I hate headaches. I’ve been getting them since I was a kid. I’ve seen several doctors who each had their own strange recommendations and even tried alternative therapies like acupuncture and chiropractic.

While each has their place, nothing was a one-size-fits-all method and the headaches continued. After years of trial and error, I finally stumbled on a simple solution that is a shockingly effective way to get rid of headaches – fast – without medication or a lobotomy.

Don’t you love it when there is a super easy, fast, affordable solution to a nagging problem in your life?

I think this requires a little dancing. Shall we?

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An Easy Headache Remedy That Works FAST:

Since making this little discovery a few months ago, I’ve shared these tips with friends and family who suffer from a range of headaches, from serious migraines that leave them curled up in a dark room for three days to a relative with cluster headaches that are so painful they vomit.

All of them have come back and told me that these super easy remedies – WORK.

While they may not wipe out a full-blown migraine right away, they will lessen it to the point that you can get back to your life or even finish it off with a single ibuprofen.

Are you ready to see how easy it is?

Let’s go – and know that there are some affiliate links used below – but only to products I have bought, use and love.

1. Use an Ice Pack:

While there are lots of face ice packs that help with sinus inflammation and headaches that seem to come from behind the eyes and face, that’s actually not the right place if you want headache relief.

You want to to put the ice pack on the base of your neck.

Your going to put it right where the bottom of your skull meets your neck, and then you’re going to lay on it for about 20-30 minutes (or longer – it actually will feel really good).

You want to get your neck nice and flat on it, so you’ll be giving yourself a double chin in the front.If you have one of these ice pack headbands like I do, you’ll have it on the base of your neck and then around and up over your temples. This is amazing if you get headaches on your temples and in your eyes (the worst!!).

Any ice pack will do, though, although if it doesn’t have a soft cover, be sure to put a paper towel or something thin and soft over it, so your skin is not directly on the ice pack.

Then, just relax.

#YAAAASSSSS

You are going to feel that headache start to dissolve as the inflammation inferno is turned off like a light switch. Combine the ice pack method with the next step to see faster relief:

2. Use a Cold or Hot Sleep Mask:

I just added this to my routine, because a lot of my headaches have been coming in behind my eyes. I know it’s still vagus nerve activation, so I ice the bace of my neck, but also icing my eye area helps with more immediate relief.

I picked up this eye mask that is super soft and comes with these disks that you just put on (velcro) and you can put them in the freezer until you need them. So, I just take them out of the freezer, pop them on the mask and then lay back and relax. I’ll play some quiet music or a funny show.

If you find darkness to be your friend when you have a migraine or headache, you’ll love how dark this mask makes things without having to close blinds, etc.

They have a weighted mask option, as well as heatable eye discs and they all go in the same mask.  I loved mine so much, I bought one as a Christmas gift for my father-in-law who gets terrible migraines. I bought both of us the set that comes with both cold and hot eye discs and the mask.

It’s a little spendy, but I love it, so it’s worth it to me. I also use the heatable discs to help with my dry eyes from Sjogren’s. Microwave them for 20-30 seconds and you’re good to go. So, for me, the mask helps me with multiple issues. To read my full review of the Manta mask, read this post.

Check out the Steam & Ice Manta Mask Set here.

3. Use an Essential Oil Rub for Headaches

While I have not had great success with just essential oils for headache relief, I LOVE using them in conjunction with other therapies.

Breathing in therapeutic oils can really help with relaxation and reducing, improving any inflammation or restrictions in the sinus area that are contributing to pressure and pain.

This headache balm is one of the best I have found. Just read some of the reviews from people who have suffered with chronic headaches and migraines for years and years. It works! Plus, it lasts a really long time.

Occasionally, this one sells out. I have also used this headache balm and it’s very good with thousands of excellent reviews. You just apply it to your temples and the base of your neck. Add ice pack and get zen.

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4. Use a Neck Massager

Some of your headaches could be triggered by lingering tensions in your neck and shoulders.

Since so many of us spend way too many hours staring at phones, computers, TVS, and other devices that do not have our backs, necks and heads in the optimum positions – we are increasingly straining our bodies and creating tension, knots, bad posture, and inflammation that can absolutely contribute to a whole host of issues – including headaches.

While you should absolutely consider strategies that are better for you, such as taking some pilates classes to help realign your body, wearing blue light glasses to reduce eye strain, and setting up your workspace ergonomically, you can also relieve pressure with some targeted massage.

These neck massagers have so many crazy reviews because they are just so easy to use, super affordable and really give you quick results.

I’ve given this one as a gift and everyone loves it.

There are a few more that are similar. Some come with little storage bags or come in fun colors.

All of them are under $100, which is less than a single massage.

#BOOM

5. Drink Water:

Think about your day – have you had enough water? If not – get to it. Start chugging.

If you’ve had plenty of water, but you haven’t had coffee – it’s possible your body is responding to that lack of caffeine and getting a nice kick of it will help your body adjust.

Our bodies need constant hydration. Just check out this article on how much water we should be drinking if you’re curious.

Spoiler alert: it’s a lot.

I am absolutely obsessed with this Iron Flask water bottle and I find that having a great water bottle actually increases my water intake – go figure 😉

This is the 22oz. Iron Flask in cotton candy. It comes with 3 lids and I use it for everything: smoothies, iced coffee, water, etc. Just be careful if you buy it – everyone in my house now fights over the Iron Flasks, even the kids.

Update: I now carry a 40oz. water tumbler. It’s a total beast. But, the more water I carry around, the more water I drink. It’s that simple. Here’s the ones I have been loving lately.

*****

So, to review – your new Headache Survival Guide is simple:

• Start drinking something while giving yourself a neck massage
• Then, apply some essential oils for headache relief
• Lay back on your ice pack and put on your eye mask and relax for at least 20 minutes
• Drink lots of water

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Bam, baby. You just kicked that headache to the curb. I can’t wait for you to try this method and tell me if it changes your life.

If you have a loved one who suffers from chronic headaches, give them these three things as a gift. I gifted them to my dad for his birthday and he says they have really helped him!

Or, if you have a remedy that you have had great success with – share that here, too!

For more surprisingly easy remedies to annoying problems, check out my post with how I got rid of cold sores, and how I use castor oil packs for inflammation and detox.

Have a fabulous – and headache free – day!

E

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