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Lifestyle modifications can be beneficial for migraine management. Exploring common triggers and implementing strategies to help manage them can help reduce migraine frequency and severity. Working with patients to identify triggers and strategies to minimize them helps patients feel empowered to take control over their body and headache treatment.

Evidence-based approaches include getting adequate sleep, staying hydrated, making healthy meal choices, incorporating regular exercise and stress reducing practices.


Behavioral and environmental triggers have been associated with migraine exacerbation, especially when multiple triggers or stressors are involved. Sometimes a referral to therapy can be beneficial for symptoms experienced with the migraine, for example, recommend a physical therapy referral for vertigo or visual symptoms.

This infographic helps to summarize some triggers to explore with patients. Explaining that identifying and modifying migraine triggers can take time and will help a patient feel supported on their headache journey.

Click image to enlarge

SMART: Sleep, Meals, Activity, Relaxation, Triggers

Sleep

  • Regular routine
  • Avoid screens prior to bedtime
Meals (nutrition and hydration)
  • Consistent meals (do not skip!)
  • Drink body equivalent in water for daily intake (1 kg/2.2 lb = 1 oz of water)
Activity
  • 30-50 minutes of moderate intensity activity 3-5 days/week
Relaxation
  • Reduce stress and/or anxiety: mindfulness apps, deep breathing techniques, yoga, etc.
  • Distraction DURING migraine (ice pack, strong mint or sour candy)
Triggers
  • Recognize and avoid triggers (diet, environment, medication, hormonal, etc.)
  • Document migraines and triggers in headache log

Self-Monitoring Resources and Apps

A headache diary (either weekly or monthly) is useful for tracking triggers and efforts to reduce them. The following apps were recommended from a Medical News Today site. New tools may become available and can be explored with the patient.