Headaches are a common ailment experienced by many people throughout their lifetime. These unpleasant sensations are often accompanied by a feeling of discomfort, which can negatively affect an individual’s productivity and daily routine.

Painkillers and medications, while effective, are temporary solutions and may have side effects that can be harmful to your overall health. Fortunately, there are natural remedies and movements that can help ease the pain and provide relief. In this article, we will discuss six movements that you can do to alleviate headaches and promote better well-being.

1. Neck Stretch

Tension headaches often occur due to a build-up of stress and tension in the neck, shoulders and head. A neck stretch helps to loosen the tense muscles, promote blood flow and reduce pain and discomfort. Here’s how you can do it:.

Sit or stand up straight, whichever is most comfortable for you.
Place your right hand on your left ear and gently bend your head towards your right shoulder.
Hold this position for 20-30 seconds.
Repeat on the other side by placing your left hand on your right ear and bending your head towards your left shoulder.
Repeat this 5-10 times.

2. Shoulder Roll

Shoulder pain and stiffness can contribute to headaches, particularly if you spend long hours sitting at a desk or in front of a computer. A shoulder roll can help alleviate tension and pain in the shoulders while boosting circulation.

Here’s how to do it:.

Sit or stand up straight with your arms by your side.
Slowly roll your shoulders forward in a circular motion.
Reverse the direction and roll your shoulders backward in a circular motion.
Repeat this 10-15 times in each direction.

3. Eye Exercise

Eyestrain is a common trigger for headaches for people who spend long hours staring at a computer screen or mobile device. An eye exercise can help reduce stress on eye muscles and help alleviate the pain. Here’s how to do it:.

Sit or stand up straight.
Place your thumb directly in front of your eyes and focus on it.
Slowly move your thumb away from your face while keeping your focus on it.
When your thumb is about arm’s length away, look away and focus on a distant object.
Repeat this exercise 5-10 times.

4. Breathing Exercise

Studies have shown that shallow breathing and hyperventilation can trigger headaches and contribute to anxiety and stress. A breathing exercise can help regulate your breathing patterns, improving oxygenation and promoting relaxation in the process.

Here’s how to do it:.

Find a comfortable seated position and relax your body.
Slowly inhale through your nose, bringing the air into your abdomen rather than your chest.
Hold the air in your lungs for a few seconds, then exhale slowly through your mouth.
Repeat this exercise 10-15 times.

5. Head Massage

A head massage can provide immediate relief from tension headaches and promote better circulation throughout the body. Here’s how to do it:.

Sit or stand up straight.
Place your fingers on your temples and gently rub in a circular motion with a light touch.
Move your fingers upwards along your hairline and continue to massage your scalp.
Repeat this exercise for 1-2 minutes.

6. Yoga

Yoga is a holistic practice that promotes relaxation, flexibility and mindfulness, all of which can help alleviate headaches. Some yoga postures that provide relief include:.

Downward-facing dog: This posture helps relieve tension in the neck and shoulders while boosting circulation.
Child’s pose: This posture helps promote relaxation and relieve stress while stretching the back, neck and shoulders.
Seated forward bend: This posture helps stretch the spine and hips, promoting relaxation and reducing tension.

Headaches can disrupt your daily routine, but you don’t have to let them control your life.

These six movements, along with adopting healthy habits such as regular exercise, drinking plenty of water and taking breaks from electronic devices, can help alleviate your symptoms and promote overall well-being.