If you have migraines, your brain is very sensitive to environmental changes, whether they are external, such as bright lights, or internal, such as changes in hormone levels. These changes tell your brain that the environment is posing a threat to your body. Did you know that the terrible pain of a migraine is not just any headache? A migraine is defined as a moderate to severe headache that lasts from 4 to 72 hours and usually occurs on one side of the head. Exercise can exacerbate the headache and can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and sound sensitivity. Migraines generally run in families, and while you can’t change your relatives, many lifestyle choices can determine how bad your migraines will hurt, and how often they will occur. These tips may be helpful to you. Live a regular lifestyle The best advice is to stick to an exercise routine whenever possible. Go to bed and get up at a time each day – even on weekends – when possible, eat on time, and exercise for at least twenty minutes a day, all of which will protect you from migraines. Why would a routine help with migraines? If you have migraines, your brain is very sensitive to environmental changes, whether they are external, such as bright lights, or internal, such as changes in hormone levels. These changes tell your brain that the environment is posing a threat to your body. So the consequence of these changes is a headache. The more regular your lifestyle is, the less likely your brain is to be alert and think there’s something wrong around you. Find out what triggers your headaches The things that trigger headaches are different for everyone. Some people get migraines when they eat dark chocolate. Others get migraines when they drink red wine, eat cheese, or when their bodies are dehydrated. Bright light, too much stimulation, or flying often trigger migraines for me. Keep track of every headache you have and find out what triggers them. Use a smartphone app or a paper diary to record each of your headaches for 1-3 months, noting how intense and frequent they are, and what you ate or were doing before the migraine. You’ll find patterns in them. Consider nutritional supplements Studies have shown that magnesium, riboflavin (vitamin B2) and coenzyme Q10 can help prevent migraines. One small study showed that taking coenzyme Q10 helped patients reduce the frequency of migraines to half of what it was. Talk to your doctor about which supplements are right for you.