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