Today I’m on my way up to New Hampshire to spend 3 blissful days with my best friends. The face masks are packed. The massages are booked. The food has been Yelp’ed. All the romantic comedies have been considered. All evidence of fun and fall will be on Instagram.
Migraine update: Some days are better than others, but on the whole these migraines are certainly lightening up. The past two weeks I’ve experienced several full days without even a mild headache, and on those days, I find myself constantly saying to Daniel, “Can you believe it?” as though it’s a small miracle we’re witnessing. I’m grateful but nervous, too, that maybe it’ll go back to what it was. Here are the things I’m doing to fix my broken head:
1. Reduce Screen Time.
I’m on my computer constantly. Everything I do is online—from work to leisure—so this is especially hard. But I’m beginning to notice a connection between how long I stare at that screen (or my phone) and my headaches. Knowing this is making me more purposeful while working. I either try to get my work done and get off the computer (which is admittedly not always possible) or I try to add in frequent breaks.
2. One Coffee a Day
I know, I know—how obvious. Coffee/caffeine is often the first place to start when trying to troubleshoot a headache. But I’d tried to cut out coffee and caffeine before—earlier this year, in fact—and when nothing changed, I assumed coffee wasn’t the problem. A week ago, I tried again, limiting my coffee consumption to one per day, and so far so good.
3. More Magnesium
I’ve been taking supplements and it could be working.
4. Bye Bye Sugar and Gluten—For Now
Admittedly, I already eat very little sugar and very few grains since Daniel eats low carb (and you know I eat mostly wholesome). I don’t intend to eliminate both forever, but I was/am desperate. When I decided to take this step two weeks ago, I would have done just about anything to get rid of the pain. I’m really hoping this one doesn’t make a difference.
Thanks for hanging in there with me and for all of your advice, personal stories, and loving messages. They mean the world to me, seriously. xoxo
Here are the links that caught my eye this week:
Fancy Butter Taste Test | Lucky Peach
8 Women With Similar Salaries Spend Them VERY Differently | Refinery29
Thorough Review: Vegan Vanilla Protein Powders | Minimalist Baker
Ina Garten’s 5 Tips for a Better Date Night | The Kitchn
How to Give Yourself a Breast Exam | Buzzfeed
Daily Mindful Check-In Practice | Mindful.org
Correct way to pack and ship those holiday treats | Cooks Illustrated
Score the Best Hair of Your Life With These Pre-Appointment Tips, Straight from a Stylist | Brit & Co.
Can You Guess How Much Sugar Is in the Food You Eat Every Day? | Buzzfeed
Magnesium is awesome!
Wait…Daniel from your book?! I sure hope so! I’m sorry you have migraines-my sister did too when she was younger. She had TMJ, a jaw thing that caused them. I just adore u and really want to know if it’s THE Daniel! Fondly~Megan
I feel your pain about migraines. I had them monthly until I went through menopause. Now that medicine is recognizing the connection between migraines and hormones, I’m hopeful better relief is ahead.
HI Andi, Gosh, I adore you and am so happy you are getting some girlie time in New England, gorgeous this time of year. so…get this, a new co worker recently shared with me this little tidbit she said….Do you KNOW that 80% of migraines are from Dehydration….I was like hmmmm…actually no. She swore that it was all about the water…and then I thought….I barely drank 1/2 a bottle that day! Maybe she is on to something here. I remember weight watchers secret (6 bottles a day!) so , I wanted to remind you.. DRINK TONS of water this wknd. & have a Blast!
What a blast–I’m envious of your your girl time and getaway! Have soooo much fun!
I’m also curious if this Daniel is the same one you had in your life in your book (which was a wonderful inspiration, BTW). So many of us out here feel like we know you and want the best for you!
C.
That sounds like a nice place to visit, lovely!
My daughter works on computers all day and suddenly a couple of years ago she started having migraines, really bad ones. Turns out she needed glasses for screen work. She hasn’t had a migraine since!
Glad you are feeling better. You are an inspiration from your books. Cookbooks, and food blogs. The best to you and Daniel always.
Janice
I totally have to reduce my screen time!
My eyes are always so red and even eye drops don’t work. My doc says they are just tired — and since my job requires lots of screen time, I need to start cutting back at home and taking more mid-work breaks to walk and get away from the monitor!
I really enjoyed reading on Mindful.org. I practiced mindful check-in and meditation, and felt much better after. Thank you for posting. :)