Exercise as a Headache Remedy
When you’re in the midst of an incapacitating headache or migraine, exercise might be the last thing on your mind, but a number of studies and personal accounts attest to the notion that exercise can be an effective treatment and preventive measure for headaches.
ENDORPHINS
It’s no secret that exercise releases endorphins, but you might not know that endorphins are your body’s natural pain remedy. A workout session including aerobic exercise increases the amount of endorphins in the body, providing immediate headache relief, and several aerobic workouts spread throughout the week helps maintain that increase in endorphins.
MODERATION
Walking, biking, yoga and elliptical workouts are examples of moderate activities that help remedy headache pain. Engaging in these types of exercises for 30 to 45 minutes at least three days each week significantly reduces headache intensity and frequency for many people. Avoid vigorous and jarring activities like running and kickboxing during headaches.
WEIGHT LOSS
US News notes that there is some statistical evidence suggesting that body mass index can impact headaches. Obese and morbidly obese people report significantly higher instances of headache than people with a healthy BMI. Engaging in moderate exercise most days of the week can aid in lowering an unhealthy BMI, which will likely reduce the frequency of headaches.
TIMING
Exercise in the morning, when possible, to get your blood flowing and those endorphins working for you as you start your day. Working out too late in the day may affect your sleep, which in turn can induce headaches.
Galini