I love the season changes. My favorite time of year is fall with the crisp air and falling leaves. And there’s nothing like that first snowfall of the season.
But for some folks, cold weather isn’t so welcome. Because when it arrives, they know a certain unwelcome guest isn’t far behind.
And that’s the headaches. Which just like clockwork show up every year as the temperatures drop.
Well, if your head is pounding it probably won’t make you feel a whole lot better to know you’re not alone. But you’re not.
In fact, for lots of folks falling temperatures in autumn and winter trigger frequent headaches. And surprisingly, the culprit is often muscle tension.
Here’s what’s happening.
When you’re exposed to cold air, your normal reaction is to tense up. The muscles in your neck, shoulders, and even your scalp react to the cold. And that can translate into a throbbing headache.
Three steps to relieving cold-weather headaches
But there’s good news. This year you could FINALLY rid yourself of your cold weather headaches for good. And you won’t even have to pop risky pain pills to do it either.
This simple three-step plan could have you pain-free in no time. And headache-free clear through spring.
1. Pile on the layers:
The first trick for heading off cold-air headaches is also the easiest. Since exposure to the cold is what triggers many of them be sure to bundle up before heading out.
That means dressing in layers. Besides a warm coat, you’re always going to want to wear a hat, scarf, and gloves.
Bonus: Wearing your scarf across the lower half of your face can help you sidestep another common headache trigger, low humidity, by causing the air you breathe in to be moister.
2. Don’t forget the vitamin D:
Many of us run low on vitamin D, especially in the fall and winter months. And it turns out that could be playing a role in your cold-weather headaches.
Studies have found a link between vitamin D deficiency and headache pain.
Scientists aren’t exactly sure yet why the low vitamin levels trigger head pain. But some researchers believe it may have to do with D’s ability to help our bodies absorb key muscle-relaxing minerals such as magnesium.
In other words, you may be able to slash your headache risk by raising your D level. It can be tough to get enough D from the sun during the winter months so consider taking a vitamin D3 supplement too.
3. Drink more water:
When the weather turns cooler, many of us cut back on liquids. But it turns out that decision could be contributing to your headaches.
Dehydration is a common headache trigger. And becoming mildly dehydrated when it’s cold outside, and the air is very dry, is a lot easier than most folks might imagine.
According to a study published in the European Journal of Neurology drinking just an extra liter of water a day could significantly slash headache pain. And if you forget to stay hydrated and get a headache drinking some water can help relieve the pain.
Drinking two cups of water could relieve dehydration-triggered headaches within a half an hour, according to research.
Make this the year you FINALLY say goodbye to cold-weather headaches for good with this simple three-step plan.
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