Can a Good Sweat Session Help or Hinder Your Migraines? Let's Find Out!
For many of us who've wrestled with migraines, exercise can feel like a bit of a tricky dance. On one hand, you hear all about how brilliant exercise is for keeping those pesky headaches at bay; on the other hand, there’s always the worry that it may serve as a trigger and bring on the next attack. Understanding the complex relationship between physical activity and migraines is key to feeling better and enjoying life a bit more.
When Exercise Might Be a Migraine Trigger
For some of us, especially if you’re prone to exercise-induced headaches, getting a bit too enthusiastic with your workout can, unfortunately, spark off a migraine. Think of activities that really get your heart thumping and blood pressure soaring a bit too quickly – things like intense weightlifting, a full-pelt run or high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions. These can sometimes cause changes in our brain chemistry, alter blood flow, or even tighten up our shoulders and neck muscles, all of which might trigger an attack.
Forgetting to drink water, skipping lunch before a workout, or letting your blood sugar drop too low can increase the risk even further.
More often than not, it’s actually a bit of poor planning or overdoing it, rather than the exercise itself, that’s the real culprit here. For example, I know that a fast run in the sun will trigger a migraine, but I may still forget to put on a cap or take it a little easier. I also know that I lose a lot of salt when I sweat, so a tough workout is guaranteed to bring on a migraine - unless I remember to top up my electrolytes. It took me two decades to figure this one out!
Here's How Exercise Can Be Your Migraine-Fighting Friend
On the flip side, and this is the good news, getting some regular, moderate exercise can help to reduce the frequency and severity of your migraines. When you get moving, your body releases endorphins – nature’s very own painkillers – which can not only help to ease migraine pain but also give your mood a little lift. Plus, exercise is brilliant for regulating your sleep patterns, dialling down stress and boosting your circulation. And guess what? All these things are fantastic for keeping migraine episodes at bay.
Studies seem to suggest that gentle aerobic activities like a brisk walk, a swim, cycling or even some calming yoga can be particularly helpful. These tend to be lower impact and can be easily tweaked to suit how you’re feeling on any given day. Even just a half-hour walk a few times a week has shown some real benefits for migraine prevention.
Finding Your Happy and Healthy Medium
If you’re someone who lives with migraines, the secret really is to approach exercise thoughtfully. Gradual warm-ups, staying hydrated, maintaining a consistent routine and avoiding exercise during high-risk times (such as during a migraine aura or after skipping a meal) can all help minimise the risk of triggering an episode. Listening to what your body is telling you and picking the right type of activity for you can make a big difference.
So, while exercise might occasionally be a bit of a trigger for some of us, it’s generally much more beneficial than harmful when you approach it with a bit of care. With the right strategies and a steady approach, getting active can be a powerful ally in managing your migraines and helping you feel well overall.
You can read more about exercise and migraine from The Migraine Trust's website.
At fitandhappy, we welcome ladies who suffer from migraines and will totally understand when there are days that you just need to take it easy.