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1% Thursday: Caffeine Levels

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Many doctors will tell you to cut the caffeine when looking for migraine triggers.  But did you know some doctors see things a little differently?

I’m not suggesting you ignore your doctor – cutting caffeine is a great thing to try.  But there’s something else you might want to try – that is, levelling your caffeine intake.  Taking about the same amount each day, around the same time.

Spikes and drops in your caffeine levels may be even more of a migraine trigger than the caffeine itself.  Suddenly drinking 12 cups of coffee one night, then nothing the next day – ouch.  Or even sleeping in on Saturday and missing your regular morning coffee – that can be a trigger too.

Try having about the same amount each day – but keep that amount low.  Lower it gradually.  Watch for caffeine in colas, and even in medication.  Try to keep it level as much as possible, and see what kind of difference it makes.  This alone may cut some of those attacks you’ve been getting.

Read more about the headache caffeine connection here.

What is 1% Thursday?

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!

1% Thursday: The Night Before the Morning After

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I feel terrible every morning.  Yes, it’s true.  That doesn’t mean I’m in a bad mood every morning, just that I don’t feel well.  That means that I’m not necessarily trying to eat healthy – I’m trying to survive.

Times like this are not great times to turn over a new leaf when it comes to eating.  The plan must be made earlier.  Maybe some of the work can even be done earlier.

So here’s the tip – plan ahead when it comes to your breakfast routine.  That means, first, plan on what you’re going to eat.  That also means make sure it’s ready.  Do you have the ingredients you need?  Is there any way you can make preparation faster and easier?

For example, do you want to eat oatmeal in the morning?  Did you know you could make a week’s worth all at once, so that you have less to do in the morning?  Here’s how you can make a week’s worth in about 5 minutes.  Or how about your own healthy instant oatmeal?

Trying a slow-carb diet?  Watch this video for ideas on how to make a quick, healthy breakfast with a minimum of clean-up.

Use those ideas to spark your own creativity.  What kind of headache or migraine-fighting breakfast can you make quickly and easily?  You’ll be surprised what a huge difference a good breakfast can make.

What is 1% Thursday?

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!

1% Thursday: The 1/4 Rule

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People with chronic pain, particularly migraine, need some cushion time.  You know, a little time to get a glass of water, or a snack.  A little time to take that medication before it’s too late.  Extra time to get that project done in case a migraine attack hits.

One way to accomplish this in our unpredictable lives is to follow the 1/4 rule.  The 1/4 rule simply means that you leave yourself about 1/4 extra.  For example…

  • Don’t wait until the gas tank is dipping below E to get a fill.  Fill it when it’s at 1/4.
  • Running low on those supplements you take?  Don’t wait until there are two left in the bottle – when it’s about 1/4 full, get some more.
  • You’ve got 4 days to finish the project?  Make it a priority to do it in 3, in case something unexpected comes up.
  • For appointments, you can translate this into the 1/4 of an hour rule.  Get there 15 minutes early.

Obviously, doing these things will cut down on the stress in your life, but it’s not just about stress.  It’s about leaving yourself a little breathing room to take care of your body, so that you don’t get caught low on energy and stamina all the time.  (Not all the time – we know it will happen!  And sometimes it’s good for you.  But all the time?  No.)

What is 1% Thursday?

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!

1% Thursday: Caught with its Price Down – Now’s Your Chance

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I don’t think I’ve specifically focused on this on 1% Thursday, but now that the price has dropped so much, it’s time to give it some serious consideration.

Do you want to cut down on your time in front of that flickering computer screen?  Do you want to have a wealth of things to do right beside your bed (if you’re well enough to make use of the distraction)?  Do you want better access to excellent migraine/headache fighting material?  Do you want to make use of one of the world’s best stress-busters?

Get yourself a Kindle.

No, really.  You’ve been holding out.  But it’s time to reconsider.

Did you know that amazon.com now has the fully-loaded 3G + WifFi Kindle
for only US$189 (which now works in many countries around the world)?  Your basic WiFi Kindle for only US$139?  Did you know there’s now a sponsored Kindle for only US$114?

Prices in the UK are low as well – check them out here!

Here’s why you need to consider the Kindle again:

  • The screen is fantastic.  It’s not a computer screen – it’s easy on the eyes, relaxing, beautiful.
  • You can increase the font size if you’re having trouble reading.
  • Many books have a feature that allows you to listen to them, if you can’t sit up and read!
  • You can put audio books and MP3s and podcasts on your Kindle, another great distraction when you’re not feeling well.
  • You can even read blogs on your Kindle (hint hint)!
  • There are some great migraine/headache fighter books available for the Kindle.  (UK shoppers try here)
  • Whatever mood you’re in, whatever you feel like reading, you can have it there beside your bed.  The Kindle can hold thousands of books, and there are many many available online for free!
  • The battery lasts a looooooong time.
  • If you’re in the USA, you can even borrow books from a friend!
  • You can even transfer other documents to the Kindle (webpages, Word documents, etc) so that you can read them without the flicker of a computer screen.
  • Sleep better by reading the Kindle rather than looking at a bright TV/computer screen before bed.

Of course, the Kindle has many other advantages.  But these are a few of special interest to chronic headache or migraine sufferers.  The Kindle is an excellent investment, relieving eye pain, killing stress, and even educating you to become a more powerful migraine-fighter.

Think it over.  It’s been more than a 1% benefit to me.

What is 1% Thursday?

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!

1% Thursday: Watch Your Stomach

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Don’t worry, this isn’t a post about abdominal fat.  The tip is simply this – watch out for issues with your stomach, or your gut – it could be related.

We’ve talked about the migraine-gut connection many times.  But still, often we just don’t think of it.  You’d be surprised how some imbalance in your gut can cause problems with migraine attacks.

So this is just a reminder – if you feel a little nauseous, a little bloated, you have heartburn or acid reflux, or diarrhea… talk to your doctor.  Don’t ignore it.  There may be a stronger connection than you think – it could be triggering more migraine attacks.  (It could also keep your meds from working – listen here!)  The pain may be much more than a few cramps down below.

What is 1% Thursday?

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!

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The articles on Headache and Migraine News are © 2004-2026 J. Cottrill.
Every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of each article, and to point you to further sources of information. However, this site is for informational purposes only and should never replace a visit to your doctor.