Managing your Migraine: sustaining your progress through the dips. FAQ #87
Frequently Asked Questions Episode 87
We all go through patches where our physical, emotional and mental resources are on the lean side. Sometimes we can define the situational factors that are draining us, and other times its not so clear why we take a dip in our progress, or seem “stuck in the mud.” It should be encouraging to remind ourselves that not only is this common, and to be expected, but even more so, mandated by life itself. Cells go through post division recuperation, corn fields sit fallow after harvest and a number of animals hibernate in the winter. Perhaps binging Netflix on a dreary February Saturday while munching pizza and doritos is the human version? Yeah, I had briefly considered a fruit smoothie, followed by a brisk walk, a sauna and then a nap. Just a little too much work. Maybe tomorrow? Right, that’s what I said yesterday. Oh, well…
But whichever version you’re manifesting, life demands these undulations: peaks of progress followed by the lulls required for restoration.
During these seasons in the doldrums, previous progress on a project can slip, come to a complete halt, or even lose serious ground. I’ve seen this frequently in attending to migraine headaches. Let’s consider what’s involved.
Three key questions and answers in managing migraines
I divide progress in migraine management into three parts:
Understanding the root causes of your migraine story. Each person is one of a kind, with different contributing factors. Even a thorough consult with a “migraine expert” will not uncover half of them. And despite expert help, you will have to figure out some of it on your own, experientially. This is a process, each story a journey of its own, and of your own.
Answering the question of what interventions will address my root cause factors? Do they include nutritional support?…lifestyle changes?…are medications an useful tool for me? If so, what is the simplist version of all-of-the-above that will work for me?
Determining how long do I need to continue a successful version of focused self-care? Can I ‘fix’ some of the shortfalls? Are others genetically progrogramed, probably needing lifelong attention? Will some of this “get better with time” or will it need ongoing focused attention?
When you feel yourself losing momentum, take a time out to appreciate what’s happening. Don’t despair, its only a phase; a phase that can actually be very useful. When this happens, take some time for reflection.
Mindful observations to make when life calls a ‘time out’
Sit down, consider the current situation, and journal for yourself on:
What do I know about the cause of my migraines? What do I know for sure? What have I ruled out? What remains a speculation? What tools will help me learn more?
What have I done that has worked to lessen them? What didn’t work? Why didn’t it work? Do I need to:
-consider a longer trial of any given med, nutrients, etc. Maybe 30 days
only was too short, etc.
-combine more than one therapy at a time for better synergism?
From what I’ve learned so far, what should I maintain as baseline therapy or self-care during this dip, this lull in my momentum, so as to not lose the progress I’ve made to date?
Going forward, once I’ve gotten a return of momentum and progress, what should be my priorities for action items?:
-continuing my self education about my migraine story and potential
solutions, and
-what focused therapy option(s) should I consider keeping on with, or to try applying next?
When you’ve done this, put aside the notebook or laptop and what you’ve learned to give yourself permission to hibernate, heal and regenerate. Its not only OK, its what you need right now.
Soon enough, you’ll be able to remember where you laid that journal and renew your journey toward your personalized version of migraine resolution.
If you’re inclined to comment, I’d like to hear what has worked best for you at maintaining positive momentum during the dips in your journey.
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If you would like to review past posts, go to FAQ Table of Contents, updated April 2025
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