Understanding Migraines and Learning How To Live With Them

 
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If you suffer from migraines, you have my utmost sympathy, as they’re truly terrible. I’ve suffered from migraines since I was eleven years old, and whilst I was lucky to get only one or two during my twenties, they’ve been a regular occurrence in my thirties, and let me tell you, they aren’t fun.

The word migraine is often thrown around, but what exactly is a migraine? How can you tell if you’re having a migraine, or simply a very painful headache? Trust me, you know. Migraines have a very different level of pain, and they’re never just a headache. Migraines are a neurological condition which affects the brain.

Understanding Migraines and Learning How To Live With Them

Migraines can be trigged by different factors such as food, stress, a lack of stress and more, and the pain can range from being mild to severe, and they’re typically experienced on one side of the head. Migraines are never *just* a headache, with symptoms of light or sound sensitivities being common, as well as visual disturbances.

Annoyingly, a migraine can last for hours or even days, and is often accompanied by nausea or vomiting, and some even suffer from neck stiffness, or extreme sensitivities to smells. Migraines are typically triggered by hormonal changes in women during puberty, menstruation (periods), pregnancy (pregnancy) or menopause (end of periods).

What Are The Different Types of Migraines?

There are two main types of migraine: episodic and chronic. Episodic migraines happen less often and tend to last less than 72 hours. Whereas chronic migraines happen more often and can last for days or weeks at a time. There is also a third type of migraine called ophthalmoplegic migraine, which happens when the muscles that control eye movement become weak or paralysed in some way, but the two most common types of migraine are episodic and chronic.

Common Migraine Triggering Factors

Migraines are the most common type of headache, with about 1 in 7 people suffering from migraines, and they’re found to be more common in women than they are men. The triggers for migraines change from person to person,

Some of the most common triggers for migraines include:

  • Changes in hormones; puberty, menstruation, pregnancy or menopause.
  • Sleep deprivation
  • Stressful events or life changes
  • Too much or too little physical activity
  • Atmospheric pressure falls or rises
  • Changes in temperature
  • Humidity fluctuation
  • Bright artificial lighting
  • Alcohol consumption
  • Consumption of certain food types (such as chocolate, cheese and nuts)
  • Excessive caffeine intake
  • Smoking tobacco products

What are the Most Effective Treatment Options for Migraines?

Migraines are often debilitating, and some people have to suffer with them on a daily basis. I’m lucky in that I get maybe 1-2 a month at the most, but I’ve had times when they’ve been a lot more frequent, and it’s really tough as they are so debilitating.

If you think you might be suffering from migraines as opposed to general headaches, I’d recommend creating a headache diary, when you can record your episodes and food/drink intake, to help you establish any noticeable patterns or triggers.

Understanding Migraines and Learning How To Live With Them

I for one, know chocolate to be a big trigger for me, so I try and limit how much chocolate I consume, and once you spot your triggers, it really does help to minimise the frequency of your migraine attacks.

When it comes to effective migraine treatments, there are many different options, with some people responding well to medication, lifestyle changes or focusing on preventative measures. It all depends on the individual person, and it’s always good to try different things to see which is the best plan of action for you personally.

One popular medication when it comes to migraines are triptans (and my personal favourite treatment for dealing with my own migraines). Triptans are a type of medication that can be taken at the onset of a migraine to reduce its severity and duration. They work by blocking serotonin from binding to receptors in the brain, which helps stop the release of chemicals and other neurotransmitters that lead to migraine symptoms.

There are many treatment options for migraine sufferers, but not all of them work for everyone. Some people find relief from pain by using over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen. Others find relief from taking prescription medications such as ergotamines, or opiates.

How To Treat A Migraine Attack With Alternative Therapies

Alternative treatments for migraines include acupuncture, meditation, yoga, chiropractic care, massage therapy, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), and biofeedback. You could use a TENS machine designed for migraines, hot water bottles, heat-up eye masks, or many other non-medication based treatment options.

Living with migraines can be really tough. You live in worry wondering when the next attack will strike, but there are different treatments available, and alternative therapies to hopefully help with the symptoms once you do have an attack.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: How To Feel Relaxed & Energised For 2022

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Nobody ever said that January was a good month. Motivation and focus often as empty as your wallet after an over-indulgent festive season, it’s the month of the year where it’s easier than ever to find yourself slumping into a pile of blankets and biscuits. Although a fresh page can bring with it a fresh opportunity, it can also bring with it a sense of anxiety that you should be doing more / trying harder / making up for lost time. January can become a pressure cooker of expectation, when actually what we should be doing is being kind to ourselves; ensuring we feel relaxed, energised and have a sense of wellbeing pays off to a far greater degree as we emerge from the sofa and back into the world.

If you’re feeling the strain already, here are my four top tips for taking back a bit of ‘me time‘ and ensuring I feel relaxed, energised and focused.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

DRESS THE PART


If you’d told me a couple of years ago my wardrobe would be bursting at the seams with loungewear sets, comfy tracksuits and PJs that get worn from 5pm, I wouldn’t have believed you. But here we are! (One of the few benefits of lockdown is how we all embraced comfy clothes…) Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you can’t look and feel good, so switch up those mismatching 15 year old pyjamas or paint splattered joggers for a set or two that helps you to feel great. There’s something about changing out of the days clothes into something altogether more relaxed, not dissimilar to that feeling of slipping into freshly laundered bedsheets. Trust me – new PJs are life.

SCENT YOUR HOME


Behavioural studies have revealed that smells can trigger intense emotional memories, as well as helping to either enhance or hinder our mood. There’s no better way to set the scene than to light a candle, or even better, invest in an Aroma Diffuser that gently and effectively diffuse essential oils into the air. I’ve been using one of these for the past couple of years and adore it so much that every family member has since recieved their own for Christmas; they delicately fill the air with a scent of your choosing, helping to relax the mind or energise the senses when you need it most.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

TREAT YOUR SKIN


Skincare is more than just functional. It can be an emotive and relaxing experience, if done right. Taking your time to indulge in some of your favourite products and thoroughly massaging them into skin will not only benefit your complexion, but your mind too. Don’t skimp on your bedtime skincare regime: dedicate half an hour to effectively double cleansing (with something beautiful like Elemis Pro-Collagen Cleansing Balm,) steaming (I swear by a facial steamer to clear and refresh the skin,) massaging and lifting, before adding a night treatment (such as Elemis Plumping Pillow Facial) that will leave you looking and feeling amazing.

HAVE A PAMPER


Making time for regular pampering really does make all the difference, but sometimes we just don’t have the time to book in a spa day or pop to the salon. That’s where handy at-home solutions come in! My mum had a foot spa in the 90’s and it was the absolute height of sophistication, but did you know they’re making a comeback and better than ever? The Homedics Luxury Foot Spa is the perfect way to ease away the stresses and strains of the day; jets relieve tension in your feet, while massager rollers soak away muscle tiredness, leaving your tootsies relaxed and your mind at ease. A session in this followed by some great foot cream and even a cheeky polish paint is sure to leave me feeling so much better.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

Remember: the last couple of years have been hard on us all, and you can’t be the best version of you if you don’t stop to have a little ‘me time’. Taking time out isn’t a weakness, it’s a strength and should be celebrated. My resolution for 2022 is to focus on the wellbeing of my body and mind just as much as my career, family and social life. What will yours be?

Feeling inspired? Check out all the beauty treats and wellbeing must-haves over on www.very.co.uk

How do you feel relaxed and energised? Let me know below!

This is a sponsored feature on behalf of Very; all opinions my own.

A Little Bit Of ‘Me Time’ Is All You Need: 4 SIMPLE WAYS To Feel Relaxed & Energised

Oh Floral Midi Dress, Oh Floral Midi Dress: My Go-To Effortless Outfit

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I’ve been facing a bit of a fashion identity crisis. After spending so many long months wrapped up in loungewear, with nowhere to go but the supermarket, it’s taken me a while to remember what it’s like to dress to impress. I got out of the habit of coordinating different elements, of integrating accessories and channeling a ‘vibe’, and I found myself reaching for the same jeans-and-a-jumper combo day after day. Yes, it’s comfy and is more than acceptable as a work attire when you only see people face to face every couple of weeks, but this fallback option isn’t exactly exciting.

What did I actually wear before all of this began?

Without question, floral midi dress after floral midi dress.

Like a uniform in a Simpson character’s closet, my floral midi dress collection is somewhat extensive and somewhat repetative. No I probably don’t need as many as I own, but they make me feel good and they take no more effort to pull on than that faithful jeans-and-a-jumper combo.

Want a casual weekend look for bimbling around the shops? CHECK.


After a ‘I’ve made an effort but don’t want to look like I have’ outfit? CHECK.


Not sure what the dress code is? CHECK.

A floral midi is the chameleon of fashion; all you need is the right accessories and you’re sorted every single time. There’s a reason why it was my default for so long, and there’s a reason I’m happy to rediscover my love for the faithful floral midi – starting with this gem of a find from New Look, with the most beautiful tones that will see me right the way through spring, summer and autumn.

Thank you faithful floral midi for reminding me who I used to be before the world went to pot. Like an old friend, you’ve greeted me with open arms and will see me through 2022 with ease.

SHOP THE LOOK

New Look Orange Ditsy Floral Midi Dress | £25.99 |


Converse Peach Trainers | £55.00 | LINK


Mulberry Medium Lily Black Bag | £795.00 | LINK


Marks & Spencer Headband | £8.50 | LINK

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea?

 
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The idea of living near the sea and the coast is very appealing to many. It’s a great escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and many say they need to get away from it all, and escaping to the coast is the perfect solution for those wanting to escape their hectic, fast paced lifestyles. Not only does the coast offer appealing scenery, and a slower pace of life, but there’s many benefits of living near the sea.

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea

People like to live near the sea and coast because of the fresh air and natural beauty. The coast provides calming and peaceful scenery, as well as a place to unwind. The sea has a number of benefits for the human body and mind. Being by the sea has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety, improve mood, and increase energy levels.

Living near the sea can be an important factor in your health, and there are many benefits of a coastal life, which can help in all aspects of your health, especially if you suffer with respiratory illnesses, as the air near the sea is cleanser than in other more built-up areas. You also find that typically, there’s better pollution levels, which might be something you struggle with in larger cities.

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea

Research has shown that people who live near the coast or by lakes and rivers have a lower risk of developing cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and respiratory problems. You may be more likely to exercise if you live close to a beach or ocean because it’s easier and more enjoyable to do so in these environments.

Living near the coast is one of the many perks of living in a coastal city. Some of these include a longer lifespan, a lower risk for heart disease, and a lower risk for strokes. With all the health benefits that come with living by the sea, it’s no surprise that an estimated two-thirds of Americans live within 50 miles from salt water.

What Are The Benefits Of Living Near The Sea

In addition to physical health benefits of living near the sea, there are also psychological and emotional benefits of living near the sea. Residing near the sea can help to reduce stress levels, improve the moods, and increases self-esteem.

People who live nearer to the sea are more likely to be happy and optimistic than those who live inland. This is because living near the sea can provide a sense of peace and tranquillity that is difficult to find in other places. Living near the sea can be more enjoyable. So, it’s easy to see why coastal living is soaring in popularity, and more and more people want to live there.

Ideas For Maximising Your Spare Room

 
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The purpose of a spare room in the home is to provide guests with a place to stay and hang out. There are many different ways that you can make your spare room really comfortable and an excellent place for people to be.

Most people will use their spare room for visiting family members, close friends, or children from another relationship. Other uses for this type of room would be hosting visitors from out of town or having a guest bedroom if you don’t have one already.

Ideas For Maximising Your Spare Room

How to Use a Spare Room in Different Ways

A spare room is usually an unused space in the house that can be turned into something useful. There are many ways to make use of it depending on the size and the surroundings. It is usually combined with another space like a hallway to create a functional space for various purposes like laundry, storage, guest room, home office or workspace.

There are many things you can do in your spare room in order to solve different problems you might have around your house. It’s all about creativity and imagination – if you have time for it!

Ideas For Maximising Your Spare Room

Ideas for Maximising Your Spare Room on a Budget

If you want to use this space as an office, you can buy a desk and chair that fits your needs. You can also purchase storage furniture that will maximize the space available in the room. If you don’t want to work from home, you can rent out the spare room for extra income by creating a separate entrance with an outside staircase or an indoor staircase with individual entrances for each unit.

Ideas For Maximising Your Spare Room

You might want to consider using this space as guest accommodation for your family and friends who often visit or as a studio if you have hobbies such as knitting, sewing, jewellery making or arts and crafts.

If you are not sure what to do with that spare room in your house, then you are not alone. There are many people who have a spare room in their home that they don’t know how to use. With lots of options available, the possibilities are endless, and if you need any more inspiration, there’s a tonne of inspiration over on Pinterest.