Dr. Hall suggests the following:

• If you spend a large amount of time in one fixed position, such as in front of a computer, on a sewing machine, typing or reading, take a break every 30-60 minutes and stretch.  The stretches should take your head and neck through a comfortable range of motion ear to shoulder, and chin side to side.  

   

• Low-impact exercise may help relieve the pain associated with primary headaches. However, if you are prone to dull, throbbing headaches, you may need to avoid heavy exercises that cause a lot of strain.  Make a habit to be active during the day to manage stress and build endurance.  Activities as walking, cycling, swimming, low-impact aerobics, and light resistance training can release endorphins and relieve stress hormones.  Specific neck stretches and deep breathing exercises can directly target muscle tension and improve circulation. 

   

• Maintain a relaxed jaw.  Pay attention to and avoid teeth clenching. The upper teeth should never touch the lowers, except when swallowing. This results in stress at the temporomandibular joints (TMJ) – the two joints that connect your jaw to your skull – leading to TMJ irritation and a form of tension headaches.

   

• Stay hydrated.  Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day to avoid headaches caused by dehydration. A dehydration headache may feel like a constant throbbing headache, and can be accompanied by dry mouth and muscle cramps. Supplementing with magnesium glycinate at night time can also help.  
  
  
• Manage blood sugar.  Stabilize your blood sugar by eating enough protein, healthy fats, and fiber.  Avoid eating sugar, expecially on it’s own or on an empty stomach, and definatly don’t sip on sweet drinks all day. How do you know if your headache is due to low-blood sugar?  If you get a headache within 2 hours after eating, or when you’re feeling hungry, your headache may be caused by diet.