How to Cope With a Headache

Everybody knows the all-too-familiar feeling of a headache coming on. Whether it strikes in the back of your head, in your neck, on your temples or right between your eyes, the pain caused from it can sometimes be difficult to cope with.

Instructions

• 1

  Take an over-the-counter painkiller. Acetaminophen is the one doctors typically recommend for headaches, but different painkillers work better for different people. If acetaminophen doesn't work for you, try aspirin or ibuprofen to see if they make it easier to cope with your headache. Be sure to follow package dosage directions carefully.

• 2

  Practice relaxation techniques. Deep breathing or meditation can help you to release stress and relax. Stress is the most common cause of tension headaches. Do head, neck and shoulder rolls to relax the muscles around your head.

• 3

  Go to a quiet room, turn off the lights and lay down for a little while. Sometimes taking away stimulation such as noise and lights can help a headache go away.

• 4

  Get a massage. Massage is a wonderful way to get rid of stress and relax tense muscles.

• 5

  Use essential oils. Wintergreen, peppermint, lavender and ginger are well-known for their ability to help people coping with headaches. If smelling the oils does not make your headache go away, try rubbing a few drops of oil into your temples and the base of your neck.

• 6

  Try acupuncture. Some people have found that acupuncture gives them relief from chronic headaches.