Navigating Holiday Stress: Tips to Prevent Migraines and Headaches

Nearly 50% of Americans report experiencing moderate levels of stress during the holiday season. In many cases, increased stress detracts from the joy of the season. It could even result in physical pain.

Whether your holiday-related stress level falls on the milder or more severe side, you could pay the price in more frequent or severe headaches. 

Board-certified neurologist Dr. Farhad Elyaderani and his team in New Rochelle and Yonkers, New York, specialize in diagnosing and treating headaches of all kinds, including migraines.

We have compiled the following information to help you prevent headaches and make your holidays more enjoyable.

Headaches vs. migraines

Of the more than 150 types of headaches, migraines are among the most common and severe. Other common headaches include:

• Chronic daily headaches: head pain on at least 15 of 30 days for several months 
• Eyestrain headaches: pain that stems from extensive reading or staring at screens
• Sinus headaches: pressure in the forehead, face, and temples from sinus inflammation
• Tension headaches: dull aches that may last for hours or days

Migraine headaches differ from these types in that they cause throbbing pain along with other symptoms, such as light and sound sensitivity, nausea, and fatigue, for up to several days.

How stress causes headaches

The exact reason stress causes headaches isn’t apparent, but your body’s inflammatory stress response or muscle tension may play a role. Stress is one of the most common migraine triggers, preceding symptoms for some 80% of sufferers.

High levels of stress also disrupt sleep for many people, which can both cause and worsen migraines and tension headaches. Stress also leads some people to go too long without eating. Both fasting and hunger cause headaches.

How to prevent stress headaches 

While you can’t eliminate stress from your life, you can take steps to minimize its painful effects. 

If you’re prone to headaches, Dr. Elyaderani and his team can recommend personalized preventive care and treatment after an exam and any needed imaging tests.

Depending on the specifics of your headaches and overall health, your plan may include a prescription medication, such as a beta-blocker, tricyclic antidepressant, or triptan. You may also benefit from Botox® injections, which prevent headaches by reducing nerve activity. 

Lifestyle measures that can help reduce headaches include:

• Avoiding specific stressors, when possible
• Breathing exercises and meditation
• Eating balanced snacks or small meals every few hours
• Prioritizing healthy sleep habits
• Staying well-hydrated
• Seeking support from loved ones or a therapist
• Avoiding other triggers

Our team can help identify your personal triggers for headaches or migraines. Aside from stress, common culprits include aged cheeses, caffeine, chocolate, cured meats, and red wine.

To learn more or get customized headache or migraine support, call Dr. Farhad Elyaderani or request an appointment online today.