Whether it’s stress, lack of hydration or a hangover, headaches have a habit of appearing at the most inconvenient times.
If it’s not bad enough for bed rest or painkillers (migraines we’re looking at you), here are three awesome natural techniques to alleviate the discomfort.
1. Use essential oils
What: Apply a few drops of lavender or peppermint oil onto your hands and massage into the back of your neck, temples and forehead. Do this every two to three hours.
Why? Peppermint oil has been proven to increase blood flow to the forehead and ease muscle contractions. Lavender oil is a natural sedative and helps relax the body.
Tip: Keep a bottle of each oil securely in your desk drawer, or the bathroom cabinet. If the fragrance is too strong, dilute a few drops in a fragrance-free moisturiser.
2. Bust out some yoga moves
What: Drop what you’re doing – if you can – and do three reps of a 30-second downward dog followed by a 30-second child’s pose (three minutes in total).
Why: These particular yoga poses are known to calm the body down and help regulate blood flow, particularly to your head and shoulders.
Tip: If you can’t find a place to do the yoga without feeling self-conscious, simply excuse yourself for a few seconds to the bathroom and do 30 seconds of gentle head rolls.
3. Eat some Vitamin B2
What: If you feel a mild headache coming on, grab a banana or some vegemite on toast or crackers.
Why: Vitamin B2, otherwise known as Riboflavin, is a known preventative for migraine headaches. It also helps alleviate oncoming headache pain.
Tip: Aim to have a Vitamin B2-rich meal (or snack) at least three times a week if you suffer from headaches regularly.
