I get headaches all the time. Being a college student in the 21st century is difficult because most of the homework and assignments we have are online. Sitting in front of a laptop for hours on end puts a lot of strain on your eyes, which translates into headaches.
The stress of life, from academics to social lives, also causes headaches at inopportune times. When I get a headache, I don't want to do anything. But I can't let a nuisance stop me from living my life! Here are a few techniques that I use to help alleviate my headaches without medication.
1. Aromatherapy
Some essential oils, such as peppermint and lavender, have a cooling effect if put directly on the skin. Personally, I have oily skin and don't like to put essential oils on top of it. Instead, I have an essential oil diffuser in my room that I put on every night. All you do is put a few drops of oil in water (I personally love lavender oil), and put on the diffuser! It's a calming and peaceful scent that relieves me of my headaches and helps me fall asleep.
2. Hot and cold compresses
Hot compresses are the BEST when it comes to relieving my headaches. The winter is usually when I get the most headaches, so hot compresses work the best for me. However, if you tend to get headaches when it is warm out, I recommend using a cold compress. The heat from a hot compress loosens the muscles in tension headaches.
3. Exercise
Although I tend to not exercise enough, exercise is scientifically PROVEN to help relieve headaches. Exercise increases your blood circulation and relaxes your whole body. Spring is coming, so just throw on a pair of running shoes, run outside, and enjoy the fresh air!
4. Drink LOTS of water
I LOVE water. I always have a bottle of water with me wherever I go because I always get thirsty. However, when you're dehydrated you are bound to get a headache. Our body is 60% water, so we need water to survive! Doctors recommend that we should drink eight 8-ounce glasses (which is about a half a gallon) of water daily. So drink up!
5. Take an Epsom salt bath
Frequent headaches may be a symptom of a magnesium deficiency. Epsom salt (aka magnesium sulfate) is filled with magnesium that will absorb through your skin in an Epsom salt bath. Epsom salt relaxes your muscles, relieves aches and pains, detoxifies your skin, and open your pores! Take an Epsom salt bath to not only relieve your headaches but also for the additional benefits for your skin!
