Your lockdown headache explained

Masks

“Let’s talk about masks. If you wear one, you may not get fresh oxygen every time you breathe. Whether this is an actual or an assumed lack of oxygen does not matter, as both can lead to headaches and lethargy. “

“Maybe you hold your head and neck differently. Do you pull your chin and face forward harder so that you can be heard better? All of this can lead to neck pain, neck and shoulder tension, and then headaches. Drink less water when wearing a mask, which can lead to dehydration headaches. ”

To work from home

“A desk and home office are often not ideal. Laptops and screens propped up on books while sitting at the kitchen table for long zoom meetings. Combine this with sitting on a dining room chair that is the wrong height for your table and suddenly your posture is not good. The shoulders tend to roll forward along with your head instead of over your shoulders, and we look down a lot. This creates a lot of tension and dysfunction in your neck and shoulders that need to take a moment to check that your chair and desk are good heights, your screen at eye level, and your feet flat on the floor. Keep yourself in good posture throughout the day by rolling your shoulders back and forth and checking that your ears are open. A line with your shoulders is also recommended. “

Less exercise

“Lockdown often results in less movement and exercise. We miss a lot of side exercises, like walking to the other end of the office or the train every day. The longer you sit, the more likely your posture will get worse. Stand up and move your body throughout the day to relieve tension in your muscles. Stretch, do a few laps around the house, do some lunges or lounge squats to keep your body moving every 20-30 minutes.

stress

“Movement is used as a stress reliever. Lockdown can lead to an increase in stress levels which, when combined with lack of exercise as an outlet for relaxation, can cause or worsen headaches. The solution? Go outside and take a run or a walk to clear your head. Do yoga or stretching at home. If you have a yard, do some bodyweight exercises in the fresh air. Move in every possible way, z both your mind and your body. Just 10 minutes can make a big difference. ”

Sleep

“Increased stress can lead to poor sleep, which can lead to headaches. Again, stress is a problem. Simple ways to help your body deal with stress are to breathe slowly, deeply, and move your body around for about 5-10 minutes Taking time to talk to someone about how you are feeling. Also, you should have a good sleep routine. Reducing the effects of stress on your body and improving your sleep is the goal! “

diet

“There is often no routine. Diets can change and access to common fresh produce can be restricted. Coffee and chocolate consumption can increase and water consumption can decrease. This combination can often trigger headaches. Remember to keep your water intake up Increase at least 2L, keep your coffee consumption low, and include as much fresh food in your diet as possible. “

“Remember, the point is to do the best you can in each situation to manage a headache. They’re often caused by a combination of all of these things, not just one of them. Always consult your doctor (handy if needed). !) for advice tailored to your needs. ”