The change of seasons is enough to make migraine sufferers more likely to have more frequent or prolonged attacks. This year has been far from ordinary though. According to the National Headache Foundation people with migraines are finding themselves suffering more throughout this pandemic.
It’s important to understand those migraine sufferers have brains that don’t do well with changes in the environment. These changes may include:
· Sleeping too much or too little
· Drinking caffeine at different times of the day
· Stress
· Anxiety
· Depression
Why More People are Suffering from Migraines
Some of the reasons why more people are suffering from migraines include:
· Environmental changes: The world around us still goes on. This means we must still deal with seasonal changes to the environment.
· Changes in work: Many people now find themselves working remotely. Others have had the added toll of losing their jobs. Still, others find themselves being “essential workers” who must be out and about each day in this pandemic. As an essential worker, your anxiety has probably increased as you worry about catching COVID or bringing it home to your family.
· Isolation from friends, family, and co-workers: This is tremendously difficult for most people to deal with. The prolonged period of isolation is making it worse.
· Being sedentary: Spending more time online has wreaked havoc on many people’s necks and backs. Finding the right posture, the right computer glasses, and the right height for your computer desk and chair are all important. Doing so will make it easier for you to spend countless hours on your computer. Not only will this result in less pain, but it’ll also help reduce the number of migraine attacks you face.
· Changes in sleep: Whether you’re sleeping more because of depression or sleeping less because of anxiety, it’s bound to cause issues.
· Added stress: Parents may find this especially true as they have children they’re worried about. This leads some people to overeat and not get as much exercise as they should.
Coping with the Added Anxiety of COVID
According to the CDC, there are some things you should be doing to help reduce your anxiety during this time. This includes:
· Take some time away from looking at the news and your social media feeds, especially regarding COVID
· Meditate or do some deep breathing exercises
· Stretch or do yoga
· Get plenty of sleep
· Talk to your friends and family about how you’re doing and how you’re feeling
· Avoid using alcohol and drugs
Migraine sufferers must pay special attention to these guidelines because researchers now believe that environmental factors affect your nerve pathways and brain chemicals. However, maintaining a “normal” routine is even more challenging now. This is why it’s so important to talk to those you live with about the factors that contribute to your migraines. According to Dr. Laine Green, a neurologist at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia doing so can go a long way in making your migraine disorder better. However, if you choose to forego this conversation, you could create a huge barrier that’ll prevent you from getting better.
Conclusion
Depression and anxiety are commonly associated with COVID today. All you have to do is take a look around you to see how many people are being affected in this way. However, if you’re willing to slow down, work harder to take better care of yourself, and set up an environment that is healthy for you, it’s possible to overcome these negative feelings. If you find that you still need some help with relaxing and reducing your anxiety during this pandemic, contact TMS Advantage in St Petersburg, FL today.
Picture Credit: Unsplash