Beneficial habits for people with migraine

Based on extensive clinical experience, expert opinion is that non-drug therapy is a key component of migraine management.

People with migraine need to keep regular habits, as change can trigger attacks. Anecdotally, beneficial habits include:

• Regular sleep schedules and good sleep practices
• Minimal variation in blood glucose concentrations (eg eating regular meals, avoiding excess simple carbohydrates)
• Adequate hydration (drinking 1.5 to 2 litres daily)
• Limited caffeinated beverages (1 to 2 cups daily)
• Regular exercise (aiming for 30 to 40 minutes, 3-4 times a week; walking is a good option, as exercise that involves jump-ing or running often provokes migraine in people who have them regularly)
• Good workplace ergonomics (especially when using a computer) and regular short breaks (to stretch and to rest eyes)
• Regular use of a relaxation technique (eg meditation, mindfulness, yoga, breathing techniques, progressive muscular relax-ation), especially if stress is a trigger (biofeedback and cognitive behavioural therapy may help)
• Avoidance of patient’s known triggers (alcohol, MSG, citrus fruit, chocolate, preserved meats, perfume).