cut out the stressors to cope. . .

para sa mga may topak sa ulo!  

headaches are often debilitating.  among respondents to the National headache Foundation’s online survey – who likely have more frequent headache than the general population – headaches cause about three-fifths (59 per cent) to miss work or other activities at least once a month.

the trigger is often stress, survey responses indicated.  leading stressors were deadlines and unpleasant chores of work, financial worries and family arguments at home.  insufficient personal time was a stressor to 63 per cent.

apart from proper diagnosis and treatment, there are self-management techniques that can help reduce headaches.  Here are nine ways to avoid them:

1)  make work schedules realistic, with breathing spells between appointments.

2)  get unpleasant tasks out of the way early, minimizing anxious dread from the schedule.

3)  use ergonomical furniture, from chair to keyboard, as well as a non-glare computer screen and proper lighting.

4)  get up 15 minutes earlier in the morning, eliminating some deadline stress from the inevitable morning mishaps.

5)  prepare for mornings at night: make lunches, put clothes out, set the breakfast table.

6)  write down appointments instead of taxing your memory.

7)   repair or replace sources of aggravation, such as broken alarm clocks or toasters.

8)   make a habit of checking your breathing throughout the day, especially before, during and after high-pressure situations.  by noticing shallow breaths and knotted stomach muscles, you can take steps to avoid headaches by pausing for several deep and slow breaths through the nose.

9)   schedule personal time everyday – on your day planner.