I have learned that consistency is key in fighting migraine. I have focused on progress, remained positive, and feel that placing trust in good medical hands must be my mindset. It has worked. I have benefited in spades!
How would I describe my feelings about migraine?
It might seem like a strange thing to say, but I only have good things to say about my migraine journey now. It has taught me a lot about individual health and wellness. It has shifted my perspective on many elements in my life. I truly evaluate how I spend my precious, healthy, free time.
I have found it best to minimize negative energy – it only leads to causing me to be overwhelmed and stressed. Focusing on good eating habits, whole foods, has become very important. I have learned to “unplug” to re-center and recalibrate. It has become important to find and create friendships with others with whom I have met because of my migraine issues. I want to bond with these people and try to support and inspire those who also struggle with migraine.
I began to find out that I knew a lot of people who suffered from migraine! I thought I was so alone. I’m not! I found out some friends, family members, and others were affected as well. I kept asking others if they were having experiences with photophobia. The answer was a resounding yes! Then I learned the “real numbers,” which led me to start The Honest Migraine blog, now Healthier Bodies.
I feel that those of us that suffer from migraine are a mighty community. The sheer number of us affected has to be respected. I want migraine sufferers, whether they are three weeks in to this painful experience or have 40 years in, to have a positive meeting place. We can share ideas, support each other mindfully, and be united in finding success.
My thought is that if we don’t put energy into helping our migraine community be the best and healthiest it can be, who will? We all need to pitch in and help each other reach wellness and pain-free living. My migraine journey led me to a better understanding of the pain scale.
As the months passed in my migraine journey, I started seeing the light at the end of the tunnel with my previously unmanageable migraines.
I slowly began to decide just how much stress I would allow in my life, the type of food I would consume, my daily water intake (making sure I drank extra — benefits of hydration outlined here), and moving my body in exercise each and every day (thank you Pilates for all the benefits you provide).
Stress is ever-fluctuating in life it seems. It is in mine. Some days I have a better grasp on it than others. There are days I lean on family and friends to minimize my stress or talk through things that are making me feel “worked up.” I cannot stress enough the importance of water and staying hydrated. It is an absolute must. A positive attitude is almost critical.
How do you minimize stress?
Have you tried any therapy modalities, such as: EMDR, HeartMath, hypnotic induction, or tapping?
I admit that I grew up drinking tons of soda, fruit juices, and Gatorade. I played volleyball competitively. Water was never my drink of choice. It’s wild to think about. Now it’s on my top five essential list of “take with” if I were to be stranded on an island. I have learned that dehydration can be the root of various health conditions. The American Migraine Foundation lists it in its top 10 migraine triggers.
Top 10 Migraine Triggers and How to Deal with Them
- Stress
- Changes in or an irregular sleep schedule
- Hormones
- Caffeine and Alcohol
- Changes in the weather
- Diet
- Dehydration
- Light
- Smell
- Medication Overuse
https://americanmigrainefoundation.org/resource-library/top-10-migraine-triggers/
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