10 Tips for Enjoying the Holidays Despite Migraines

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9. Planning ahead = less stress = fewer Migraines and headaches.

Make lists, delegate, plan ahead! Repeat after me - "Lists are our friends." In your word processor, type up a list of things that need to be done. Then delegate - split up what needs to be done and engage everyone's help. We are not super heroes; we don't have to do everything ourselves. Stress can bring on nasty tension-type headaches which, in turn, can trigger Migraines. So, give stress the boot by planning ahead!

10. Learn to let it go and enjoy yourself.

So what if the house isn't perfect, the gifts aren't all perfectly wrapped, or the turkey is a bit dry? These aren’t things to worry about. Our loved ones are more interested in us than the house, gifts, or a turkey. The house isn’t going to fall down around us. We simply can’t let little things bother us. Stress can trigger tension headaches and be an aggravator to Migraine triggers. We have to learn to prioritize and do what we’re able to do each day.

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Desperate Housewives star Marcia Cross is a Migraineur who encourages people to be properly diagnosed and take advantage of available treatments. When I spoke with her, she said,

"I would just say not to be a victim and to be your own health advocate, and to take it into your own hands. You actually can affect the number of Migraines you have and your quality of life, and it’s worth the effort. It will increase your entire healthy lifestyle and reduce your Migraines, so it’s a win-win situation, I think."

You can read more of our conversation in Interview with Marcia Cross on Life and Migraines. Ms. Cross also offers some advice for the holidays in Marcia Cross on Navigating Holiday Parties with Migraines.

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