iMeditate
Stressed-out, plugged-in migraineurs seeking relief should look no further than their smart phones. Whether you’ re an Apple or Android user, there are hundreds of apps that can help with breathing, relaxation and meditation. Here are five choices for under $ 5.
RELAX: STRESS & ANXIETY RELIEF Android Market, iTunes $ 4.99 This app uses quiet music and guided breathing exercises, and promises stress relief in just five minutes. It contains programs for both migraine and headache sufferers.
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BRAIN WAVE— 25 ADVANCED BIN- AURAL PROGRAMS iTunes $ 1.99 Choose from 25 different binaural tones that sync with your brainwaves to promote relaxation in durations ranging from just 10 minutes to eight hours.
It may be impossible to rid your life of everything that stresses you out— unfortunately killer bees and the Internal Revenue Service aren’ t going anywhere— but you can adapt to your
WHITE NOISE Android Market, iTunes, Blackberry $ 1.99( Free version available) Migraineurs looking for a sleep or relaxation aid can check out this app, which boasts 40 ambient sounds designed to run quietly in the background.
stressors and modify your reactions.“ Migraineurs are known to put themselves last and put other people and their deadlines first,” Farmer says.
She suggests inoculating yourself from people and situations that are certain to push your emotional buttons,
BREATHING ZONE iTunes $ 2.99 Plug in a microphone-equipped headset, and this app analyzes your breathing rate as you run through personalized exercises to clear your mind, decrease your heart rate and improve your blood pressure.
SLEEP PILLOW AMBIANCE iTunes $ 1.99 Get out of your head and into nature with this timed ambient noise program that features soothing sounds, such as water, the forest and tribal music.
Vote your stressors off the island
whether that means avoiding a confrontation with a toxic co-worker or letting voicemail pick up that call from your in-laws after a trying day at work.
“ You have to ask yourself,‘ What can I do to protect my migraine threshold?’” Farmer says.
“ PEOPLE THINK OF STRESS AS A MENTAL STATE, BUT THERE ARE
PHYSICAL STRESSES, AS WELL.”
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Eat smart, drink like a genius
Think of your body as a brand new, gleaming CL-class Mercedes Benz. You wouldn’ t fill its tank with low-grade gasoline, so why are you fueling your body with sub-optimal foods?
“ People think of stress as a mental state, but there are physical stresses, as well,” Dr. Rosenberg says.“ Skipping a few meals and pigging out at a fast food restaurant does things to the body that can be considered stressors.”
That’ s why migraineurs need to monitor their diet, make sure they’ re staying hydrated and avoid skipping meals— especially breakfast, which gives the body the resources it needs to tackle internal and external stressors.
Java junkies and Diet Coke fiends who suffer from migraines should definitely limit themselves to two caffeinated drinks per day, according to Farmer.
“ On one hand, caffeine is good for headaches because it constricts blood vessels,” she says.“ But too much of it actually can produce headaches.”
Over the last year, Kubasak has found stress relief by eliminating foods that rely on non-essential fats and sugars, as well as embracing a daily meal plan heavy on vitamin-packed fruits and vegetables, lean animal proteins and water.
34 HEAD WISE | Volume 1, Issue 2 • 2011