I used to live my life in fear…
of getting my next migraine
of sunshine (sun can trigger migraines for me)
of food (I wasn’t sure if certain foods were triggers for me)
of parties and events (alcohol, food, staying up late- all possible triggers)
of plans (I wasn’t sure if I could keep plans if I suddenly had a migraine)
of travel (sitting in airplane seats made my neck tight so this could trigger a migraine, and then there was the jet lag and sleep disruption)
of exercise (vigorous exercise could trigger a migraine, and then anything that caused my neck to tighten could trigger. I was even scared of yoga, at times.)
of anything that I suspected ever contributed to triggering a migraine (and there were a lot of things I was suspicious of)
I used to worry about my next migraine because I just never knew when it could happen or how bad would it be.
The truth is that every once in a while these fearful thoughts still cross my mind, but now I remind myself of just how far I’ve come.
Now I live my life with awareness, not fear. And I make choices to stay healthy.
I wear a hat and sunglasses when I go outdoors. And I choose to sit and walk in the shade most of the time.
I’ve paid attention to the food I eat to identify my food triggers. Now I choose to avoid these foods and I ask questions when I go to restaurants.
When I go to parties or events, I eat before I go. Or if it’s a more intimate event, I tell the hostess of my food triggers or I bring food that I can eat to share.
I make plans with friends, but I don’t over extend myself.
I have little tricks to make travel less likely to trigger a migraine and I schedule massage and acupuncture appointments before I go and when I get back.
I exercise regularly and I have learned what works for my body.
These choices I now make to stay healthy don’t deprive me, migraines were depriving me.
I am dedicated to living a healthy life free of migraines, so these choices feel like self-care and freedom.
Skipping a glass of wine now feels like the most loving thing I can do for myself because I like feeling good.
Even if you don’t experience migraines or headaches, what choices can you make to feel great in your life? Think about it.