You need to get some exercise, but migraine doesn’t let you.
On a good day, you do the best you can to stay active, but you don’t want to push yourself too hard and end up with a migraine. Exercising doesn’t seem like a good plan when you’re doing so well.
On a bad day you can barely get out of bed. Just getting showered and dressed is a monumental achievement. Exercise is not an option.
You know it should be good for you. You know that a sedentary lifestyle is probably making your migraines worse.
You’re so weakened by this disease, you need something, anything, to help regain your strength.
Exercise Alternatives for Migraine
What qualifies as exercise depends entirely on where you are in your fitness today. You don’t have to do more than you can do. Just try to do a little bit more than you’re doing already.
If you spend your days barely moving, stand up and move around. If you do a bit of standing and moving around already, try going for a walk. If you walk regularly, try lifting your knees higher as you walk, or walking backwards. If you power walk, try jogging a short distance. If you jog, try sprinting.
Every little bit counts. Just move a little more each day.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a “thing you do.” It can just be part of the things you do. Lift something heavy. Have a good stretch. Take some deep breaths.
You only need a little more activity to become stronger. Small differences add up over time.
What I Learned About Migraines Today
I was always too embarrassed to use a fitness tracker. It didn’t seem like a good idea to keep a record of the couple hundred steps I take each day.
Now I’m trying it in spite of my misgivings. I wanted an objective measurement of my activity so I can know whether I’m improving or not. Even though I’m mostly sedentary, I’m finding it’s a useful tool. I am starting to see small improvements.
There is no need to be embarrassed about it. Real data is better than no data.
Keeping track of your activity, no matter how much or how little, is an important tool in regaining your strength.
