Stress triggers

Stress is a trigger for nearly 80% of people with migraine attacks.

Stressing constantly about the next migraine attack can lead to a never-ending cycle of migraine attacks. You may even experience a “let down” migraine after taking a weekend off due to your body having a sudden drop in chronic stress.

What are some ways of coping with stress?

Break the cycle by learning strategies to reduce stress that may help you better manage your migraine attacks.

If you find that stress has been triggering migraine attacks, talk to a doctor and start keeping a migraine journal.

This will put you on the right track to finding the appropriate medication.

Make a list of things that stress you out or cause tension. Whether it be a messy living space or getting too many notifications on your phone, try to start actively reducing these stressors in your day-to-day life.

Start to integrate stress-relieving activities into your life.

Exercising, maintaining a consistent sleep schedule, relaxation, biofeedback therapy, and meditation are all great ways to manage stress.

Travel triggers

How do travel triggers affect people with migraine?

Stress leading up to and during travel, change in diet due to limited food options, sleep disruption and weather pressure changes can together create the perfect storm for a migraine attack.

Tips to consider while traveling:

  • If your seatmate has the shade all the way up with the light streaming in, an eye mask can help block out migraine-causing rays
  • Ear plugs and noise-canceling headphones can keep out loud noises like crying babies and noisy chatter
  • Consider carrying on ice packs, neck pillows, and blue light glasses to help ease migraine pain on board a flight