties. Just the simple act of taking a small break to sip a hot beverage can also have a calming effect. Headaches are also often caused or aggravated by dehydration, so try having a glass of water and make it a habit to consume between 6 to 8 glasses of water per day. Caffeine withdrawal can sometimes cause headaches, but caffeinated drinks such as tea or coffee can also reduce the swelling of blood vessels in the head, so in the short term they can sometimes be helpful in relieving your headache.
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Calm Your Mind
Close your eyes and visualise yourself in a calm, restful place. Pop on your headphones and listen to calming sounds for a few minutes to mellow yourself out. Sprinkle a few drops of peppermint or lavender onto a tissue and inhale deeply. In times of stress we start to take very shallow breaths so remember to breathe slowly and deeply. By breathing deeply it reminds our body to let go of the stress that is causing the headache.
If All Else Fails…
If all the above techniques don’t work, over-the-counter medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen or acetaminophen may help you get through your day. Remember that pain killers only provide temporary relief of tension headaches, so be sure not to use them as ongoing ‘Band-Aid’ treatments if your headaches are ongoing. To find out more about the common types and causes of headaches, and how to best manage them, read our article on How To Control Your Headaches and consult with your local health professional.