I’m not sure if it’s genetics, stress, that one time when I rolled a pickup truck and was hit in the back of the head with the car jack, hormones, or that men’s discus that hit me in the head during practice one day in high school, but for the last 5-6 years I get a migraine every other month or so. It’s taken quite a while to pinpoint what triggers them and how to get them under control before I’m stuck in bed for 25-30 straight hours.  Just in case you find yourself in similar circumstances,  I thought I’d share a few tricks with you.

1) Sleep… sleep… sleep… sleep – If sleep is not an option, head to step #2.

2) Excedrin Migraine – Never before has there been in OTC drug that is as phenomenal as this one. Acetaminophen, aspirin AND caffeine in a gel coated gift from above.

3) Water – Most days I try to drink at least a gallon to gallon and a half of water, but when my head feels like it might explode, water is a necessity to survival.

4) White noise- Back in college Sarah introduced me to David Miles Huber’s Ocean Voyages.  Since that time, every iPod I’ve ever owned always has this soothing 2 track album on it.  Whether I’m at home or work, I pop my headphones in and let the ocean sounds soothe my brain.

5) Darkness – Curtains and sunglasses are my best friend when the light is too much to handle.  Sure, I might be made fun of, but I’d rather wear sunglasses inside than be puking in my work trashcan.  It’s a simple choice, really.