Make that Tension Headache Go Away

Almost everyone suffers from the occasional tension headache. A tension headache can be caused by even the minor stresses of daily life, like trying to get a report done by a deadline, trying to cope with two or three rowdy kids, or narrowly avoiding a fender bender on the drive home from work.

The severity of a tension headache can vary. Sometimes, they can be as mild as a slight ache, or general feeling of pressure. Other times, a tension headache feels like someone has wrapped a band around your head, and is twisting it tighter and tighter.

A tension headache can ruin your day. They are painful, they make it difficult to concentrate, and they can make it hard to do the things you want to do.

If you are suffering from a tension headache, the following tips will help you deal with, and possibly eliminate, the pain.

Try Aspirin for Your Tension Headache

Aspirin is the traditional over-the-counter medication for a tension headache. You can also try other anti-inflammatory medication, like ibuprofen, to stop the pain of a tension headache.

But, if you have a really bad headache, don't give in to the temptation to pop three or four aspirin at one time. The extra medication might just make your tension headache worse.

Exercise

If you've been hit by a mild to moderate tension headache, exercising could actually make it go away. So, do something physical. Go to the gym or take a brisk walk. If you're in the office, do some stretches.

Try to Relax

Sense a tension headache is often caused by tension or stress, one way to make the headache go away is by relaxing. Close your eyes for a few minutes, imagine you're on a secluded beach, and take some deep, calming breaths. Do some light stretches to loosen stiff muscles. Listen to your favorite, soothing music for ten or fifteen minutes. Take a long, relaxing bath. Any relaxation technique can help ease, or even eliminate, a tension headache.

Take Reading Breaks

Have you ever read a book so good you didn't want to put it down? Well, reading for hours without a break can cause a tension headache.

So, take reading breaks. Every thirty minutes to an hour, put the book down and go do something else for ten or fifteen minutes. Water the plants. Make yourself a snack. Run an errand. Even just closing your eyes for five or ten minutes could help.

I know how hard it can be to pull yourself away from a really good book. But taking a short break is worth it if it means not suffering from a tension headache.

Take similar breaks if you're studying, or doing paperwork.

Sleep a Tension Headache Away

A tension headache can actually be caused by lack of sleep. If you stayed up late last night studying or watching a DVD, or you just haven't been getting as much sleep as you usually do for whatever reason, this could be the cause of your tension headache.

If possible, take a short nap. This could be all you need to make that tension headache go away.

You should also try to get more sleep at night. Being well-rested will help cut down on the occurrence of tension headaches.

Try This Technique to Relieve Your Tension Headache

You know that web of skin between your thumb and forefinger? Well, when you have a tension headache, squeeze this web of skin, applying slow and steady pressure until it starts to hurt.

You'll be amazed by how well this can actually work.

A tension headache can be painful, distracting, and annoying. And, at their worse, they can even be debilitating. Luckily, you can use the above techniques to make your tension headache go away so you can get on with the rest of your day.