The throbbing of the head while studying! The intense pain of shoulders, neck, and forehead while studying! Let’s face it, the pain of headaches for students is a real, err, headache!
The issue of headaches while studying is something that we all have in common. It is also one factor that sometimes comes in between our preparation. There are many reasons for having headaches, the following are six of those reasons, and the possible steps you can take to avoid it.
1. Mental stress
A lot of our headaches usually start with stress. Students have to sail through stress due to various reasons such as preparation stress, the stress of covering the vast syllabus, stress related to failure, and many more. You cannot move away from all this but you can surely control your stress level.
Some tips to avoid stress-related headaches:
Early preparations
You must start preparing for any test or exam well in advance. This way, it will ensure that there is sufficient time left to cover everything. And there wouldn’t be any stress pertaining to syllabus covering.
Plan it out
Be a planner freak if you wish to avoid headaches. Studies have shown that writing things down ease out tension and stress. So it is advised that you plan everything out by writing and studying according to the to-do lists.
Do not fear studying
You must create your own routines and system to study. No one student can study in the same way. At the same time, studying is quite boring for some! So try to make studying a fun activity by indulging in stationery, sticky notes, watching videos, and making colorful notes.
2. Fatigue and frustration
You also have headaches due to prolonged periods of studying. It leads to fatigue. Studying for a test and then not getting the desired result can also lead to frustrations that paves way for headaches. Constantly thinking and studying can also lead to headaches.
Some tips to avoid fatigue/frustration-related headaches:
Preferred time slot for studying
Always aim to have a preferred time for studying when your energy levels are at a peak. Try to cover the most important topics at that time to avoid developing headaches.Â
Try Pomodoro method
The Pomodoro method is a great way of studying in which you study for 25-40 minutes at a stretch and then take breaks. This ensures that you do not get fatigued by studying. Read how to use the Pomodoro method here.
Take frequent breaks
Take efficient and frequent breaks while studying. Do not go over social media during this time. Efficient breaks in the form of doing light exercises, drawing doodlings, taking a relaxing bath, or just taking a walk outside will let you study efficiently.
Reset from a slump
Whenever you fail, try to analyze why you failed and then get back without having any frustrations. I know it hurts a lot, but get back into the Do-it mode!
Re-energize with energy-dense snacks
Headaches can also be due to energy depletion of the brain. Refresh it with some fuel and treat yourself to healthy snacks like fruits, dates, dry fruits, etc.
3. Weak eyesight
If your eyes water and you have headaches, maybe it’s time to get a checkup for your eyesight. Till then here are some eye-care tips for students.
Some tips to avoid eyesight-related headaches:
- Go for regular eye checkups and consult a doctor.
- Read books for a distance of 25 cm.
- Do not strain yourself by overstudying, it causes more pain.
4. Increased screen time
In today’s world when the entire world is going digital, this problem is inevitable. Staring at mobile phones and laptops can wreak havoc on your headaches.
Some tips to avoid screen-related headaches:
Take breaks to move your body
Take breaks frequently and use the time to stretch your body and do some light yoga.
Don’t sit for longer stretches
Avoid sitting and working for a longer period of time. It is advisable to not sit for longer than 20-30 minutes if you are studying from your laptop.
Avoid screen in free time
If your preparation requires you to stare at a computer screen, then make sure that during breaks or free time, you do not use any type of technology or screen. This will just stop you from getting a real break.
5. Incorrect posture
Often we don’t understand it but an incorrect posture also can lead to shoulder and headaches. It is advisable to maintain a good posture while studying.
Some tips for avoiding posture-related headaches:
Don’t face downwards while studying
This basically means don’t always put your head down while reading or writing. Incorporate comfortable seating.
Keep your spine straight
This goes without saying that maintain a straight spine and don’t lean while studying.
Study at a desk or table
Once a while you can study from your cozy bed but if you wish to have longer periods of studying, sit at a desk and chair.
6. Migraine related headache
Migraines are intense pain that occurs in the temples of the head, in the forehead, and also affect your shoulder and neck. There are mainly various triggers that lead to migraine pain. This type of pain can last up to hours and for some, it might be days. If you have an intense migraine, you might have to be injected with medicine to reduce it. Migraines can be really drastic, I myself developed migraines during my class 12th exams.
Some tips to avoid migraine-related headaches:
Know the triggers
Migraine attacks can occur due to various triggering factors. Some of the triggers can be chocolate, caffeine, any eating habit, or any stress-related issue. If you can detect the triggering factor, you can avoid it to reduce the migraine effect.
Avoid caffeine
Caffeine is good for giving that instant energy but avoid having it more than 2 times a day. Also, caffeine is usually a common trigger for migraines. So try to limit your caffeine intake. You can have warm water with lemon instead.
Stay hydrated
Hydration is key to relieve migraine pain. It is also good for your overall health system and for keeping a check for headaches. Here’s why water is extremely important for your prep.
Reduce stress
Reduce stress at all costs! This tip comes from my personal experience as my migraine was developed largely as a result of my stress level. So do meditation, journal your thoughts away, and reduce the stress.
Balanced lifestyle
An overall balanced lifestyle must be pursued to avoid migraines and any kind of headaches. Don’t just study but keep exercising and eat healthily. Have a positive attitude towards life and don’t take life too seriously!
I hope I got you covered with the types of headaches and the possible solutions for it. Follow them and you will feel good!
