Headaches can happen for a variety of reasons, and generally not because of one sole triggering factor. Lifestyle choices, including diet, exercise, stress levels, and sleep all play a big role in your ‘head’ health. Thankfully, in many cases, you do not need to resort to medication for headache relief. Simple yoga stretches have been proven to decrease the muscle stress and tension that can lead to headaches. You can perform these gentle yoga movements from the comfort of your home at any time to help decrease your discomfort or calm your mind and muscles before a headache even hits.
1. Side Neck Stretch
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet hip-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, hips, and legs. Place your arms at your sides. Looking for a light stretch along the side of the neck, drop one ear towards your shoulder and hold this position for several deep belly breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. To intensify the stretch, use your hand to gently pull your head closer to your shoulder. Return to the starting position and repeat the movement on the opposite side.
2 . Eagle Arms
Begin in an upright standing position with your feet shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, hips, and legs. Engage your core. Bend your elbows and cross your arms in front of your body at shoulder height, wrapping at the elbows and wrists. Hold this position for several deep belly breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax and repeat the movement on the opposite side.
3. Child’s Pose
Begin in a 4-point position with your hands beneath your shoulders and your knees under your hips. Tighten your abdominal area and widen your knees. Shift your hips back to your feet and cross your arms overhead. Lower your forehead to your forearms and relax your midback area for a light stretch. Hold this position for several deep belly breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax and return to the starting position.
4. Cobra
Lie on your stomach with your feet shoulder-width apart, maintaining good alignment with your head, shoulders, hips, and legs. Extend your arms overhead, slightly wider than shoulder-width apart. Breathe in, then straighten your arms as you arch your back, using your glutes and back muscle strength with minimal assistance from your arms. Hold this position for several deep belly breaths, in through your nose and out through your mouth. Relax and return to the starting position.
Begin in an upright sitting position on the floor, keeping your upper body in good alignment. Extend both legs in front of your body with your feet together and your toes pointing upward. Contract your core, hinge through your hips to bend your upper body forward, and reach for your toes with both hands. Hold this position for several deep belly breaths. Relax and return to the starting position.
The pain and discomfort of headaches can make anyone miserable. Unfortunately, the side effects of many medications can be almost as troubling. Instead, look for simple lifestyle changes you can make to help decrease your pain and minimize the likelihood of future headaches from happening. Taking just a few minutes each day to calm your mind and body gently and safely can make a tremendous difference. If you suffer from headaches often, it is best to discuss your concerns with your physician, especially if you are experiencing migraines.
You do not need to suffer with debilitating headaches any longer! Find out how to rid yourself of this pain once and for all here.
