A headache can be one of the most disruptive things that can happen to your day. You might have many different items on your to-do list, but when a headache strikes, sometimes it’s just not possible to get any of them done. Or, if they have to be done due to a deadline or the fact that whatever you’re doing can’t be postponed, it will be much harder work than it normally would be thanks to the pain in your head.
Most people will take some painkillers and hope that they will work well enough to allow them to get everything done that needs to be done. However, although this may well help with the main issue of the pain, what it won’t do is deal with the root cause, and therefore you are likely to experience more headaches and be disrupted again either later on that day or in the near future. It’s far better to understand why you’re in pain and do something about the underlying cause than to mask the problem by fixing the symptoms. With that in mind, here are some ways to do it:
Get an Eye Test
Eyestrain is a major cause of headaches, especially when we are all using screens a lot more than ever before. Eyestrain is exactly what it sounds like; your eyes are straining to see what’s in front of them, either because your vision is impaired in some way or because the blue light emanating from the screen is damaging them.
If you find that you keep getting headaches and you use screens all day, or you think your vision might have deteriorated, it’s wise to book an appointment with an optometrist. They will be able to go through a series of tests to confirm what the issue is. If you do need eyeglasses, there are a variety to choose from online, including special computer glasses, reading sunglasses, and much more. You can choose eyeglasses that will suit your lifestyle and reduce your headaches.
Rehydrate Yourself
Another big cause of headaches is dehydration. In fact, even though screens are a big concern, dehydration could be the biggest reason behind severe headaches. The problem is that many people – adults and children – are chronically dehydrated, meaning that we no longer feel the symptoms of dehydration; our bodies have, in some ways, become used to being in this state (although that’s not a good thing to have happened). So, it can be hard to know whether this is the problem or not. To be on the safe side, it’s a good idea to start drinking more water throughout the day.
When you are dehydrated, the brain shrinks back from the skull, and it takes the nerves with it. This is what causes the headache. Even for those who are chronically dehydrated, a headache is a sign that you’re lacking more fluids than usual, and it’s time to replenish them quickly. Make sure you avoid too much caffeine and stay away from alcohol since these, despite being liquid, will dehydrate you even more.