Guest Author - Joyce N. Eldridge, M.Ed.

First and foremost, know what you are dealing with. It is very important to know your headache triggers. More often than not, your headaches are triggered by stress. If you’ve never identified your triggers, now is a good time to start. Journal your symptoms along with foods/ beverages consumed, activities, events, etc. that took place around the time the headache occurred. You’ll begin to see a pattern and whatever you see in that pattern you should consider as your headache triggers. Talk to your healthcare provider about medications for preventing headaches and for sudden attacks. Along with identifying your triggers, let those close to you in on the secret. Often times headache sufferers and those suffering from other silent illnesses don’t share the problem. Those around you will want to help in all of the preparations so that you stay healthy and enjoy the holidays too.

Secondly, it is always a good idea to plan ahead. Headache sufferers have long since learned this lesson. However, during the holiday season, in all of the hustle and bustle our usual habits go out the window. If you are the designated “do it all” person in the family then what better way to get it all done than to create a plan. Some things to consider are:
• List all of the tasks that must be accomplished and then determine which ones can be delegated.
• Make a list for gifts to purchase, and stick to a budget. This will allow you to fend off that “oh, I’ve spent too much over the holidays” headache.
• If you plan on entertaining, create simple party plans and menus. You may even consider doing a pot luck event to alleviate some of the stress.
• If you have young children, find a reliable sitter who can watch your children so that you don’t have to worry about watching them while you are shopping and running errands. Even better, if you have a spouse or significant other one of you can stay home with the kids while the other one shops.

Lastly, relax and have fun. Yes, the holidays are about friends and family but it is also about you. To combat the holiday stress, create a relaxation ritual to help you de-stress and unwind. Take some “me time” and do something nice for yourself. As you shop for others, consider purchasing something for yourself or catching a mid-day movie or better yet, treat yourself to lunch or at least ice cream! If someone asks you what you’d like for the holidays, why not ask for a spa trip as a gift? Some other ideas to consider are getting in touch with your spiritual side, read an inspirational book or attend a religious service. Go to the gym or take a yoga class. Whatever you decide to do keep these ideas in mind and take care of yourself. The holidays will be happy and headache-free for you and your loved ones.

Happy holidays!