How to Care for Your Migraine During Changing Seasons
Seasonal changes are more than just a shift in the weather; for many people living with migraine, they bring about significant challenges. Whether it’s the change in temperature, barometric pressure, or seasonal allergies, these shifts can trigger painful migraine attacks.
Understanding the impact of these changes and finding ways to manage them can make a world of difference in how you feel.
Here’s a guide to help you navigate these transitions and reduce migraine symptoms.
1. Understand the Seasonal Triggers
The first step in managing migraine during seasonal shifts is identifying your triggers. Is it the weather, like barometric pressure changes, or perhaps seasonal allergies? Or maybe it’s the heat or storms that cause your symptoms to worsen? By pinpointing what's affecting you, you can better address the issue and take preventive measures.
For example, if you experience worsening symptoms during certain seasons, talk to your doctor about adjusting your medications. You may need to temporarily increase your preventative meds or, if you're nearing your threshold for acute medications, your doctor might recommend adding extra acute meds during these times.
For many, like myself, I know that come July due to the heat, I often need more acute meds temporarily to manage the symptoms. It’s about knowing your body’s patterns and being proactive, rather than reactive.
Always consult with your doctor before making any changes to your medication regimen, and don’t forget to ask about layering meds for better effect.
2. Layering Medications for Maximum Effect
One common approach neurologists recommend for migraine management is layering different medications for a more potent effect. For instance, if a triptan isn’t enough, you might combine it with a pain reliever like naproxen, and perhaps even caffeine for added relief. The goal is to manage the attack early and reduce the risk of the migraine lingering longer, which can worsen symptoms.
The key takeaway here is that layering medications all on the same day is often safer than spreading them out over several days (which increases the risk of medication overuse). Just be sure to get your doctor’s approval and use this strategy only when necessary.
If you’re someone who knows allergies exacerbate your migraine during seasonal changes, treating those allergies more aggressively during this time could also make a significant difference. Consider talking to your doctor about allergy shots or other stronger allergy medications, especially during peak allergy seasons.
3. Managing Seasonal Allergies
For many, allergies can trigger or worsen migraine. If you’re someone who experiences increased allergy symptoms in certain seasons, it’s important to treat them more proactively. Common over-the-counter allergy medications like Claritin, Flonase nasal spray, and even local honey can help.
In interviews I’ve had with headache specialists like Dana Ionel, it was noted that treating allergies is key to reducing migraine symptoms, as the two often go hand-in-hand. If allergies are a strong trigger for you, consider taking your allergy medication more regularly, or look into natural remedies like using a Neti pot or saline spray for sinus relief.
Work with your doctor to adjust your allergy medication regimen based on the season. If you know that barometric pressure is a trigger, look into solutions like WeatherX earplugs, which are designed to help adjust to pressure changes, or ask your doctor about Diamox, a medication often used for altitude sickness.
4. Acclimate to the Outdoors Gradually
When transitioning into hot weather, I personally try to acclimate to outdoor conditions slowly. Rather than jumping from an air-conditioned space into extreme heat, I ease my body into it by going outside in the cooler hours of the morning or evening, when the temperature is less intense. This gradual approach can help reduce the shock to your system and decrease the likelihood of a migraine attack.
If heat is a trigger for you, start spending time outdoors early in the day and gradually increase your exposure as your body adjusts. Keep the air conditioning moderate to avoid sharp temperature shifts.
5. Ayurvedic Principles for Seasonal Shifts
Incorporating Ayurvedic practices into your routine during seasonal changes can also be beneficial. Ayurveda, which is a sister science to yoga, focuses on balancing the body's elements. For example, during fall, when the weather tends to be dry, cold, and windy, Ayurveda suggests balancing these qualities with oil and grounding practices.
For me, this might mean using more oils in my diet, such as roasted veggies or applying massage oils, and slowing down my routines to create more stability. Consistency in your daily schedule is key, as many people with migraine struggle with changes of any kind. Whether it’s a regular yoga practice, consistent sleep schedule, or mindfulness in your diet, these grounding activities will help keep your nervous system stable during times of change.
Balance the dryness of fall with grounding, hydrating practices like oil massages and warm drinks. Regular yoga and consistent sleep will also help to keep your body and mind in balance during transitions.
6. Prioritize Rest and Self-Care
Finally, during periods of seasonal transition, it’s important to listen to your body and prioritize rest. With so much change happening around you—whether it’s the weather, your routines, or your health—it can be overwhelming for the body, especially the migraine brain. Take time to rest, even if that means getting extra sleep or practicing yoga nidra (a restful yoga technique). By allowing your body to recharge, you’ll be better equipped to handle the changes without triggering a migraine.
Don’t feel guilty about taking extra rest during seasonal transitions. Resting now will help you avoid burnout and reduce the frequency of migraine attacks in the long run.
Important Notes
Navigating seasonal changes can be challenging for people with migraine, but with a few strategies, you can manage the shift with less discomfort. Here’s a quick recap:
Identify your triggers and talk to your doctor about adjusting your medication.
Layer medications to manage migraine effectively.
Treat allergies aggressively during peak allergy seasons.
Gradually acclimate to outdoor temperatures to avoid shocking your system.
Incorporate Ayurvedic practices to balance the seasonal shifts.
Prioritize rest to support your nervous system and avoid overexertion.
By understanding what’s triggering your migraine attacks and creating a more grounded, consistent routine, you can help your body adapt more smoothly to the changing seasons. If you need more guidance, my Migraine Self-Care Circle membership has targeted yoga sessions to stay regulated during these transitions. With yoga classes like Sinus Headache Relief, Cool Down, and Fall Equinox Balancing and Grounding, you will have natural holistic practices on-demand to soothe your migraine symptoms during the changing seasons. Join the Migraine Self-Care Circle membership today to start your healing migraine journey!
