Who here has experienced a migraine or severe headache in their lifetime?
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🙋🏻♀️ I tend to have regular headaches and occasional migraines connected to my menstrual cycle, extreme light, or lack of sleep.
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Migraines affect everyone differently but i'm sure we can all agree they can be quite unbearable. They can be completely debilitating requiring a cool flannel over your face, in complete darkness & silence, in a horizontal position, or sometimes they are there banging away but we strive to work through them (in agony). Sometimes we don't have a choice.
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So for those of you who suffer with migraine or severe headaches I hope this post will be helpful and help guide you when in doubt about exercising and migraines!
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The relationship between exercise and migraines is mostly a very positive one! Studies have shown that regular weekly exercise can help reduce the frequency and intensity of migraines. When we exercise it stimulates the body to release feel-good endorphins and enkephalins which act as "natural painkillers and anti-depressants". This helps to reduce stress and the physical exertion of exercise can aid better sleep too, reducing two of the most common migraine triggers! Winner, winner.😅
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On migraine/pain free days when you are exercising make sure you:
Keep hydrated. Dehydration can be a trigger.
Keep cool. Overheating can be a trigger.
Warm + cool down gradually. Jumping into rapid, intense exercise too quickly can trigger a migraine.
Watch your posture during exercise. Ensure you are not holding extra tension in your neck and shoulders.
At least 30 minutes of planned exercise is recommended 3-5 times a week. - As a general guideline I would NOT recommend exercising during a migraine when you are in pain as exercise can increase the pain and discomfort which no one wants. - When your pain eases and you feel the migraine is losing its grip on you, gentle exercise can help to ward off the migraine by relieving stress. - My favourite gentle exercise regimes include; walking, stretching, pilates, yoga, swimming and non-impact bodyweight exercises. - Everyones body is different so please listen to your own when it's talking to you!
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