As if seasonal flu and cold bugs weren’t enough, many of us experience more frequent headaches in the winter.
Extreme temperatures may be to blame. If you always feel worse before a storm or temperature drop, there’s a reason. Changes in weather shift the atmospheric pressure, and we can experience this variation physically.
Darkness is a factor, too. When our skin is deprived of sunlight, the production of vitamin D drops, potentially triggering migraines.
Sinus headaches can be caused by infection and irritation, either from the congestion of a common cold or simply the dry, indoor air. Others experience headaches brought on by tension. When stress peaks, we sometimes feel it as a dull, aching pain or pressure across the forehead, or at the sides and back of the head.
Whatever the cause, you don’t need to take winter headaches lying down. Try these tips:
1. Shed some light on the problem: As often as possible, get outside. Expose your face to the sun, especially in the morning. When indoors, find a sunny perch. Even indirect natural sunlight appears to lower stress and pain.
2. Tap into natural pain relief: Your body has built-in mechanisms for reducing pain, but you need to give it the raw ingredients. Magnesium, for one, plays a major role in regulating pain. Most people don’t get enough of this essential mineral in their diets. Magnesium helps to produce vitamin D, relax muscles and blood vessels, prevent tension and increase oxygen flow to the brain. It also reduces the inflammation that causes sinus headaches.
3. Create a little tropical oasis: A trip to warmer climates may not be in the cards, but you can recreate at least some of the atmosphere with an inexpensive humidifier. Breathing moist air can ward off sinus infections.
4. Boost your immunity: Prevent congestion by building your resilience. A healthy diet is essential, and so is sleep. Even when you’re feeling well, make rest a priority as a preventative measure.
