1% Thursday: Make an "Attack Kit"

This week, create an "Attack Kit" to help you through your next migraine or headache attack.

You feel a migraine attack coming on.  Or one of "those headaches".  Or another cluster cycle is about to begin.  What do you do?  Depending on the type of attack, you may do different things.  But why not sit down right now and make a list of things that you could make handy, so that when the next attack begins you’re a little more ready?

That kit could include things to put by your bedside.  For example:

• Bottled water
• Emergency phone numbers
• Candied ginger (for nausea)
• Medication
• Power snacks
• Easy reading
• Favourite music and headphones
• Candles
• Lip balm or lotion

There are many more things you might want to include – think outside the box.  Speaking of boxes, get a box or a bag and put a few things in so they’re always handy (don’t put a thousand things in a big tangle that will frustrate you – a few well organized things please!).

There may be things that won’t fit in a box, but that you can put on a list and quickly get ready when you feel that attack coming on.  Need a heater or a fan handy?  An open window?  A laptop in case you have a few minutes you can use it when you’re feeling better?  Something comfortable to change into?

Now let’s add to our list – something other than "things".  Is there something you should do before your attack is too bad?  Call a doctor?  Ask a friend to check in on you in a few hours?  Have someone bring over a meal and leave it in the kitchen?  Ask someone to pick up the kids?  Cancel an appointment?

It might seem overwhelming now, but it’s impossible during an attack.  So think it through, prioritize, and make a simplified kit with a short checklist – typed in big easy-to-read print, and have it handy.  It won’t take away your pain, but it might give you a lot less to worry about during an attack.

I know you already have lots of ideas – maybe things you already put in your own "attack kit".  Share a comment with us!

What is 1% Thursday?

Every Thursday at Headache and Migraine News (weather permitting) we’ll talk about one measurable, practical thing we can do to make our lives just 1% better.  Usually it will be something very easy, sometimes it will be a challenge.  Let us know if you try it, or share an idea of your own – and maybe a year from now we’ll see that things have really changed for the better!