Headaches. Just the word alone makes you wince a little, right? They sneak in during work deadlines, interrupt your Netflix binges, and even disrupt your sleep. Everyone gets them, but if yours seem to linger forever or keep coming back like that one ex who can’t take a hint, you’re probably desperate to find ways to make them go away for good (or at least, for longer).
The good news: you don’t need to suffer endlessly. While you can’t completely banish headaches from your life (if only!), there are real, practical steps you can take to stop them hanging around like an uninvited guest. Ready to reclaim your brain space? Here’s how to make headaches go away for longer, without turning your life upside down.
Massage your stress away
If you thought massages were just for spa days and honeymoon packages, think again. A simple scalp or temple massage can work wonders when it comes to easing tension headaches. Stress often shows up in your body before your brain even catches on. Do you have a tight neck? Do those shoulders still ache? They’re all sending signals straight to your head.
A gentle massage stimulates blood circulation and relaxes tight muscles, helping to release that pressure that builds up and causes headaches. Even a five-minute DIY massage during your lunch break can help. If you’ve got someone willing to lend a hand (lucky you!), ask them to focus on your temples, neck, and shoulders. Think of it as turning down the volume on your headache dial.
Cool off with cryotherapy
Okay, cryotherapy sounds a bit sci-fi, like something Marvel superheroes do between battles, but it’s actually becoming a super trendy wellness treatment. You step into a chamber where chilled air (we’re talking frigid) surrounds your body for just a few minutes. Don’t worry, you’re not turning into Elsa from Frozen.
What justifies the hype? The cold reduces inflammation and boosts circulation, both of which are known to help with chronic pain, including recurring headaches and migraines. Some people do two or three sessions a week and swear their headaches stay away longer. Plus, it feels like a quirky health adventure you can brag about later: “Sorry I missed brunch, I was literally freezing myself for wellness.”
Make drinking water a priority.
Let’s be real: how many times have you powered through your day fuelled by coffee and totally forgotten about water? Dehydration is one of the most common (and most overlooked) headache triggers. Your body needs consistent hydration to function, and when it doesn’t get it, your head is the first to complain.
Aim for around eight glasses a day, though the exact amount depends on your lifestyle. Keep a reusable water bottle nearby and actually use it. If plain water feels boring, jazz it up with lemon slices, cucumber, or a splash of sparkling water. Not only will you feel more energised, but you’ll also notice fewer headaches creeping in. Your skin will thank you too – bonus points.
Take a screen-time timeout
Let’s face it, most of us spend more time staring at screens than we’d like to admit. Laptops, phones, tablets, TV marathons – it all adds up. Too much screen time strains your eyes and can lead straight to tension headaches.
The fix? Adopt the 20-20-20 rule: every 20 minutes, look at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds. It’s like a mini-vacation for your eyes. Better yet, step away from the screen altogether for five to ten minutes per hour. Stretch, grab some water, or just stare out the window and let your brain breathe. Your head will feel lighter, and your focus will sharpen.
Don’t skip the eye check
Here’s a sneaky culprit that many people overlook: your vision. Straining to read, squinting at text, or wearing the wrong prescription can all trigger headaches. If you haven’t had your eyes tested recently, book that optician appointment. Corrective glasses or contact lenses could make a huge difference, especially if you’re dealing with headaches linked to eye strain.
Consider this: when your vision isn’t clear, your eyes are working extra hard. That constant strain builds up pressure, and your head bears the brunt of it. A quick eye test could be the easiest (and most stylish) way to keep headaches away; who doesn’t love a new pair of chic frames?
The bottom line: it’s all about balance
Learning how to make headaches go away for longer isn’t about finding a magic cure—it’s about making small lifestyle tweaks that add up. Whether it’s scheduling a long-overdue eye test, drinking more water, or allowing yourself to unplug from screens, these small changes can prevent headaches from taking control.
Next time your head starts to ache, pause and ask: am I stressed, dehydrated, or staring at my laptop too long? A small amount of awareness can significantly reduce headaches. And if you find your headaches are frequent, intense, or just not budging, don’t ignore them; check in with your doctor to rule out anything serious.
Life’s too short to spend it massaging your temples all day. With the right habits, you can keep those headaches at bay and get back to the fun stuff.
