Hey Team,
Itβs cold and flu season, an annual occurrence weβve become all too accustomed to. When you stop and think about it, how did a yearly bout of sickness and misery become normalized? How did we all collectively get to a place of throwing our hands in the air and downing a few extra vitamin C tablets?
Cold and flu season is not normal. If anything, itβs a sign that weβre all not following the signs that warrant a change during the wintry months. Viral illnesses usually begin to ramp up at the onset of the holiday season, which just so happens to bring with it an uptick in sugar, alcohol and our not-so-typical everyday food. Weβre staying up later, jamming our schedules a little tighter, and racing against an earlier setting sun. At a time where the winter solstice is urging us to slow down, we speed up.
This is the part where I preach about going with the ebbs and flows of the seasonal calendar. Take your winters slow so you can live fast in the summer. Put recovery and nutrition as the forefront to keep your immune system up for the tasks of warding off foreign invaders. And as spring inches closer with each passing day, youβre one step closer to feeling like you again. Winter can be a b*tch, but your health doesnβt have to be.
Now, to the headache piece. Some of you could be saying βDanielle I do ALL the βrightβ things but my headaches in the winter just donβt quit.β Heard. Letβs talk about a few common causes for winter
Barometric Pressure: Barometric pressure change can be one of the exacerbating factors of migraine headaches. Because your sinuses are filled with air, theyβre more susceptible to pain when atmospheric changes occur. Blood vessels can constrict and neurons in the trigeminal nucleus can in turn be triggered, causing full spectrum head discomfort. Since none of us are the children of Zeus, thereβs not much to do here except brace for impact and keep blood flow consistent with daily movement.
Dry + Cold Air: Winter brings with it not only cold, but dry air. Dryer times usually exist in the morning hours as well. This could contribute to tighter muscles, higher pressure headaches and for some even nose bleeds. A few remedies include checking the pressure and humidity levels if youβre planning on being out long, adding a humidifier next to your bed at night to restore water into the mucous membranes, and staying hydrated. Ironically we often see higher bouts of dehydration in the winter because the sun and sweat usually serve as reminders for people to drink water. Itβs infinitely more important to stay on top of hydration this time of year. My Shakesphere hydration jug keeps me honest here and is durable for outdoor adventures.
Muscle Tension: A common culprit. If youβre like me, everyday stress finds a home in my upper traps. This then starts yanking on the posterior neck muscles which in turn creates a pull on the muscles supporting the back of your head. Welcome to tension headaches. They arenβt fun. Your focus is going to be getting your neck into some much needed extension to alleviate stress on the muscles and keeping those traps knots free with the help of massage, acupuncture or a good old tennis ball. Grab your at-home recovery tools here.
Mineral Imbalances: Weβre all likely getting a little (a lot) less sun this time of year. Even you, Californians. Get your vitamin D levels checked. If you can get in for quarterly blood draws, itβs a great way to begin to understand how your body changes throughout the year given multiple external factors. Magnesium plays a large role in headache prevention. Give it a try as part of your nightly routine as itβs been known to promote better sleep as well. Consult with your doctor on recommended dosages.
Hormonal Imbalances: The biggest shift that could occur runs alongside the point above. If youβre spending most of your time cooped up, you can liken your chances to the very real seasonal depression. Take a look at hormone levels but also your thyroid including the adrenal function if youβve been in burnout mode. A steady vitamin regime including your Vitamin Bβs can help cover the bases, but itβs best to know exactly what YOUR body needs based on blood results. Whatβs measured can be managed.
Here are a few add-ons to help make migraines or headaches a bit less
Slow down to go fast.
Until next week π
