Headaches are never fun. So even if you only struggle with them occasionally, it makes sense you’d want to know how to treat them ASAP.
The first step to getting relief is knowing which kind of headache you’re dealing with.
Of course, prevention is key to making sure you’re pain-free in the first place. Simple lifestyle changes can make a big difference, says Vernon Williams, M.D., director of the Center for Sports Neurology and Pain Management at Cedars-Sinai Kerlan-Jobe Institute in Los Angeles.
To stop both types of headaches before they start, he recommends:
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. See five sneaky signs you’re dehydrated.
- Don’t skip meals.
- Keep your alcohol and caffeine intake in check.
- Aim to get the same amount of sleep each night, ideally seven to nine hours.
- Engage in moderate physical activity each day, like walking, jogging, hiking, biking, dancing, or water aerobics.
- Practice good coping mechanisms for when your stress levels get high, like this simple breathing technique.