Have you experienced a headache? When you have one, you always wish others understood how you are feeling and adapt themselves around you with ease.
When we have a headache, we just say so and excuse ourselves from what we are doing. Sometimes, despite our headaches, we need to push along and continue our work – as if nothing has changed.
Unprocessed thoughts that we continue to push to the back of our mind, thoughts that are action items that we have not yet figured out how to resolve, yet need to continue to progress, slowing our productivity, with no clear solutions or resolutions, and still we continue… because we should.
Work or life does not stop because we have a headache.
No one stops talking around us just because we have a headache.
Our anxiety regarding timelines and deliverables do not help when we are having a headache.
Is there anything that helps?
While it changes are attention span, noise tolerance levels, energy and our willingness to interact in seemingly mundane conversation, it can put those around us at unease.
Some simple tips when you are having a headache or those around you are having one.
- Change the conversation: Consciously change the topic of conversation. Make it light hearted. Laughter (not others laughing aloud – but making the person laugh out aloud) helps.
- Sleep: If it is possible to take a quiet power nap, or rest in a quiet space, it gives time for mind to process & resolve some of the thoughts, making it easier to step into normal conversation.
- Tolerance: Loud voices, loud noises, bright lights, strong smells, anything extreme is tough to handle. So, switch off devices or mute them and step into anything closest to a quiet place.
- Water: Slowly, sip and drink some water.
- Communicate: Let someone (or those around you) know that you are having a headache and would like to excuse yourself for some time. Instead of engaging less and being non-productive, it is better to be open and inform people.
When you rest, let your mind rest. Put aside whatever you are worrying about, and just try to be in the moment and sleep or rest.
Some find it easy to sit and draw or sketch. Some like to make mandalas. Some wash utensils. Some clean their rooms and organize. Some just drop on the couch and switch on a comedy show and laugh their hearts out. Do whatever helps you get to the Zen Zone.
Do not take it as a task list and try doing all of it 🙂 Yeah.. that happens too… focus on quieting your mind, not adding on a multitude of tasks.
While these are common tips to deal with a sudden headache, if your headaches are constant, and/or feel different, do check with your physician.
Stay healthy! Stay safe!