7 Things You Should Add to Your Migraine Toolkit

If you struggle with migraines or any other type of chronic pain condition, you’re already likely aware of the benefits that a collection of easy-to-get-to items can bring in a pinch, particularly if you’re mid-flare.

With as misunderstood (and often unexplainable) of a condition as migraine, having a handy toolkit for migraine can also be really beneficial.

Here are seven items you should consider including in your migraine toolkit!

1. Use ice packs to reduce head and neck pain from migraine.

This migraine tool seems like it’s probably a no-brainer, as they say. The nervous system can often become overloaded with pain and inflammation, and it will cause trickle-down effects for every part of one’s body. Having an ice pack handy to lay on the back of your neck can help mitigate that!

Our Picks: Headache Hat, Reusable Hot/Cold Packs

2. To reduce sensory overload, listen to a playlist of soothing sounds or white noise.

I often get migraines where I am less light-sensitive, as opposed to sound-sensitive, so my default is to listen to soothing music to get me to relax.

Our Pick: White Noise and Soothing Sound Machine

3. Migraines can cause light sensitivity; using an eye mask and/or wrap-around sunglasses can help.

This ties back to the light-sensitivity aspect. The less light coming into my eyes during a migraine episode, the better off I feel. Having a barrier can help take care of that for me.

Our Picks: Real Silk Eye Mask, Polarized Wrap-Around Sunglasses

4. A phone charger so you can reconnect when migraine symptoms lift.

Frankly, I never know how long my migraines are going to stick around to ruin the rhythm of my day, so I always try to plug my phone in to charge when I know I’m going to be out of commission for a few days.

Our Picks: Anker 3-in-1 Charger, Wireless Charging Pad

5. Take a bath with soothing Epsom salts.

Who doesn’t love a good therapeutic bath? It can be difficult to get your mind and body to relax by sinking into some warm water, but you’d be surprised at how nice it feels, especially if you’ve not done it in a while.

Our Picks: SaltWorks Unscented Epsom Salt, Dr. Teal’s Lavender Epsom Salt

6. Keep easy-to-access sources of protein and nutrition on hand.

Sometimes it can be difficult to keep track of how much protein you should be putting into your body during migraine flare-ups, which is why protein bars are my instant go-to! Everything you need (for now) is right there in something portable (and they keep for a while too!)

Our Picks: Balance Bar (cookie dough flavor), Zing Plant-Based Protein Bar (variety pack)

7. Remember you have the ability to say no.

This isn’t so much an object as it is a state of mind. Sometimes you have to know when to say no. The show will and can go on without you at work, despite how much you may have guilt over your condition. It’s going to be OK.

Migraine