Frantic trips to the mall, overcrowded parking lots and aggressive shoppers are just some of the season?s stresses that can trigger a headache.
“There is a direct link between stress and the dull pressure and tightening sensations people experience during a headache,” said Dr. Brian Mondell, assistant professor of neurology at John Hopkins School of Medicine. “Tension headaches inhibit activities. They cause people to work at half speed.”
Tension headaches ? classified as ?primary? headaches by experts ? account for 90 percent of headaches in the U.S. according to the American Council for Headache Education.
In order to prevent tension headaches, the National Headache Foundation recommends anticipating stressful environments and altering your behavior accordingly:
» Maintain a routine sleeping and waking pattern.
» Avoid locations with known triggers such as parties where guests are smoking or heavily perfumed.
» Opt for juice or water over alcoholic drinks, especially red wine that contains the headache-linked amino acid, tyramine.
» Eat throughout the day.
» Steer clear of headache catalysts such as processed cheeses, meats and chocolates.
» Schedule personal time to prepare for or recover from family gatherings.
