Most headaches go away on their own and typically aren’t a sign of a serious condition.
Common Causes of Headaches
Headaches can be caused by various factors, including:
- Colds or flu
- Stress
- Excessive alcohol intake
- Poor posture
- Vision issues
- Irregular eating habits
- Dehydration
- Overuse of painkillers
- Hormonal changes, such as during menstruation or menopause
Keeping a headache diary can help identify your specific triggers.
Self-Care for Headaches
Headaches can last anywhere from 30 minutes to several days.
Here are some tips for relief:
- Drink plenty of water.
- Get sufficient rest, especially if you’re feeling unwell.
- Try to relax, as stress can worsen headaches.
- Take paracetamol or ibuprofen as needed.
- Stay home and avoid close contact with others if you have a high fever or aren’t feeling well enough to do your usual activities.
- Avoid alcohol.
- Don’t skip meals, even if you’re not hungry.
- Try not to oversleep, as this can make headaches worse.
- Limit eye strain from screens or activities that require prolonged focus.