How To Keep Track Of Your Headaches

As we all know, about 15% to 25% of the population suffers from migraines, and even more suffer from headaches now and then. Headaches and migraines can be triggered by a wide variety of issues, such as the foods we eat, the drinks we consumes, work stress, family stress, illness, etc.

Unfortunately, we really never know when a headache or migraine may show up. And, these causes and triggers vary from person to person. However, it is possible to identify at least some of the causes for each individual by maintaining a detailed journal of your daily activity.

Why keep a journal to track headaches?

I know in my own case I can get a headache for a variety of reasons. I can also remember some of the specific causes that quite often trigger a headache for me. One of these is red wine. However, I don't get a headache every single time I drink red wine. Therefore, it is probably a good idea to write down everything I do, and everything I consume each and every day in order to potentially pinpoint some of the causes of my headaches, and so should you.

Quite often, a lot of people wake up in the morning with a headache. If they consumed a lot of alcohol the previous evening, that might be a likely cause. Or, maybe they injured themselves in such a way that the result is a headache. With that in mind, it's a good idea to keep such details in a journal so you can ultimately understand what causes the majority of your headaches and migraines.

What to Keep Track Of In Your Journal

As mentioned, it is a good idea to write down as much detail about your day as possible. Over the course of a few months, you will probably get a good idea of what often triggers your headaches. Here are some things to consider for your journal, starting from the time you wake up in the morning:

1. How did you sleep? Did you get a good night's sleep, or did you have a bout of insomnia? If you did not sleep well, write down what you think the cause may have been. Did you sleep in a position that may have resulted in some neck or back pain? This can also trigger a headache.

2. What did you eat and drink for breakfast? Coffee and dairy products are often associated with headaches. Also, if you start out the day by not eating for a while, hunger or low blood sugar may contribute to a headache.

3. Before you left the house for the day, did you have any stressful conversations with any friends or family?

4. How was the drive to work? Was there heavy traffic?

5. How is your life at work? Do you have a heavy workload? Are there any work related relationships that might be causing some stress? How long do you sit in front of the computer?

6. Did you have any phone calls or issues outside of work that added stress to your day?

7. Did you eat any lunch? If so, what?

8. How was the ride home from work?

9. Did you get a chance to do any physical activity during the day? Work out? What about after work?

This is just a short list of things to keep in mind when you maintain your journal. It is especially important to remember as much detail about your day as possible when you actually do suffer a headache. It really only takes a few minutes each day to maintain your journal. It can also be helpful in many other aspects of your life. In the long run, you will learn what situations to avoid, and what items to avoid consuming so that you can avoid as many headaches and migraines as possible.