Are you feeling rushed? Are you dreading a big meeting at work? These events can all add up to be the start of a headache. Often it’s not the event itself that results in a headache but your body’s reaction to stress. If you deal with stress by clenching your jaw or tensing your muscles, you may be more likely to experience headaches due to these coping mechanisms.
Why it Matters:
Episodic headaches, or those that occur sporadically, are often triggered by an isolated, stressful incident. A few of the most common everyday stress triggers include anxiety, poor sleep habits, or significant life changes. Chronic headaches typically happen because of daily, constant stress and a lack of regular exercise.
Tips for Reducing Stress:
- Exercise More
Regular exercise boosts endorphins, which help put you in a better mood. It also increases energy and helps take the focus off the events stressing you out. - Get Some Sleep
Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep each night. Falling asleep at the same time every night and getting up at the same time each morning will help you fall into a healthy sleep pattern. - Relax
Make time for relaxation techniques to help you feel calm during periods of high stress.
Meditation and yoga are two techniques that can help you feel relaxed and collected under pressure and help mitigate the onset of stress. - See a Chiropractor
Keeping your spinal joints moving correctly can reduce the strain on your spine and its supporting muscles. Chiropractic care can help you relieve pent-up stress in your body and get you feeling better quickly.
Next Steps:
So, can stress cause headaches? Yes. While there is a link between stress and headaches, now you know there are ways to relieve it. When you feel the stressors of your daily life start to add up, take a moment to practice some relaxation techniques and make sure you get in some exercise. Use preventive measures like eating well and getting better sleep. And make time to periodically schedule visits with us to keep your body relaxed and moving well.
Science Source:
https://thesmartchiropractor.com/science-sources/