When you have a headache or a Migraine, there are things you truly need. Aren't there also things you want? I mean just want them — for comfort? Of course there are, and making yourself more comfortable does more than indulge yourself. Being as comfortable and relaxed as possible can actually help our treatments work better.

Putting your hands on those things is difficult when your head is pounding, and all you want to do is shut the world out and lie down. It's even more difficult when you travel. Many of us hesitate to travel if our Migraines and/or headaches aren't well controlled. That's a perfectly normal feeling. When we don't feel well, we tend to want to be at home with the things we want and are used to close to us.

To make Migraine and headache days simpler and more comfortable, whether I'm at home or traveling, I've put together a relief and comfort bag. I keep it filled with the things I need on those days with the exception of medications. When I travel, I add my medications to it. Below are some suggestions of items to include in your comfort and relief bag...

	Start by choosing a bag that will hold the items you need, one that you're not using for anything else. That way, you can leave it packed and ready for use. Lightweight is good. There are some very durable crushed nylon bags available that weigh next to nothing.
	There are many things I can do without, but a comfortable pillow isn't one of them. We all have preferences about pillows, so why not choose a small one that makes you super comfy?
	For me, a blanket is two things, warmth and comfort. I want something that is both warm and very soft. For this purpose, don't limit your search to blankets. Throws and flannel sheets are also good options.
	At home, I like gel packs from the freezer. Obviously, that's not easily achieved when traveling. Cooling gel sheets are a good option. I've tried several brands without noticing a significant difference, so I shop for them by price. The BeKoool sheets in the children's size are a frequent choice.
	For Migraineurs, darkness can be essential, so eye shades can be a necessity. When choosing, be sure that, if there's a band that goes around you head to hold them in place, it's not too tight.
	Softly played music or soothing sounds can be a big help in relaxing, getting our minds off our pain, or meditating. A portable CD player or MP3 player is a big bonus.
	Don't forget the tissues. Add anything else you can think of that you might need or want. I keep some peppermint hard candy in my bag because it helps relieve my nausea.

Assembling your own comfort and relief bag, before you need it, and keeping it ready can go a long way toward making Migraine and headache days easier to deal with, whether you're at home or traveling. It can also make it easier for those who help you because most of what you need is in one place, so nobody has to look for the items you need. Try storing it in your bedroom closet so it's handy when you need a dark and quiet place. Be good to yourself and utilize this method of being ready in advance.
  

Medical review by John Claude Krusz, PhD, MD

 

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© Teri Robert, 2011. Last updated June 11, 2011.

 

All content on this site is physician reviewed by Dr. John Claude Krusz.

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