Getting through a working day can be tough at the best of times, but when you suffer from migraines it can be especially challenging. These aren’t your average headaches; they can cause significant pain and suffering. This means a lot of sufferers end up having to take off more sick days and their productivity in the workplace can really diminish.
With an estimated 190,000 migraine attacks experienced every day in England and with six million people migraine sufferers in the UK, it’s not surprising that sufferers – and employers – are keen to find a solution.
Below, are 5 methods that migraine sufferers could adopt to cope with a migraine at work
1.Learn your triggers
The first thing you’ll want to do is learn your migraine triggers. While some migraines may be triggered within the workplace, often they’re actually triggered by something that happened before you got into work.
There are a lot of things which can trigger a migraine. According to one study, some of the most common triggers include stress, sleep troubles, light, hormones and not eating or drinking enough. Once you’ve learned your triggers, you’ll be able to take steps to avoid them. A good way to identify triggers is to keep a migraine diary, writing down what you did before the migraine and what you were doing when it started.
2.Establish a solid routine
One thing which can help reduce the chances of having a migraine is establishing a solid routine. This means going to bed at the same time, waking up at the same time and eating at the same times every day.
Having a solid routine won’t just help to reduce the risk of migraines, it also contributes to many health benefits. A routine lowers stress, improves sleep, gives you more energy and it’s great for your mental health.
3.Keep yourself hydrated
Staying hydrated is really important when it comes to migraine prevention. Dehydration can really trigger a migraine, so always make sure you’re drinking plenty of water each day. If you exercise, sweat a lot or if you’re sick, you’ll need to make sure you’re drinking more water than usual.
4.Eliminate fluorescent lighting
Fluorescent lighting is a major trigger for migraines. Unfortunately, it’s also the most favoured type of lighting in the workplace. This means it’s not always easy to avoid being exposed to this unhealthy lighting.
If you are finding the lighting at work is contributing to your migraines, it’s worth asking your employer if they can change it. Even if they can’t or aren’t willing to change the entire lighting in the office, just changing the light near to where you work will help.
5.Take 15-20 minutes time out in a quiet area
Sometimes, it’s not possible to avoid experiencing a migraine at work. So, if one does strike, it’s important to know how to handle it quickly. If possible, take yourself to a quiet, darker area for 15-20 minutes. This is usually plenty of time for the migraine to pass. Talk to your employer and ask them if you can take a little time out when one strikes. They will usually be happy to oblige as it could prevent you from needing to take the rest of the day off.
Overall, suffering from a migraine at work can be a terrible experience. However, the above tips can help you to avoid and cope with a migraine better in the workplace. If you experience frequent migraines, it’s also worth seeking treatment from a specialist to help you manage the condition.
If your patients find that migraine attacks are impacting their ability to perform at work, Botox for migraine offers a highly effective solution to chronic migraine. If you are interested in offering your patients Botox for migraine relief, then call 0790 0583 898 to find out more about our Botox training courses. Youth Doctors offers the only Botox for migraine course in the UK and Europe.
