How one can present help for individuals residing with migraine as we have a good time this present day of affection.
Valentine’s Day is nearly right here, which suggests it’s time to formally have a good time those we love (and ourselves)! Sadly, many presents which are historically related to Valentine’s Day can set off migraine assaults. With a couple of straightforward swaps, you’ll be able to create a extra migraine-friendly day for the one you love, or them for you.
Migraine-friendly Valentine’s Day Want Listing
Listed here are a couple of of our favourite present swaps.
- Be inventive with sweet: Chocolate is the normal go-to selection for many sweet gift-giving. For some, chocolate can set off a migraine assault. As an alternative, get inventive and think about choices like gummy sweet, which come in numerous flavors and shapes (even hearts!). Laborious candies like lemon drops, licorice, and even fluffy marshmallows may be enjoyable, candy, treats. The identical with sugar-free sweet – for some individuals with migraine synthetic sweeteners generally is a set off. Nonetheless, if these items should not a set off for you, it’s completely positive to deal with your self.
- Select candles with batteries: Candles are a good way to set the temper. Sadly, scented candles that burn (or wax melts) can set off migraine ache. Battery-operated candles are most popular over scented candles and can be found as tea lights and pillars. As an additional benefit, overhead and fluorescent lighting could make migraine ache worse, so candles may be extra soothing. A lamp or lightbulb that gives inexperienced mild also can assist.
- A hat only for migraine: This previous December we requested our neighborhood which presents have been on the highest of their vacation listing. The primary response was a migraine hat. The gel contained in the hats can be utilized for warm and/or chilly remedy. Retailer it within the freezer when chilly remedy is most popular, or pop it within the microwave for heat remedy. Having multiple hat is most popular so one is at all times able to go when wanted. Contemplate getting the one you love a migraine hat or migraine “consolation” present corresponding to a blanket, fuzzy socks, or neck wrap.
- Subscriptions that final all yr lengthy: Contemplate gifting a subscription for guide readers, audiobooks, or podcasts. Apps for meditation, sleep, or mild bodily exercise like stretching and yoga can be useful There’s even an iPhone migraine app for biofeedback, Juva, that’s price contemplating!
- Create a non-alcoholic mocktail: Alcohol, together with wine, is a typical migraine set off. Contemplate creating your individual signature mocktail utilizing fruit juice, glowing water, and recent herbs.
- Flowers which are fragrance-free: Recent flower bouquets are lovely and sometimes odor beautiful, however their perfume can set off migraine assaults. Contemplate fragrance-free flowers like sunflowers and hydrangeas, or select a plant like an orchid as an alternative. Keep away from flowers with excessive pollen like stargazer lilies that may set off allergy symptoms and sinus complications. (Word: if somebody presents you with flowers that embrace lilies, it could assist when you take away the stamens – that manner you’ll be able to benefit from the flower with out the set off)
How one can Present Love and Help
Presents you purchase are nice, however there are various different methods to like and help the individuals in your life with migraine.
- Educate your self Take a while to study migraine and its signs. It will allow you to perceive the situation higher and the way it impacts the one you love. Migraine 101 from Migraine Meanderings is a superb place to begin.
- Simply pay attention: Individuals residing with persistent ache are sometimes remoted and really feel alone. They hesitate to reveal their ache or signs for worry of changing into a burden or sounding whiny. This implies they preserve the ache and stress of residing with migraine to themselves. Ask about their experiences and attempt to perceive what they’re going by.
- Present empathy: One of the crucial supportive issues you are able to do is ask, “How do your migraine assaults affect your life?” And pay attention, actually pay attention. Present empathetic responses corresponding to, “That should be actually troublesome for you.” and “I’m sorry you’re residing with this ache.” Strive to not give recommendation except you’re requested to take action.
- Provide sensible assist: Ask how one can finest assist, or higher but, simply do it! When the one you love is having a migraine assault you’ll be able to assist with day by day chores, run errands, or supply to maintain them firm. If somebody is alone throughout an assault, having one other particular person within the house may be comforting.
- Be versatile: Persistent migraine is unpredictable. Triggers, ache severity, and frequency can change rapidly. When the one you love cancels on the final minute or wants a while alone in a darkish, quiet nook, be respectful of their wants with out shaming or criticizing them. Encourage them to take the time they should relaxation and get better and guarantee them that you’ll nonetheless be there when they’re feeling higher.
Make Valentine’s Day a Migraine-friendly Expertise
Individuals with migraine could really feel extra remoted on Valentine’s Day because it celebrates togetherness and most of their migraine triggers. This yr, take into consideration how one can make your family members really feel much less remoted and extra included and supported. And when you stay with migraine, share this listing with your loved ones and pals.