For some people it is festive season at the destination point. Some are attending family weddings. A few more are simply celebrating holiday time. Whatever be the occasion, everyone is prepared for an extra dose of family and extra responsibilities which may bring on an unwelcome threat of debilitating migraine headaches. Whatever be the type of headache, mild or severe, we know that headaches are generally triggered by allergies, different foods, drinks and other such factors. And these are especially difficult to avoid during the holidays where our time is so tightly packed that we cannot pay attention to these details.

Only a sufferer knows how difficult it is during these attacks. The headache triggers seem to increase particularly during the holidays and there will be occasions that one does not want to miss out on like important family get togethers or office parties that one cannot afford to avoid.

And so for a few problems and possible solutions....

There may be triggers like the last-minute shopping syndrome that can drive a person crazy. The stress caused by this is really immense when you realize that you may be leaving the place never to return in the near future and that you have left purchases pending till the last minute " that beautiful carving you cannot afford to not buy, that lovely Murano glass that you had left for the last day as it might break, those souvenirs that seemed so passe earlier but which you now see as possible gifts for the host of relatives waiting eagerly for your return.... suddenly the list seems endless! Enough to cause tremendous stress and the proverbial migraine!

Solution? Just reduce the stress factor with a little planning ahead. Make out lists and buy and tick off right from Day 1. Set out early in the day when you can shop in peace before the crowds come mulling around, particularly when a sale is on.

And what about the 'Travel headache'? God! It is one of the worst kinds of migraine when you are in a new place, have no idea about the distances involved, and you happen to promise an eager relative you would definitely be there for lunch. The distance is mind boggling and the drive seems endless, the traffic is overflowing and God forbid if you are left waiting for some crowded form of public transport!

Solution? Study the route map well, make enquiries about the simplest way to reach the place, try to fix up a pick up and drop back if possible and only then can you avoid painfully opening your eyes and asking “Are we there yet?" as you have had an attack of migraine.

Throwing a party for friends and relatives in your new holiday home? Felicitating a newly married couple? Maybe your decorator is hanging up flashy lights and gaudy decorations " flashy enough to trigger off a bad headache! Yes! Some people do suffer from an overdose of flashy lights! Solution? Well, insist on decorations with beautiful plants and flower arrangements instead. You will be surprised at the result. Not only does the dreaded migraine not make an appearance, you will be complimented on your exquisite taste in the decorations!

Some people want to be everywhere and be a part of everything that is 'happening'. Sure cause for a migraine trigger. Too much stress planning to be in so many places when it is physically impossible!

Solution? Pick out a few important events. Prioritise. And do take plenty of rest in between. Nothing like physical rest to rejuvenate the body! Stop trying to be everywhere!

There is also that inveterate shopper who cannot simply resist spritzing all the perfumes available in the tester sections. Too many scents that the body cannot take! Migraine trigger or no? And what about those strong smelling room sprays that some people insist on spraying all over the house?

Solution? Just spray your favourite perfume available as a tester and avoid random ones that may not agree with you. As for your house, stick to natural smells like perfumed candles or sweet smelling flowers and bid goodbye to that horrible migraine!

And finally for the food! Holiday spreads are the most dangerous as you are not really watching what you eat. Diet goes through the nearest window and all hitherto forbidden goodies are in! After all it's holiday time!

Solution? What can I say except to er..rrr........ keep your headache medicines ready and pop in your tablet as soon as you feel the migraine coming on! Have them in the car, in the house and of course in your pocket " you don't know when you are going to have an attack!

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