How migraines affect daily life is a complex question. The answer is it can range from a quiet knock to a raging storm overtaking your whole world. With support, good medical care, and determination I have continued my migraine journey through the full range of migraine days. I have shared before…”Remember the good and survive the bad.”
Perhaps, we want to truly embrace what is good. I found a quote recently and then lost the author. It went like this…”Gratitude shows us what is there instead of what isn’t.” Please forgive me for the time needed to find the author. Although the words are not mine, they will stay with me. Gratitude is a powerful thing and can make an impact on your daily life. You can read more about gratitude in my journey in my article Migraine Patient Journey: Gratitude.
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Migraine Daily Maintenance
Every person with migraine has to find what works for them and we must support each other on this road of finding healing and hope. I will share my daily routine here to provide a possible glimpse into what it could look like. Maybe you can relate or you see someone you love doing this as well.
Morning Routine
Allow extra time to take migraine preventatives with breakfast and be sure to get in a good breakfast so that hunger does not trigger a migraine. I have found it helpful to include protein. Balance water and coffee to provide necessary hydration with the needed/desired caffeine. I have always been a big coffee drinker, but I am working on balance! Gloria Jeans and Koa Coffee which Forbes says is the Best in America usually draws other people to whatever room I am in. I will be writing more on caffeine and migraine soon as life is creating some new experiences with this one.
Prep Prep Prep
It is all about having what I need when I need it. Fighting off triggers or preventing them are some of the best ways for me to stay migraine free during the day. I can’t guarantee I won’t develop one, but I can be sure I do all I am able to do to prepare if an attack does occur.
My Migraine Kit
At work, I have a migraine kit. This includes my rescue medications. My main rescue medicine is my injection. As a teacher, I keep that in my classroom in a safe place and an extra supply in my school nurse’s office. This way if I accidentally forget to restock or am away from my room and it is easier for her to use her supply I am covered.
In addition to meds, I keep my Migrastil Migraine Creme and Migrastil Migraine Stick. The Migraine Stick has saved me multiple times from odor-triggered migraines. The peppermint smell is a well-tolerated odor blocker for me. I also use it in combination with meds for pain as well. The cream is a great pain and tension reliever for my neck because I can’t take my muscle relaxers at school and it won’t make me drowsy. My neck spasms can sometimes be a trigger.
My kit also includes an air sick back in case I have to be taken to the hospital and am nauseous. Snacks and water are always on hand as well. Being prepared is a very important part of my migraine daily life. This takes intention and commitment. At my house, I ensure we have packed backpacks, lunches, and my migraine kit supplies. I can’t afford to let things run out.
Some additional medications I keep on hand include Tylenol and Advil. I keep them on hand for pain and inflammation/tension. Uttering those words to a migraine sufferer many times may cause an eye roll or cringe unless they are the lucky few that caffeine and Tylenol work for. If that is you, I am truly happy for you! They don’t make me drowsy or have side effects that I experience. I don’t take them very often and for me, they are treating things other than migraines.
Communication and Migraines Affect on Daily Life
I am honest and transparent with my staff and students. This creates trust and understanding. Everyone knows I have a plan for when I get a migraine. At this point to say “if a migraine occurs” is not an accurate way to record my journey. However, I am hopeful that the frequency will continue to decrease.
My teammate, admin, and other staff are all amazing. My school nurse cares for me as compassionately as she does our students. When you have good people you know you are in the right place. If I have had to take my migraine injection or a “migraine cocktail” home version I give my teammate a heads up. Sometimes just knowing someone cares makes a big difference. My administration is so kind and encouraging as well. I just know I am blessed beyond measure in my home and school life.
In addition to a wonderful staff, my students are an inspiring part of my journey as well. I am honest with them and they receive me with such grace and compassion. They are used to my migraine lighting. I think it soothes them. Their hearts are big and I am so thankful. Read more about lighting options in Best Lighting for the Office and Beyond.
Evening Routine
Family time is so special to us. As the boys get older we are quickly becoming all too familiar with the busyness that homework and sports add. However, when we can come together for a meal or a story it just adds so much peace into our days. Mind you that peace could have been preceded by a pajama war. Nevertheless, this is a life I still count myself lucky to live. My boys are the best things in my life. Creating this space for each other is a layer of support that is so priceless.
Take meds routinely and be sure all needed meds are taken. Get good quality sleep and set a sleep schedule. In other words, have good sleep hygiene. Have an Waking Up with a Migraine: Not a Dream.
The evening routine for each person may look different. Sometimes we just need some time to reflect or relax from a busy day. Find what soothes and also what encourages you. I have some favorite products I will share below. When you find what you enjoy that is what you stick with. I wish you well friends.
Some Favorite Products
These are some of my favorite products and I use all almost daily. Although the diffuser comes with essential oils, I am currently using Young Living so I wanted to share that with you. There are of course others out there. I have had a very positive experience and they last a very long time. If you are new to essential oils they can be a blessing. However, test carefully due to any sensitivities. Lavender is a gentle one with many benefits. The eye mask I use daily. Find what you love and stick with that.
Stay Connected
This is a place to find support and encouragement. Migraines may feel overwhelming at times, but there is always hope. Come back here anytime. Reach out on the contact page and join our Facebook group. I wish you well friends.
This is helpful for those experiencing a lot of pain.
Such a good post! Removing toxins can be another really important step in helping to reduce issues like migraines. I also love Young Living essential oils. 🙂
I plan to send this to one of friends who suffer from migraines. I know this will help her to cope.
Migraines are the worst! Thanks for sharing your story!
I’m sure this is very helpful for many who suffer from migraines. And love how you mention your transparency with students and staff at your job. It’s nice they all are there for you! I also enjoy hearing bits and pieces about your family.
I can definitely relate to your post on how migraines can affect daily life. I’ve been dealing with stress-induced migraines for the past few years, and your tips for managing them are fantastic. Thank you for sharing your insights and experiences – it’s comforting to know that I’m not alone in this struggle.
Best regards! Danielle
I am so sorry you are living with migraines, but you are not alone. I am so glad you found your way here. Stress is a big trigger for me too and I think for many others as well. Thank you for your support and for being here. I will continue to share resources and provide support on this journey.
I go everywhere with my migraine kit! Total lifesaver.
Your tips on surving migraines are always so helpful. A friend of mine has recently been having migraines and I was happy to be able to refer her to your blog. I am not a person that suffers with daily migraines but I still love reading your posts to help me understand better what others go through.
Thanks for sharing. I have a friend who suffers from migraines so this article was healthful.
Migraine sufferer here! I’ve learned to control mine over the years, for the most part, but I love your list for yur migraine kit! I do carry a migraine kit with me. I include some medication, and also I always carry snacks and water! If at home or work, an ice pack definitely helps too, I use it at the back of my neck! I would also add a journal! For me, keeping a journal of when my migraines happened and making a list of things that happened, or perhaps ate at the time the migraine helped me identify what my triggers were!
I am so glad your migraine attacks sound like they are less frequent. That is wonderful! Yes, being prepared is a big deal. I have talked about the migraine cap and I have an eye mask I freeze that I should add to the post…not always doable for all work environments. I love your journal idea! I have written about utilizing apps or a handwritten tracker. Do you prefer written? Best wishes on your journey! Thank you so much for your thoughts!
As someone who used to suffer from daily headaches, daily life and routine is so important
Thanks so much for sharing, such great tips! I especially liked the one about coffee and hydrating with accordingly. So many people forget how important water is to their body.
I don’t suffer with migraines, but a very close friend does and I can see how debilitating they can be.
I can’t believe I’ve never thought of having a migraine kit! Great idea!
Migraines are becoming more and more frequent in my life. This post is very helpful. Thank you very much for sharing your story and your routine.
As someone who used to suffer from daily headaches as a teacher, this post was so helpful. I love the idea of a migraine kit! I wish I had been more knowledgeable about morning and evening routines when I was in the classroom, but as a SAHM I can use this information as well. Thank you so much for sharing and for what you do each day as a teacher!
As someone who occasionally suffers from migraine but has no coping mechanisms in place other than ‘just leave me alone’, this was a very helpful guide . Thank you!
Full of great tips! Thank you!
This is a lot of work. Thank you for sharing some awesome tips so others can get help too! It’s been a couple of years since I had a migraine (I’ve learned a few of my triggers and just mitigate them). But I’m saving this for future reference in case I start getting them again!
Thanks for the information! I find that it’s helpful to balance water and coffee for my headaches.
I suffer from migraines too and this is very helpful, thanks for sharing!
So helpful!
This is really helpful!
It’s unfortunate but you do need a migraine kit to survive debilitating migraines. Its a bummer, but great tips here.
Thank you for sharing. I used to get horrible migraines These are great and I can see that it will help. I wish you all the best on your continued journey toward finding relief and managing your migraines.
This is a great post and is really helpful. Thank you for sharing!
your work migraine kit is a great idea!
Some really helpful suggestions here!
This was so helpful!
It can be so tough to figure out what triggers migraines. Thanks for sharing your routine and tips!
Migraines are no fun! Thank you for sharing your valuable advice proofed by yourself.
These are great and I can see that it will help. The morning routine is good because s important how we start our day. Great tips!
This is a very informative migraine post. Thank you for sharing these great suggestions to keep handy to help you. I’m sorry how much you suffer with migraines. I appreciated reading your post. 🤗
Pastor Natalie (ExamineThisMoment)
Letstakeamoment.com
This was a great read! My husband suffers from really bad migraines so I will send this to him. Thank you!
The cooling eye mask looks like it would be great for relief. Thanks for sharing advice and giving helpful tips for migraines!
My migraines are triggered by bright lights, this is very helpful for me to learn how to manage that. I also have a friend who is suffering from Covid, who is having a lot of migraine issues. I will pass this along to her.
Ugh as soon as I started reading this article I remembered how migraines really suck and can affect daily life. Thanks for sharing!