What’s Your Secret: 5 Go To’s That Help You Manage Life with Chronic Migraine

By Holly Harding

1 min read

We all have things we count on when we feel a migraine coming on. Over months or perhaps years of managing life with chronic migraine, we each have learned ways to comfort ourselves when we are feeling our worst.

5 things that get me through an attack

In this What’s Your Secret video, we share five favorites of one of our contributors in hopes of inspiring those in our community to brainstorm what works best for them.

In the comment section below, please share your 5 go to’s that help you manage life with migraine so that we can learn from one another!

This article represents the opinions, thoughts, and experiences of the author; none of this content has been paid for by any advertiser. The Migraine.com team does not recommend or endorse any products or treatments discussed herein. Learn more about how we maintain editorial integrity here.

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glassmind Member
Top 5 for avoiding migraine: Hydration Good nutrition Slow, quiet life Sunglasses & earplugs Essential oils Top 5 for surviving migraine atrack: clonozapam & zofran Eye mask/dark room Cool air Ultra-soft, seamless clothes (or nudity) Sleep
1. glassmind Member
 Resting between activities is sooo important. As oils increase in popularity, the price is getting lower. I find them at discount stores. Walmart, tjmaxx, ross, dollar tree, etc. It only takes a few drops mixed in some water for a theraputic scent, so a teeny bottle lasts a long time. I can understand completely when budget just does not permit though. Thanks for the reminder of rest between activitie. Super important!
2. debbied Member
 ABSOLUTELY. I didn’t add those things to my list but I use all of the tricks you mentioned. Admitting I was disabled was difficult knowing I would never work again. But it has slowed my life down after leaving a very stressful job.
wagonmaker99 Member
1. 50 mg Imitrex 2. Soma muscle relaxer 3. Alka Seltzer Gold—available at Swanson’s <a href='https://Health.com' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>Health.com</a> 4. Take a 2 hour nap in our finished basement cool and quiet. 5. My migraines are triggered by MSG. A vehicle accident made worse. Rear-ended by a 18 wheeler.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3921328" username="wagonmaker99"/> - Thank you so much for sharing your list of go to's. What does the alka seltzer gold help you with? Settling nausea? Your basement sounds like a migraineur's dream! So sorry to hear about the severe reaction to MSG and the incredibly serious accident you were in. I'm sure you are therefore very careful about what you ingest. Must be hard to do as it's my understanding that MSG is often hidden in a lot of foods. Thanks again for sharing and thinking of you.
deedeevee1 Member
I'm totally like you Holly. My dog is my go to guy!! He's great when my attacks get super bad. He'll even lie with me on the bathroom floor. I just love him so much. Ice packs- yes yes yes and did I mention yes!! My pillow. I have an always cool memory foam bamboo pillow. Love love love it. Cbd-It works for me. So I use it when I have to which sadly is often. Peanut butter crackers. Totally helps with the nausea. Especially if I'm out and I feel the attack coming on. I know this is#6 but I never go anywhere without my trusty sunglasses!! Hope this helps someone else!! Thanks Holly for always being an inspiration and running this site. I'd most likely be 6ft under without it. Much love to you.
1. rachel20 Member
 <inline-mention username="deedeevee1" user-id="3718603"/> my dogs think they are as good as medicine too. They are convinced rubbing their tummy or them leaning against my back will cure me. They are so sweet.
2. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="rachel20" user-id="3873727"/> dogs and pets, in general, can be so intuitive and caring when we are not feeling well. It's nice just to have them around for their support and distraction from an attack. Pets have always been an integral part of our family unit! I'm glad you have such caring pups! Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
idahokid Member
1. Imitrex 2. Warm shower 3. Peace and quiet 4. CBD oil 5. Going for a walk
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3819431" username="idahokid"/> - thanks so much for sharing your "go to's." A warm shower sounds like an inviting experience and one that would perhaps draw and distract the senses away from the driving pain. May I ask what kind of CBD oil you've found effective? There are so many types and dosages out there. I've been experimenting with Endoca. I'm also glad you mentioned walking. As I spoke about in this piece, there were years that I was paralyzed in fear that moving would exacerbate the pain and only recently have learned that gentle movement sometimes calms or just keeps it where it is. Sitting still, or curling up and kind of bracing only seems to make things worse. Thanks again for sharing- glad you're a part of our community.
2. idahokid Member
 Greetings Holly, My favorite CBD is NuLeaf Naturals and Charolette's Web. You can get both online. Very pure and potent. You can use them internally and externally. Just looked up Endoca, sounds good! Sometimes I have to rest because my brain gets so sleepy, most of the time I get restless and have to walk or clean the house. 😀 Migraines are so weird.
mrst53 Member
Fiorinal or Frova ice packs for head and neck heat pack for top of head quiet 2-3 hour nap my cat
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3806363" username="mrst53"/> - always good to hear from you. I've heard of the combination of heat packs and ice packs before- interesting to hear another vote for that approach. And yay for the comfort of cats. Thanks for chiming in and please stay in touch!
randallweiser Member
Mine are: 1) The first and most important one is my wife, Star, who knows what I go through, because both she and I get them. 2) Excedrin for Migraine: although most of the anti-migraine meds don't help me, the only one that has kept me relatively close to functional is Excedrin for Migraine. I find that it usually relieves enough pain so I don't end up curling into A fetal position! The only other medication that I have taken to completely knock me out is Toradol, but because I have problem with my kidneys, that isn't something I can take often. 3) Another thing that helps me is a combination of heat and cold - 15 minutes each, 2 times a day, and following up with another 2 times the next day. I usually wrap a baggie with ice, and for the heat, a good old heating pad. 4. VERNORS GINGER ALE: As a lifetime Michigander, we rely on Vernors ginger ale for just about anything having to do with nausea. It's also good warmed up. 5) I try to have a good attitude about having migraine. I have a funny sense of humor, especially when I have to talk about it. l was at the hospital ER and the doctor had just released me. He suggested that I could wait for my ride home in the Waiting room, "where it was nice and BRIGHT!" I looked at him and said, "Listen, you bozo, I was in here with a MIGRAINE!" I had to explain what I was going through with it...which was a real education! I'll be interested in seeing what everyone else says!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Thank you so much for joining the conversation and sharing what helps you. Great list! I'm intrigued by the Vernors recommendation. I've seen it in a specialty shop here (in NC) so I may need to give it a try! Humor can be a key coping mechanism when navigating chronic pain. It is so hard to hang onto the ability to see anything in a joyful or lighthearted manner, but wow- it really can help to do so and laughter really can be wonderful therapy. Sorry to hear that your wife also has migraine- but I think it does help when our loved ones truly know what we're up against, and unless someone has "been there" it's really hard to get it. Hope you'll keep sharing. Glad you're a part of our community!
2. wickedpixie Member
 I’m a Michigan girl as well! And yes, nothing better than a Vernor’s. If you’ve never had one, get one! 1) Because I’m in Michigan I got a medical marijuana card. So, the first thing I grab is my vape. Three hits and I get rid of any nausea and pain without medication to pass through my kidneys that are functioning a little low right now. 2) Tear off the bra! Yup. You girls know that one . The clothes cannot touch my body at all. 3) As little sound as possible. I swear my husband runs the sink for hours just to see if I will go insane. It sounds like a jack hammer. When my head starts to hurt every noise is amplified by a million. 4) Four Advil, two benedryl and anti acids. I try to keep my Relpax for major emergencies only. 5) I’ve got a gel ice pack and one of those cool gel caps too. 6)Netflix and Amazon Prime Movies: with subtitles on so I can keep the sound off. I can’t sleep when I hurt so marathon movies are great! 7)My family who let me sit and do nothing and act like my servants. 😎 Always keep a very good sense of humor-because crying will only make your head hurt more
banjogirl Member
As a chronic migraine warrior, my 5 go to aids are : > My Lazy Boy recliner , because I can't stay lying down > My ice pack to which temple side is throbbing > A cup of coffee > My " blankie ", which is large enough to be wrapped around my head to hold ice pack and cover my eyes from any light > Maxalt and Zofran
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3678399" username="banjogirl"/> - I'm jealous of your blankie! And I think many of us can relate to the issue of not being able to fully recline due to the fact that doing so worsens the pain. What a good use of a Lazy-Boy... if I only had one... Thanks for sharing your go-to's!
auntmary Member
My bedroom and weighted blanket. Heating pad. Excedrine Migraine/Migraine cocktail from family physician. Ginger ale A close bathroom due to nausea. I live in Iowa and am frustrated at what to get in form of edibles or CBD oil that works-any ideas or suggestions?
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3840077" username="auntmary"/> - thank you so much for sharing this resource with us. I've heard of weighted blankets for the conditions you describe (some of which are frequent comorbid conditions to migraine) and although I don't have those additional conditions, I am totally drawn to the idea of a weighted blanket - the concept alone makes me feel calm just to think about. Thanks again for circling back around to share this information. I love how we can learn from one another here. Thanks for all YOU do on <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a>. Please stay in touch!
2. abush8605 Member
 I love my CBD oil. I order mine from Lazarus Naturals in Oregon. It's a tincture 900 cm CBS, standard potency...the ingredients were key for me. I bought locally and the shop I used locally was able to help me understand that having an oil with fractionated coconut oil helped my body absorb the oil to maximize full potential. Hope this helps
amalc Member
There is a bit of irony in making this a video when some of us can't stand noise no? Is it possible to get this in article form?
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3677248" username="amalc"/> - Good point! Generally the videos are released with text running beneath so they can be muted. Looks like this did not happen with this video. I'll check with the higher ups and see if we can mend it. So sorry.
waubaushene Member
One additional go-to is peppermint oil. I put some on the back of my neck and small amount on my temple. Pure peppermint oil is quite strong so best to start with small amounts. Inhaling the peppermint scent opens air passages, and is a way to focus on the breath which is also relaxing. Thank-you Holly. I very much appreciated reading your 5 go-to's and am grateful to know they are the same as mine.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention user-id="3921626" username="waubaushene"/> - SO glad you mentioned peppermint oil! I recently made myself a rollerball filled with the essential oil so I could roll it just on the places you mentioned! We are two birds of a feather. So glad you're here.
mishoekc Member
My five go to’s: Ice pack for above eye Vanishing scent bengay for above eye and neck Manipulating pressure above eye Quiet Avoiding smells Medication: ajovy and generic maxalt
1. mishoekc Member
 I am loving ajovy. My migraines have decreased from about 17 days to 7 days with migraine.
2. mishoekc Member
 Holly, biofreeze sounds similar. I love the smell of bengay and the tingling it brings. That might even be what distracts me. However if I apply to often my skins gets dry and flakes.
mustangsally Member
My 5 essentials are: 1) Non-polarized Rx sunglasses so I have a prayer of staying at work with a migraine 2) Earplugs and/or noise cancelling headphones 3) Ice packs galore 4) Medications: Fioricet, Max-alt, and Advil 5) Black coffee or tea
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3778353" username="mustangsally"/> - Thanks so much for sharing your wisdom with the rest of us. Everything on your list makes so much sense and I'm impressed that you do all you can to stay at work despite an oncoming migraine as that can be so hard. Do you find the caffeine from the coffee/tea helps? Does its power depend on when you ingest it? I also turn to caffeinated tea but if I miss drinking it in the very early stages/signs of an attack, it doesn't help at all and can actually add to the nausea. Conversely, if I happen to drink it right as a migraine is coming on, it can sometimes help just as powerfully to stop a migraine in its tracks as medication. Thanks again and look forward to learning more from you!
emiller Member
I love your Ginger Beer idea. If I don’t like the taste of beer in general, but love Ginger Ale, would the Q Ginger Ale do the job too? It has less sodium and less sugar. Just wondering if you’ve tried both. Thanks so much for taking the time for your ideas. For me for acute migraine with « the works » it’s (1) Stadol nasal spray (2) Phenergan suppositories (3) ice (4) earplugs (5) eye cover.... and of course quiet.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3730253" username="emiller"/> ! Thanks so much for chiming in and glad you like the Q ginger idea. Yes, I have tried their ginger ale. I didn't find it as spicy as the ginger beer options. I join you in disliking the taste of beer and have to avoid alcohol in general as it's a migraine trigger for me. I'm not sure why they call this ginger beer- as it doesn't taste like beer and has no alcohol in it- but it sure does the trick for me to settle my stomach. Their ginger ale helps too- it's just a bit more mild and I find the spicier the ginger taste, the more it settles my nausea. Hope that helps. Let me know if you try it and it works for you. Thanks for sharing your list- we have a number of "go-to's" in common-- really everything but the nasal spray which I've not heard of before.
petmigraine Member
1~ First, I get comfy. This means an extra long, large men's tee that fits/covers me like a dress. Fuzzy sox are optional 😀 I fluctuate between being cold, hot and having hot flashes so, sox on, sox off, sox on... 2~ More comfort: I have a bamboo, hotel style pillow that has no bunched-up spots. It's cloud-soft and mashable/foldable as needed. I do need to sit up/recline rather than lay down when I'm feeling nauseous or have a rumbly tummy which may send me to the bathroom quickly.. Plus it's just too hard to get up once I'm laying down flat~ 3~ I have a bucket (just in case) and simply having it nearby makes me feel less anxious. We have a family tradition of using a past Mc D's kids meal toy for puking: Babar Beach Sand Bucket. It's called our "Ba-bar Ba-barf Ba-bucket". Classy, I know but it's familiar and safe. I also keep a few of those plastic expanding vomit circles one gets at the Dr. or hospital. I don't always vomit but often am burping or get dry heaves (sorry, TMI). 4~ Gentle gel Ice packs in freezer as well as a heating pad nearby. (my thermostat is wacky) And I have a lightweight, plush blanket 😀 5~ Atmosphere: I need Quiet and Dark. Neighbor hammering is evil. Ringing phone is evil. Sun glaring through the window is evil. A gentle fan is good (noise blocking) and also an eye mask I made (light blocking). 6~ Meds: I try to be consistent about taking an abortive asap. My hubby and I are good about always having more than I need on hand. Running out is not an option ! 7~ Supportive Family. I'm very fortunate to have this ! They will bring me a tiny glass of water or just a cracker. They don't talk much around me when I'm in pain; aphasia happens and it's hard to communicate 🙁 They cook lightly, things that don't make a 'smell'. Tiptoe around because sensory overload is real.
1. Cheryl Picerno Moderator
 <inline-mention username="rachel20" user-id="3873727"/> noise-canceling headphones or earbuds can be a great addition to a migraine relief arsenal. This is especially good if you suffer from the sensitivity of loud or distracting sounds. Ones that have an active noise canceling feature are really nice, but they can also be on the pricey side. Still, if it is going to help you out overall it is a good investment in my opinion. Warmly, Cheryl <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="rachel20" user-id="3873727"/> I wanted to share that the kind of noise canceling earbuds I've found that work best for me (and are not bulky) are called "ear peace" you can look them up on amazon- but they are so comfy, you can't feel them when they are in- and sleep with them- and also wear them in loud places (like concerts) and still hear and have conversations right in front of you. I'm not sure how it works, but it really does! This video shows what they look like (around the 2:30 minute mark): <a href='https://migraine.com/video/whats-purse-challenge' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/whats-purse-challenge</a>. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
abush8605 Member
Cbd oil Heating pad/ice Powerade
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3659900" username="abush8605"/> - thank you so much for sharing. I'm intrigued about everything on your list! Would you mind sharing more? 1) What kind of CBD oil do you use? There are SO many versions, brands, strengths out there that many who are interested are flummoxed by the process. 2) For what/when do you use the heating pad/ice? Some people use heat on one place and ice on a different place at the same time. Or- different temps depending on the pain pattern. Would love to learn more about what works for you. 3) What's the powerade for? To replenish after vomiting? Would be grateful to learn more from you and thanks again for sharing the wisdom you've earned from living with migraine.
gitasgirl Member
1) hot bath with epsom salt and gel ice pack on head 2) yoga for migraine, Brett Larkin 3) seltzer water plus a little Apple juice: lots of ice 4)naratriptan and sleep 5)chiropractic neck pillow and sunglasses
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi, <inline-mention user-id="3746332" username="gitasgirl"/> - love your list and appreciate your share. You are joining a list of people who are sharing the idea of the combination of heat and ice therapy at the same time. Really interesting to hear about this as generally people speak about one or the other. <a href='https://migraine.com/video/secret-cold-hot-therapy' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/secret-cold-hot-therapy/</a> Thanks for the tip about yoga for migraine- never heard of that resource before. Would you mind sharing more information about the type of chiropractic neck pillow you use? We have an entire article about types of pillows for migraine here:https://migraine.com/video/pillow-talk/ Thanks for sharing your earned wisdom and look forward to continuing to learn from you!
auntbumble Member
1. Ice packs on my neck and upper back and above my eyes 2. Dark room dark glasses 3.quiet distracting tv show 4. Ginger ale 5. Tristan,either zomig or Naratriptan , and 1/2 percocet
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Great list! Thank you for sharing - I can relate to each and every item. Please stay in touch and so glad you're a part of our community.
debbied Member
1. Ice bag or cold gel pack ( headache cap) 2. Implanted stimulator 3. Pacing until I exhaust myself waiting for medication to help. The only thing that helps Is Percocet now. Although, I did just get a script for the new sumatriptan nasal powder. Haven’t tried it yet. AIMOVIG has reduced my migraines by 50%. My migraine specialist just told me there is a new IV CGRP coming out in Jan that has a 77% effectiveness. Yeah! Can’t wait. 4. My husband can tell by looking at me that I’m getting a migraine. Since the pain gets so bad, I forget what I’m supposed to do. He pops a Percocet in my mouth and puts me to bed with an ice bag. 5.remain flexible with plans and don’t apologize or feel guilty for cancelling. Your close friends know about your struggle 5. Vomit cover. I just sit up and vomit on my coverlet because it’s easily washed ( yes even a chocolate protein shake washed out. Last week the vomit was a bright red cherry popsicle I ate. I just can’t make it to the bathroom fast enough to vomit in the toilet. 6. On occasion a REAL COKE WITH SUGAR sometimes helps the nausea. 7. MAKE SURE I EAT REGULARLY AND LITTLE JUNK FOOD. 8. Visteral every night at least helps me sleep. I’ve learned not sleeping left me tired all the time. 9.I’ve found the BEST migraine specialist. He understands I need Percocet. I don’t abuse and I get drug tested every 6 months which is fine with me. CGRP is almost a miracle. I now have more time because I’m in bed about 1/2 the time I was before AIMOVIG.
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3717617" username="debbied"/> - thanks so much for chiming in and sharing your wisdom with the rest of us so we can learn from one another. What kind of implanted stimulator are you using? So glad Aimovig is working so well for you and crossed fingers that the IV version will up the results for you as hoped. A few things you mentioned made me think of articles on the very topics you stated. You talked about your husband being able to see your migraines- which is ironic as it's known as an invisible disease- but what you mention is the case for many. I thought you might be interested in reading this piece on the topic: <a href='https://migraine.com/living-migraine/visible-symptoms-showing' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/living-migraine/visible-symptoms-showing/</a>. And then your mention of closest friends understanding the constant cancellations made me want to share this with you: <a href='https://migraine.com/blog/constant-cancellations-the-rare-friend-who-can-navigate' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/blog/constant-cancellations-the-rare-friend-who-can-navigate/</a> We are truly all so connected in this journey and it helps to remember we aren't alone in navigating it. Glad you have a great specialist to partner through it. Oh- and what is visteral? Thanks again for sharing your knowledge! Please stay in touch!
mustangsally Member
Holly, sometimes the timing can be off. For example, it’s hot or miss if I wake up with the migraine and drink coffee.
beezeree Member
Ice, YES! I have at least 15 ice packs of all shapes & sizes in the freezer. Don't bother wrapping them in a cloth, just put one behind my neck and several to my temples & head hoping for brain freeze to dull the massive throbbing/stabbing pains in my head & neck. Set room temp to 68 or 69 plus a fan for air movement. Prescription pain meds to further dumb down the pain, edibles to quell the nausea, hunker down into into siege mode & endless Amazon or Netflix to fill the voids of restless semi sleep until the storm finally passes. No one in my family even gets headaches. Reading all the articles and posts on this website has been so helpful. Validates your experiences, let’s you know you’re not alone and not imagining things - such as perceived body temperature fluctuations before & during during a severe migraine - thank you!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention user-id="3808348" username="beezeree"/> ! So glad you're with us and have found the community to be helpful and validating. Even though migraine is so prevalent, it is also invisible and therefore hard to identify others who are living with it- and so we are left isolated and struggling on our own to navigate a uniquely demanding disease. Some people mention not being able to watch TV, but I find the distraction key to getting through the hardest attacks- even if I can't watch the actual screen, it helps to listen to something that shifts my mind off of the excruciating pain. So glad you chimed in and hope you'll stay in touch! Yours, in ice- Holly
owl-sounds Member
It looks like this is an old post but I thought I'd add mine anyway. Here are my top 5 (plus some extras) 1. Hot shower and, breathing through my mouth, let the hot water run through my hair and over my face for as long as I can stand it. 2. A small rectangular pillow for under the back of my neck. Bonus points if it is silky, feels good to the touch. 3. Keeping a jar full of earplugs in the drawer next to my bed. 4, Keep an emergency abortive in a tiny pill case on my key chain just in case. 5. A secret stash of Gatorade which sometimes helps tide me over until I can get to drugs. Extras: I have something spicy with every meal. I don't know what it is, endorphins? Whatever it is, I always feel slightly better. Be super aggressive about getting a neurologist and a GP who I trust and who are committed to helping. Be totally inflexible about lighting - it's gotta be indirect, not too bright but also not too dark and not cool toned (because it's a bummer) Keep the indoor temp really consistent and can't dip lower than 65 at night or else I'll get woken up with a headache. Be strict about my diet, water intake, and sleep schedule.
1. Melissa Arnold Community Admin
 That's so interesting, Owl-Sounds ... it reminds me of how some people here in the community use essential oils to support their migraine treatment. Or even just the known help that cool or cold temperatures bring to many people. I'm glad that Altoids give you that extra time you need. Thanks for sharing with us! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
2. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 Owl-Sounds- You are clearly a very experienced migraineur- thank you for sharing your wisdom with the rest of us. I love your post and wanted to thank you for taking the time to share. Also, while I completely understand why you've used this language here, as we've all had to push hard to make our voices heard and get our needs met when it comes to protecting ourselves and trying to simply ask for and ensure that we are heard, I wanted to touch upon the wording re: being "super aggressive" and "totally inflexible". I just wanted to say that these are completely reasonable requests - so I'd encourage all of us to feel empowered to think of these as positive, deserving and assertive statements when advocating for ourselves with our doctors and in work, home or social environments. You pointed out such legitimate requests and we have every right to have those needs fulfilled without an ounce of defensiveness. So glad you're a part of our community, Owl-Sounds. Thanks for the altoid tip too! Keep sharing your wisdom with us so we can continue learning from you. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Mare2 Member
Most like everyone else who commented, my go to’s are similar. The trip tans and many other meds don’t work for me. Being that I’m chronic I stay positive and grateful as best as I can. I love the ceiling fan going as my lifeless body lies still tucked away with my dog who I call my therapy dog - he is great company. If I need to escape to the basement to stay real cool then puppy is by my side. On days when I’m able to go for a walk with my puppy (5 yrs old, lol) I find that’s it’s my best therapy. A cloudy day with some wind works the best for me. It’s a fine line because if I do too much activity then I can’t move my head and body for the remainder of the night. But, psychologically it’s my best medicine. Lots of water is essential, even in fruits like watermelon. Sleep is paramount in my migraine journey and it’s not easy to fall asleep with a head in pain. I listen to soft music or Podcasts so I don’t have to use my eyes. My eyeballs are in pain while throbbing so keeping my eyes closed is my only option. So let’s be grateful for this wonderful support group and Holly, your wonderful topics. I thank you all for your great suggestions. MARILYN. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="ameoch" user-id="3924864"/> Marilyn- Thanks so much for sharing your strategies. They really resonate with me. I am eating a nice juicy cantaloupe right now! Those fruits heavy in water are go-tos for me as is just plain old water, but whatever the case hydration is key. So many migraine meds are dehydrating. The idea of holding onto positive thought as much as possible is hugely important (though certainly not always easy when chronic). A breeze is also key to me- a ceiling fan is important to my ability to sleep well, and yes! sleep- so important too! I thought I'd mention this video- which talks about various ways to stay cool outside, including the mention of a neck fan that I use to keep a breeze around me when walking my dog (also one of my key strategies... see how similar we are??) in case you might be interested: <a href='https://migraine.com/video/heat-trigger-solutions' target='_blank'>https://migraine.com/video/heat-trigger-solutions</a> Again- thanks so much for sharing and very glad you're with us. Stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Melissa Arnold Community Admin
You have great tips here, Marilyn -- consistency is a huge part of staying well -- or at least a little less painful -- when you live with migraine. Music can be really soothing to the emotions as well as the body! I've been into podcasts lately myself. They help make the boring work of doing chores feel a bit more fun. What are you listening to lately? Thanks for sharing! -Melissa, <a href='https://migraine.com' target='_blank'>migraine.com</a> team
rachel20 Member
My go to for migraine relief: 1. Ginger gel caps, if that doesnt settle stomach zofran 2. Ractangle ice packs and ice hat (multi small ice packs in soft material to wear) 3. Dogs (they sometimes lean into my back and distract my mind, or petting them distracts my mind a little and when feel like I can enter the world again they love walks, even little ones) 4. Family (encourage me to eat small meals, drink water/caffeine and when to take next dose of pills) 5. Intramx: if I am home and not driving and can rest after cause they make me sleepy
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="rachel20" user-id="3873727"/> Thank you so much for sharing this resource. I'm going to try these. Do you ever have a hard time keeping them down? I drink a really strong ginger ale (Q ginger beer) at my first sign - so spicy it makes me sneeze- but I love it. Keep your wisdom coming! So glad you're with us! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
2. Rebecca C Moderator
 <inline-mention username="rachel20" user-id="3873727"/> - I purchased an electric pot that warms water at my desk which I plug in - wasn't too expensive - may help. And YES to the ginger. Helps me so much, especially with the nausea that comes with vestibular migraine episodes. Thanks for sharing Warmly ~ Rebecca (comm advc)
pifrankel Member
Great video. Thank you for sharing your personal life. The Q-tonic products are very good. I agree about anti-nausea effects from Q-products. Of course my first go-to is lots of water. Hydration is a key! Then two Advil and two Tylenol. Usually then an Imitrex. If I can go to sleep then I do at that point. Stay well!
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="pifrankel" user-id="3857980"/> Hi there- thanks so much for the kind feedback. Nice to find someone familiar with the Q products! That is a rarity, actually. Most people haven't heard of them. Glad they work for you as well. I was at a restaurant earlier this week and had a strong wave of nausea come over me so I asked the waiter if they happened to have ginger beer on hand. They said they did have Q ginger beer but only to use as mixers for cocktails. I tried to explain that I was in need of it medically but I guess they thought I was kidding or exaggerating because they said they couldn't give it to me. He offered my their ginger ale on tap as an alternative and I found it almost undrinkable after having grown accustomed to the spicy and powerful Q option. Since that experience, I'm now keeping a couple cans of the ginger beer in my car for emergencies. Thanks for sharing your go-to's and what works for you. If we can just get to sleep, we have such a better chance of quieting things down. Glad you're a part of our community! Please stay in touch. Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
anonymous-118 Member
My 5 go tops for migraine are drinking Caffeined Coffee, reducing my Talking, listening to Spa music in my ears, taking meds, and controlling my emotions. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="anonymous-118" user-id="4591173"/> These are great tips. Thank you so much for sharing what works for you with the rest of us so we can learn from you. The last one, controlling emotions, is easier said than done sometimes but can be so important as crying can be a trigger as can any extreme emotion. We have a lot of articles on this trend: https://migraine.com/search?s=crying%20trigger. Thanks for being a part of our community! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).
Sheripick Member
My 5 Go tos: Ice hat/bag, water, dark, quiet room, my cat who loves me and lays with me when I’m in the midst of an episode, and meds. 
1. Holly Harding Moderator & Contributor
 <inline-mention username="Sheripick" user-id="4610363"/> Amen to the wonder of our pets to calm and comfort us during attacks. Isn't it amazing how they give us what we need when we need it? Thanks so much for sharing what works for you! Warmly, Holly (migraine.com team).