Headaches can occur at any time and can range from a minor inconvenience to something more debilitating. When a headache is starting to form, there are some things that can be done to get rid of it quickly. Try out different options to see what works best for your headaches and what might help you find relief faster in the future.
Consider Taking Medications
When you're at work or otherwise on the go and start to feel a headache, time may be crucial. So, should you take tylenol for a headache? Tylenol can be a great option, as it is designed to reduce pain and to work quickly. It is important to follow the dosage recommendations on the package to avoid taking too much Tylenol in a day or taking it too frequently. Though there are potential side effects, they should be minimal with proper use. This can be a great way to get rid of the headache fast and let you get back to your day. Other medications that can work include other over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen.
Drink More Water
One of the reasons headaches occur is due to dehydration. A person doesn't need to be severely dehydrated to get a headache from it, either. Try drinking a little bit of water to see if that helps to ease the headache. Even if the headache isn't caused by dehydration, the additional glass or two of water can help relieve symptoms faster. Those who do suffer from dehydration-related headaches may want to consider carrying a bottle of water or other liquids with them whenever they're out so they can stay as hydrated as possible and prevent future headaches.
Take a Break from Screens
Screens are a huge part of everyday life today. Televisions, smartphones, tablets, and more are used throughout the day by most people. Watching screens too much during the day can cause headaches or make them worse. Instead, when it feels like a headache is starting, put the screens away for a little while. This can be harder to do at work, of course, but it can help to stop the headache before it gets worse. In the future, taking more frequent breaks and getting away from the screens, even if it's just to run to the bathroom during the workday, can help prevent headaches.
Use a Compress
A warm or cold compress can help with faster relief. Cold compresses help to numb sharper pain that can occur with a headache, offering faster relief. Warm compresses help to relieve tense muscles to reduce the headache. Which one to use is going to depend on the reason for the headache. A tension headache, for instance, may be easier to relieve using a warm compress. A headache with sharp pain, instead of dull pain all over, may benefit more from a cold compress. Be careful to avoid using a compress that is either too cold or too warm, as this can lead to burns or other medical issues.
Try a Short Nap
At work, it's going to be hard to take a nap, but if you're at home when a headache occurs, this can be a great idea. If the headache is caused by stress or fatigue, even a short 20-minute nap can be a game-changer. When you aren't able to take a nap, it may be beneficial to move to a quieter space for a little bit. If the lights can be dimmed, that can be helpful, too. Calm, quiet, and dark spaces can help get the headache to disappear faster, even when a nap isn't possible.
Avoid Strong Smells or Other Triggers
Headaches can get a lot worse around strong smells - and some strong smells can cause them. If it's possible, it's a good idea to get away from any strong smells that might occur. This may not always be possible at work, but if the headaches are being caused by triggers in the environment, it may be a good idea to talk to someone about what can be done to solve the problem. Getting away from the smells for at least a little bit should help the headache subside, and then it'll be possible to consider what can be done to avoid them as much as possible in the future.
Have a Bite to Eat
Especially for those who are on the go all of the time, it can be hard to find time to get a bite to eat. Whether you're running errands all day, working through your lunch could lead to headaches later. Take the time to get a bite to eat, even if it's something small. The headache may be due to low blood sugar, so a small snack can help stabilize the levels and help the headache disappear. In the future, keep something healthy but nonperishable on hand so that there's something to munch on during the days you're too busy for lunch.
Use Deep Breathing Exercises
If the headaches are because of stress, deep breathing exercises can help. They only take a few minutes to do, and it could be possible to get the headache to go away faster. They can typically be done just about anywhere, so they're a great option if you're at work. Start doing them as soon as it feels like a headache is starting for the best results. If the headaches are stress-related, it may be beneficial to look into other ways to reduce stress to prevent them from happening in the future. H
If you suffer from headaches regularly, or even occasionally, knowing what to do when you feel one starting is crucial. Causes of headaches can vary, so there are different techniques you may want to try to find out what's going to help you the best. Each person is different, so try the different options listed here to see what helps you find faster relief. If you don't find relief fast, the headaches keep occurring, or the headaches get worse, it may be time to see a doctor for a full checkup.
