Lifestyle factors such as smoking cessation and stress reduction can prevent tension headaches. Below is a non-comprehensive list of factors to consider when trying to determine preventative actions.
- Water consumption: Based on activities and environment, headaches can be secondary to dehydration. If you think this is the case, drinking a few glasses of water may help.
- Posture: Sitting hunched over a computer or in a car for a prolonged period of time or waking up in a strange position may cause a tension headache. Doing 10-15 minutes of light stretches or a self-massage may help.
- Adequate rest: Most adults sleep 6-8 hours to feel refreshed the next day, and insufficient sleep may lead to tension headaches.
- Eye strain: Prolonged focusing on small text or staring at screens may cause tension headaches. The “20-20-20 rule” suggests that, for every 2o minutes of screen time, one should spend 20 seconds looking at an object at least 20 feet away.
- Adequate nutrition: Insufficient total energy or micronutrients may contribute to tension headaches.