Simple Stress-Relief Tips from the Bezzy Migraine Community

Keeping stress in check is important for everyone. But for people living with migraine — for whom stress can be a major trigger — managing stress can be the difference between a pain-free week or a major attack.

“With stress being at the top of the migraine triggers, we absolutely MUST have tools and techniques for coping with stress and then making sure we are dropping our stress throughout the day,” says Bezzy Migraine community member MigrainePro. “If we don’t, it can end up like baggage weighing us down until our brain says NO.”

How can you keep stress from being a trigger? Here’s what members of the Bezzy Migraine community have to say.

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Make a commitment to mindfulness

“Meditation is my go-to. I use the Calm app to meditate twice every day, but when something is making me feel especially stressed, I do extra meditation sessions. It helps to settle me down and not let my thoughts, fears, etc., overwhelm me.” — Tomoko

Keep your hands busy

“I paint my nails. I’m horrible at it, but it physically slows me down. I adopted a new skin care regimen so I get lost in the process. I find mindless things to do during certain hours of the day. I allow myself to not reply to every text, email, call, or even open mail immediately. Always looking for my breathing room!” — Alexes

Take a deep breath

“I get wound up with the stress and once it passes, the attack will start. I can feel that in my chest … when stress is building up. So when I feel that now, I take 5 to 10 minutes to meditate with the Calm app. I have found it helps. Or even some really big breaths. It all helps. 💜 ” — Eileen Zollinger

Get moving

“For me, the focus needed in doing a workout, going to the gym, or following a specific routine requires concentration, while walking or running without a particular destination produces a zoned-out effect. This gives my mind space and time to work through thoughts and feelings more subconsciously,” says Bezzy writer Molly Lipson.

“The fact that my body and mind are both moving at a similar pace also prevents that paralyzing mental exhaustion that can occur when I’m too physically still for my anxious thoughts,” Lipson adds.

Bake something

“I bake something easy that I don’t have to worry whether it will turn out or not. Keeps my hands and mind occupied for a bit.” — Monica Arnold

Stick to a routine

“Sticking to a routine as much as I can, inhaling calming scents like lavender, doing yoga, getting to bed and getting up at the same time (and getting enough sleep), and definitely my animals!” — JennP

Tune in to your body

Bezzy writer India Kushner shares, “As someone who experiences frequent migraine attacks that seem related to my stress levels, learning to read my body’s signs has become key.”

The bottom line

Managing the stress in your life is no easy task. But committing to simple stress-reduction practices can help you have more pain-free days.

Remember: You’re never alone. Join the Bezzy Migraine community and share your own stress-relief tips.

^{Article originally appeared on June 23, 2020 on Bezzy’s sister site, Healthline.}