Tips to Reduce Stress
Stress is listed as the number one trigger for migraines by most adult sufferers. Stress is the body’s way of adapting to a situation that requires change. Stress isn’t caused by the situation itself, but our reaction to the situation.
The majority of adults today say that they are under moderate to extreme stress. The way our bodies react to stress started out as a primal response to danger. The problem occurs when the “fight or flight” response is triggered on an almost continual basis. Stress affects all of the systems in our bodies, and is a completely unnatural state to live in for a prolonged time.
Because migraines can be triggered by changes in the vascular system and musculoskeletal system, stress can trigger a migraine, even hours after the initial stress response has occurred.Chemical disruptions in the body can cause migraines as well. Stress can alter the body’s natural chemistry and trigger a migraine.
Dealing With Stress
It would be impossible to completely eliminate the causes of stress from our lives, but being aware of what situations can cause stress can help you control your response, and help prevent a migraine.
Some common stressors are:
- work
- family issues
- death
- crowds
- financial or legal issues
- confrontations
- environmental issues such as loud noise, fluorescent lights and smells
It can be hard to pinpoint the exact cause of your stress, making sure that you are aware of the warning signs can help you reduce stress and migraines.
Here are some common signs of stress:
- anger
- mood changes
- inability to concentrate
- fatigue
- lack of appetite or overeating
- heart palpitations
Coping with stress is a process, not just a one time event. Learning how to control your reactions to stress and adopting healthy behaviors to help your body handle stressful stimuli more effectively can help prevent migraines and a host of other stress related issues.
Experts agree that the following tips can help you manage stress more effectively:
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- Realize that there are things that you simply can not control, and let go of the urge to micromanage a situation. Work on communicating your concerns and problem solving instead of allowing yourself to become overwhelmed.
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- Becoming angry or passive doesn’t solve anything. Learn to express your opinions confidently, without allowing yourself to get too worked up. The only thing you can completely control in a given situation is your response to it. Make a conscious choice to respond to the situation in an appropriate manner.
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- Remove yourself from the situation if necessary and decide not to let the situation run your life. Self care is essential to survival. There is nothing set in stone that says that an issue must be dealt with immediately, you can table the issue until you have the physical and emotional resources that you need to deal with it.
- Lastly, make sure that you are eating well, exercising and getting the rest and sleep that your body needs to handle stress in the best way possible. Nourish your body and you’ll nourish your soul as well.
For more information on all natural remedies for migraines and stress, please click here: Natural Migraine Remedies, Natural Stress Remedies