5 ways to get rid of stress headaches

With many of us working from home due to COVID-19 restrictions, we're spending even more time in front of our screens. Gone are the natural breaks in the day like a commute, chatting with colleagues in the breakroom, and going to in-person meetings. If headaches were a rare occurrence for you before COVID-19 but you've noticed them becoming more common, you may want to try these tips to see if they help. 

ventilate your home

Stay on schedule with changing your air filters and when the outside temperature is amenable, open windows and doors to let fresh hair in and circulate. Make a note on your to do list to get your HVAC system checked to make sure that you're not wasting money on poor energy control. Now that we're home, we're keeping our living spaces at a comfortable temperature all day rather than setting a lower or higher 'away' temperature to save money. Consult professionals in your area that do 24 hour AC repair and make sure you're not letting money fly out the window.

switch off the lights

Squinting at computer screens all day can lead to tension headaches. Make an appointment with a local eye doctor to make sure that you're taking care of your eyes. In the meantime, try to reduce screen time by limiting it to working hours. Use the 20-20-20 rule when working to rest your eyes. Rather than watching TV in your downtime, try a DIY hobby or read. 

sleep well

Consistent quality sleep is important to make sure both your mind and body are in top shape. If your sleep schedule has gone awry while working from home, you may be getting headaches from poor quality sleep. Try following a consistent sleep schedule to get enough sleep on both weekdays and weekends and avoid screens in the 30 mins prior to going to bed.

eat smart

If you find yourself so involved in your work that you forget to eat, a dip in your blood sugar can lead to headaches. Have healthy quick snacks at home that take little time to prepare while still providing you with quality nutrition.

get moving

We're no longer getting up to go to meetings, have lunch with colleagues, or walk to the bus stop. Set alarms or reminders during the day to make sure you get up from your computer and move around. Head outside to walk and get fresh air. You'll give your mind a rest from work, your eyes a break from the computer, and your body a chance to stretch and move.