Not FALLing for another migraine attack
When summer trades in its sweaty handshake for fall’s flannel embrace, the world glows gold—but for people with migraines and chronic pain, that golden hour can dim into a season of aches and ouches. You’d think pumpkin spice would be a universal tonic, but alas, the barometric mood swings and dwindling sunlight can turn autumn into a real head-thumper. Think of fall like nature’s dramatic actor, never missing a chance to stir up sensation, in your bones and brain alike. For me, it’s back pain that tells me the seasons are beginning to change. For others, it may be headaches or other sources of pain. But these can be dealt with!
It’s not just the calendar flipping that’s at play. Changes in temperature and daylight can toy with your body’s internal thermostat, nudging migraines out of their summer slumber and coaxing old chronic pain out of retirement. When warm afternoons tumble suddenly into frosty mornings, muscles stiffen and pain can take the center stage. For sensitive souls, these rapid meteorological mood shifts may as well be nature’s practical joke.
But don’t put your well-being on ice just yet. There are ways to outsmart autumn’s triggers and keep your spirits (and headspace) high. Start by borrowing a page from the squirrels: prepare! Regular routines are your acorn stash—stay hydrated, sleep on schedule, and stretch like you’re reaching for the last apple on the tree. Maintaining simple habits keeps the body guessing less, and it keeps the pain at bay.
When the forecast screams “sweater weather,” don’t let it trap you indoors—get your steps in! Stroll under the kaleidoscopic leaves, try “leaf-peeping” (that’s an actual thing), or attempt gentle yoga among gourds and giggles. Autumn is no time to let your muscles go dormant; keep them as limber as a scarecrow that’s had its morning yoga.
What about the mind games that come with shorter days and longer shadows? Instead of brooding, make like a pumpkin and glow from within. Treat yourself to the coziest textures, blast an upbeat fall playlist, and indulge in gratitude as liberally as you would whipped cream on pie. Embrace rituals that make the season sparkle: light therapy lamps, a weekly soup night (have you tried beer cheese soup? pretty sure it heals any ailment), or crafting your own “leaf of the day” gratitude list.
When all else fails, laughter is a vitamin—one that pairs beautifully with warm socks and a cheesy rom-com. Channel your inner woodland creature, stockpile strategies, and remember: while autumn may try to trip you up, you’re the one with the cunning (and a drawer full of heat packs!). Here are some ideas that are as easy to implement as sipping cider by a roaring fire:
Clever Ways to Combat Seasonal Changes
Keep a weather-migraine diary, charting flare-ups with as much flair as you’d chronicle celebrity sightings.
Bundle up in layers—think “fashion icon meets human onion”.
Plan outdoor “leaf therapy” walks and up the joy ante with a friend or a playlist.
Soothe tension with indoor yoga, gentle stretching, or meditation marathons (bonus points for cozy pajamas).
Stay hydrated, perhaps with a fancy glass of fall-infused water (apple slices and cinnamon, anyone?).
Cook with the season—pumpkin soup, roasted veggies, or a magnesium-rich trail mix for that mountain-hiking squirrel energy.
Try heat therapy: microwavable heating pads double as excellent napping buddies.
Host a mini movie festival with feel-good flicks and blankets galore.
Practice light therapy, or at least let the sunshine in as much as possible.
Reach out—autumn is better when shared, whether it’s swapping soup recipes or venting about barometric drama.
Attitude Adjustments for Fall Happiness
Make a “joy list” of seasonal bright spots—crunchy leaves, cinnamon scents, surprise sunny mornings.
Journal gratitude nightly, even if it’s just “Today I avoided stepping on a slug!”.
Dedicate 10 minutes to reading something silly, clever, or inspiring on gloomy days.
Spruce up your space with ultra-soft textures—chic blankets, novelty socks, and as many pillows as physics allow.
Invent at-home rituals: “Soup Sundays,” “Warm Beverage Wednesdays,” or “Fuzzy Sock Fridays”.
Laugh at autumn’s tricks—turn mishaps into tall tales (spilled cocoa? It’s hot chocolate performance art).
Invite someone for a walk-and-talk or an indoor craft night, because connection is autumn’s true harvest.
With a wink, a routine, and a mug of tea, autumn’s migraine and pain plot lines can be upstaged. The show must—and will—go on.