Controlling Headaches Through the Choices You Make

The factors which cause many headaches, such asFinally, whether standing or sitting, make sure that you
severe migraines and headaches resulting fromstretch regularly. Get into the habit of doing gentle
underlying medical conditions, are not within our control.stretching exercises from time to time throughout the
However, in many cases we can directly control theday to keep your muscles loosened up and blood
factors which lead to a headache.flowing freely around your body. Stretching is
One common factor in headaches is posture and,especially important when you first get up in the
while it does not always cause a headache, it canmorning when your muscles will often be cold and
certainly prolong it or increase its pain. It takes a bit ofhave stiffened during the night.
training but if you can maintain a good posture it helpsAnother important contributory factor to headaches is
to support your skeleton and to stop your musclesstress and, once again, although it does not always
from tensing when you do not want them to do so.cause a headache it can certainly make a headache a
Problems often arise in people who either stand or sitwhole lot worse. Stress is often caused by a mixture
for prolonged periods of time.of both physical and mental factors and there is a
If you find that you have to stand for any length ofgreat deal which you can do to reduce the amount of
time then stand with your weight balance equally onstress in your life.
both feet. This might seem the obvious thing to do butOne good way to reduce stress is to ensure that you
you would be surprised how many people favor oneare eating a healthy and balanced diet and also taking
leg or the other when standing. Stop and think about itregular exercise. In addition, just a few minutes of
the next time you are standing still for any length ofbreathing exercises and meditation can work wonders
time and you might just find that you are standing within calming the mind.
almost all of your weight on either your left or yourOne final factor which is very much in your own
right foot. It is the misalignment of the spine whencontrol is sleep. Going short of sleep for any period of
favoring one leg which commonly causes a headache.time can quickly lead to sleep deprivation and stress.
The same sort of thing happens when you are sittingThis combination is a common factor in many cases
for any length of time so you need to sit up straight.of headache, including migraines, so adjust your lifestyle
You do however need to remain relaxed as there isand make sure that you are getting adequate sleep.
often a tendency to tense up your muscles whenThese are just some of the things which you can
consciously trying to sit up straight. If you work with acontrol and which, left uncontrolled, will often lead to
computer then try to sit with your forearms straightheadaches. The secret in simple terms is to ensure
out in front of you and your shoulders square on to thethat you are leading a healthy lifestyle and your
keyboard. In addition, keep your feet flat on the floorheadaches will either disappear altogether or be
and avoid the common temptation to sit with one footconsiderably reduced in both frequency and severity.
on the base of your computer chair.