The Right Way to Vacation When You Have a Migraine
Are you worried migraine will wreck your vacation? You can overcome it! Don’t fear that your attacks will keep you from enjoying your much-deserved vacation.
Anything that gets you out of your routine may cause a headache. The migraine brain prefers to be as steady and stable as possible. Migraine may turn the best-planned trip into a stressful and drastic one.
The winter holidays may be full of triggers, including stress. Still, creative planning and boundary setting help you find ways to enjoy the season. You can take some preventive measures to help keep your next trip migraine-free, like taking medicine for migraine along you.
Stay Hydrated
Stay hydrated, and don’t get dehydrated, even a little bit! Dehydration may be a potent migraine trigger. Getting plenty of fluids is essential, especially if you’re headed to a hot climate or will likely spend long hours on a plane full of dry cabin air. Drinking plenty of fluids if you’re taking a flight is vital because aeroplanes’ air is arid. Alternative methods to recover quickly from dehydration is Mobile IV therapy in Fort Worth or any other US city that can help you stay hydrated by delivering fluids directly to your bloodstream.
Don’t forget that caffeinated beverages may be triggers, too, so choose water instead of iced coffee or tea. Alcohol causes the body to turn out more urine, which may contribute to dehydration. If you drink alcohol, ensure to drink plenty of water to compensate.
Stick to your sleep schedule
Take plenty of sleep, and stick to your sleep schedule as much as possible. Too much or too little sleep may set the stage for a migraine; jet lag is a common trigger. Enjoying the nightlife in a new city may be fun, but try not to compromise your sleep. Also, don’t take long naps, even if you are jet-lagged; you might wake up with a headache.
Not getting sufficient sleep and sleeping too long may be headache triggers. The doctors usually recommend getting between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. You might find it challenging to keep your regular sleep and wake times during the holidays, but still try to stick to your usual sleep schedule as much as possible.
For a good night’s sleep, avoid caffeine later in the day. Also, use a natural sleep aid like melatonin to block light with a sleep mask or light-blocking shades.
Keep calm and carry on
Stress is a significant migraine trigger, and any travel may be stressful. Planning and giving yourself plenty of time to reach your destination may help. While on holiday, stick to your regular exercise routine to relieve tension. If your schedule is packed, ensure to get some rest breaks.
Don’t overdo it in the sun
Do not stay in the sun for too long. Sometimes people with migraines have weather-related triggers, and the sun may be one of them. If you’re travelling to a hot climate or know you’ll spend a lot of time outside, take a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses. Always put on sunscreen, and stay in the shade where you can. If you feel a headache, find a cooler, darker place indoors.
Eat right
Eat regular meals, and don’t skip meals. It is best to follow the rule of moderation, although you may be tempted. Many processed foods can bring on migraines. Therefore, don’t go too long without eating, and take healthy snacks with you. It must not be a big sit-down meal. It can be a snack. Practice moderation with alcohol and avoid overindulging.
When you order at restaurants, be diligent about checking for food triggers. Travelling during the holidays, you may need to take food with you. Ensure you are still scheduling time to eat. Try setting the alarm on the phone to remind you to pull over or pull out a snack. Plan to have three meals during the day.
Take care of your Medication
Ensure you have enough refills on your medications, and if you have any queries, reach out to your GP. You may have planned your trip well, but travel delays may happen anyway. Make sure you have plenty of your medication on hand, and pack it in your carry-on so you won‘t bother about it if your checked luggage goes missing/ lost or delayed.
An aeroplane baggage compartment can get very hot or cold, making your medicines ineffective. It’s also wise to bring your prescription if you have any trouble at security. Take your preventive medications consistently if they’re part of your treatment plan.
Talk to your doctor
Sometimes, the cabin pressure inside an aeroplane may trigger a migraine. Ask your doctor for an altitude sickness medication which may help prevent flight-related headaches. Don’t forget to start taking it a bit before your trip.
Choose Migraine-friendly Locations
The migraine brain prefers stability and lack of change. Therefore, visiting a place that isn’t drastically different from your typical environment may reduce the risk of an attack. Try to opt for more migraine-friendly locations. The factors that may trigger migraine are:
- Extreme climates
- High altitude
- Long flights
- Substantial time changes
- Different food items
Try to take it easy the first few days of your vacation so your body can adapt to the changes in the environment. If you are travelling to an area of a higher altitude, in particular, take a day or two to get used to the height. Don’t plan anything too laborious for the first two days.
Complementary Therapies
Have some non-medication options in your toolbox for managing stress or headaches. Things like ice, heat, and relaxation exercises may be beneficial.
Try to do all the things that help you manage your stress level, whether that’s exercise, meditation, or listening to music. During the holidays, making time for such things is vital, even for a few minutes. These can be just as important, or in some cases, even more significant than your medications for migraines.
Make a Migraine or Headache Action Plan
Create a headache or migraine action plan to get you through the holidays. The plan must include what medication you will take if you feel an attack coming on, going to a dark room if you need some quiet time, or how you’ll get home if you choose to leave an event.
Doctors also recommend putting together a migraine or headache pouch. Put all your medicine in it and make it easy to identify. It will make it easier for anyone who needs to grab it for you.
Conclusion
The likelihood of having a migraine attack on vacation feels unfair. With the proper preparation, you can enjoy migraine-free holidays or treat them quickly without ruining your trip. You need a solid migraine treatment plan to rely on while travelling. You may also take a few precautions to help keep your next trip migraine-free.
