Headaches are common. Everybody experiences one at some point. They can be caused by a huge range of things, including drinking too much alcohol, dehydration, uncorrected vision, stress, muscle aches and medication side effects. The other common cause of a headache is looking at a computer screen too much or not sitting properly at a desk, causing the head and eyes to strain.
If you are experiencing a headache - whether it’s a one-off or a persistent issue - there are some things you can do for yourself at home.
1. Drink water
It might sound like an obvious solution, but it’s surprising how few people drink enough water. In fact, one study shows that only 22% of adults are drinking the recommended amount of water each day. Lack of water causes dehydration, which occurs because the brain shrinks slightly when there isn’t enough fluid. The lack of electrolytes found in water also cause fatigue, energy depletion and muscle aches - all of which can make a headache feel worse. Therefore, you must drink enough water to counter this. However, there is debate between experts on how much water you should drink. The common assumption is that you should drink 8 glasses of water per day. But this advice has been pushed by bottled water companies and the science can often contradict it. Experts say that a few glasses of water combined with hydrating foods can be more than enough. As long as you consciously drink water a few times a day, your headache should vanish.
2. Exercise
It’s another obvious solution, but it’s one that works and is often overlooked. Exercise helps you to release endorphins that reduce pain and increase blood flow. Gentle, frequent exercise can be as simple as a daily stroll, a cycle ride or a morning swim. If you are busy at work, you can use a desk bike. A desk bike is designed to sit underneath your desk so that it is discreet. You can sit at it like you would a normal office chair, except your feet will fit into the pedals and you can cycle as you work. Of course, you must stay hydrated while doing this - otherwise, you may cause a headache to occur! Keep a bottle of water on your desk and sip it as you exercise for the best results.
3. Clear your sinuses
Some headaches are caused by blockages to the sinuses in your face. You don’t have to be sick to get blocked sinuses. This issue most commonly occurs when you have a cold, but sinus issues can affect as many as 1 in 7 people - often in Spring when hayfever is rife. A good sinus clearing medication should sort the problem. But if not, you can use tea tree oil mixed with hot water as an inhalant. You can also mix tea tree oil with a carrier oil (like baby oil) and rub it into your temples, chest or just under your nostrils to clear your sinuses and reduce your headache.
4. Relax
Stress and anxiety can cause tension headaches. You might feel more pain towards your temples and jawline if you are stressed. Teeth grinding can cause this. If you think you might have a tension headache, make sure you take time out. Allocate an hour a day for yourself to relax within. Read a book, have a bath, watch an episode of your favourite TV series or chat to a friend. You may find this is sufficient at reducing your tension headache.
5. Laugh
Happy hormones, like dopamine, are released when we are having fun. These hormones not only help us to feel better but can reduce pain too. Furthermore, laughing can relieve stress, which is brilliant if you have a tension headache. Put on a funny film, watch your favourite TikTok videos or reminisce with a friend. You’ll soon notice that headache melt away.
6. Get ergonomic furniture
Sometimes, a headache can be caused by poorly designed furniture and an unsuitable computer monitor. A monitor that is too close or far away, or with a screen that is too bright or dim, can cause you to strain your eyes and neck, causing a headache. It is important that you have the following in your home office to prevent a headache:
- A suitable ergonomic chair with an adjustable headrest.
- A properly adjusted monitor using a monitor mount
- A desk that can be adjusted according to height preferences
FlexiSpot Can Help
We offer properly designed ergonomic furniture for your home office. Our furniture utilises state of the art ergonomic technology to help maximise productivity and minimize your aches and pains. Having a headache at work can be distracting and reduce your ability to concentrate. Having ergonomic chairs and furniture will reduce the likelihood of a headache occurring. To learn more about ergonomic furniture, click here.
