When Your Head Feels Like Exploding

I used to wear a migraine crown on my head because I was #queenofmigraines

Not anymore!!!!

I still get the occasional headache and migraine - like today, but I am always prepared to help my body fight it naturally now!

Anyone else find the head tension increasing frequently these days?  Even my 13 year old has been complaining and that is NOT normal.

I’m going to share what works for me in the moment and what has worked to keep that migraine crown away … because it is not fun when everything looks blurry, when you can’t speak even if you try - those words just don’t come out, when part of your body is numb and tingling, when your sick to your stomach, when the pain in your head is so unbearable even laying down in a pitch black room in silence doesn’t help.

Now let me start by saying if you get headaches or migraines or any type of head tension or let’s call it chaos there can be so many reasons for it - but it’s always due to some sort of stress response in the body.  For me - my migraines are linked to hormones and to stress that causes my neck and shoulders to tighten up.  For you it may be completely different but I think some of the things I do may still help!

Here are my proactive tips for head chaos

Water, water, and more water … drink it and stay hydrated!

Keep things loose… especially the neck and shoulder area where many of us carry our stress.  So stretching, massage, chiropractic treatments are in my calendar!

Proper nutrients - skipping meals is a big one for me and migraines are almost instant.  

Supplementation - lacking some vitamins and minerals can play a huge role in keep migraines and headaches in check - most of us don’t get what we need from our food these days

Limit the alcohol

Manage the stress … THIS I BELIEVE TO BE KEY FOR MOST - sleep, exercise, music, fresh air, and essential oils are my FAV ways to keeping me relaxed and grounded

My “head exploding” in the moment tips:

• WATER! Drink it up!

• Walk away and take a few deep breaths - if it’s a stressful situation or anxious feelings or you’ve been in front of a “screen”, walk away and just breathe

• Get outside - fresh air can work miracles

• Get someone to massage the head, neck, shoulders

• Essential oils - These are my key “in the moment”!  There are so many that can support the body’s normal responses and provide instant relief for “all the things” you’re feeling.

• Lay down and rest if possible!

Let me dive in a little deeper to essential oils because I’ve had a lot of people over the years ask me what I use.  

MY go-to’s when it’s mild:

Peppermint and magnolia… I drink peppermint water and rub the 2 on my temples and neck.  When it gets intense head feels like exploding I use peppermint and frankincense to the roof of my mouth, rubbed into my temples, and down my neck and shoulders.  I also add in deep blue and copaiba - go big or go home!  

Seriously though - grabbing several natural options and taking care of myself are the best, most powerful, and safe options by far that leave me without side effects!

Do you have a favourite oil you use when your head is needing a little pick me up? 

One last tip:  I mentioned my 13 year old recently has been having headaches ( it all started when virtual learning started)... he prefers to put peppermint in his mouth and take a copaiba softgel… and if he lets me I rub spearmint through his hair (not as intense as peppermint).