Archive for the ‘nap’ Category

How To Zap Stress

Monday, August 11th, 2008

For the past several days I’ve been fighting a migraine and tension headache that keeps threatening to take over. My head, shoulders and neck hurt, and any sudden or loud noise is like stabbing me in the head. Although I’ve tried to physically relax I know that I haven’t done it because when I wake up in the morning I am sore from being so tense.

A lot of people have different ways they recommend to relieve stress. The most interesting thing I’ve heard of so far is the Stress Eraser, which they talked about on The View the other day. From what I understand it’s a device that regulates your breathing. Although that sounds great, I don’t think it’s something I’ll spend my money on.

Quick ways to relieve stress:

* Take a catnap: Just 10 minutes can be refreshing. I don’t know if this works for me or not, usually when I do get a chance to get some sleep I want a minimum of 30 minutes to an hour.

* Visualization:
Take a quick “mental break” by envisioning your favorite place. Concentrate on what you would see, smell and hear if you were really there. Although I’ve always liked to daydream I haven’t been able to get a good one in because my mind is so busy with everything I have to do and everything that needs to be paid.

* Massage: Close your eyes and use your fingertips to vigorously massage your forehead and the back of your neck in a hard and circular motion. This helps me a little bit… I think it would work a lot better if someone else could do it for me.

* Concentrate of breathing: Increased tension results in rapid, shallow breathing so to relax inhale slowly, hold your breath then exhale slowly. I’ll have to try this more often to see if it works.

* Sing in the shower:
Loud singing demands deep breathing, which relaxes the singer. So, hold the notes for as long as you can. If nothing else this sounds entertaining and a good laugh will help with relaxation.

* Stretch: Standard stretching exercises are good for relieving tension. I have found that a good stretch in the morning works wonder for the tension.

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Cluster Headache Self-Care

Tuesday, June 17th, 2008

The following measures may help you avoid a cluster attack:

* Stick to a regular sleep schedule. Cluster periods often begin when there are changes in your normal sleep schedule. During a cluster period, follow your usual routine.
* Avoid afternoon naps. Once a cluster period has started, taking an afternoon nap brings on a headache for many people.
* Avoid alcohol. Alcohol, including beer and wine, almost always triggers a headache during a cluster period. This can happen quickly, even before you finish the first drink.
* Limit exposure to volatile substances. Prolonged exposure to substances such as solvents, gasoline and oil-based paints may trigger an attack.
* Be cautious in high altitudes. During a cluster period, the reduced oxygen at altitudes over 5,000 feet may trigger a headache. There may be drug interactions between medications for cluster headache and medications for mountain sickness.
* Avoid tobacco products. Nicotine may occasionally trigger a headache during a cluster period. If you’re prone to cluster headache, it’s best to stop smoking and avoid other tobacco products.
* Avoid glare and bright lights. For some people, excessive glare and bright lights can bring on a headache.

Coping skills

Living with cluster headache can be difficult. In addition to the physical symptoms, the chronic pain that often accompanies cluster headache attacks can make you anxious or depressed. Ultimately, it may affect your interaction with friends and family, your productivity at work, and the overall quality of your life.

You may find that talking to a counselor or therapist can help you cope with the effects of cluster headache. Or you may find encouragement and understanding in a headache support group. Although support groups aren’t for everyone, they can be good sources of information. Group members often know about the latest treatments and tend to share their own experiences. If you’re interested, your doctor may be able to recommend a group in your area.

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