Headaches can be one of the most irritating health issues you'll ever have, especially when they're recurring and unexplained.
You'll go from thinking you're getting a cold to looking up severe diseases that can be happening in your brain in minutes. Although usually, it's neither.
There have been so many times over the years when I've woken up and gone to sleep each day with a headache.
I typically attribute it to being stressed because that seems to be the common denominator during each occurrence.
But little did I know, there are so many other things that I could be doing that are causing it all.
Some of these are especially surprising because I would think that they would make headaches go away, rather than cause more of them.
The next time I get a headache, I'm definitely going to look back to this, and see if there's anything that matches up — hopefully, it can help you, too!
Thumbnail Source: Flickr
Surprising Cause #1: Your Stress Level
Being stressed is the one we hear of most. But it's surprising how directly stress can correlate to a headache.
Whether you're happily busy, or unhappily busy, you can find yourself being the sole cause of your headache.
Stress is not good for your mind, body, or soul!
Try to think about every aspect of your life, de-stress, and relax. An unwinding of your day could be the key!
Surprising Cause #2: Your Diet
Skipping meals can cause headaches, even eating bad food, too. Without our body getting the proper nutrients, everything can fall apart.
Too much caffeine is also a huge headache factor. While coffee and caffeine may appear to have magical uses, they can also cause headaches and dehydration.
According to Self Magazine, "Experts believe it has to do with the way blood volume drops when you’re not getting enough water. Lower blood volume means less oxygen is getting to the brain."
Surprising Cause #3: Your Pills
It's been proven that headache medicines can actually backfire, especially if you take them too often. Your body can become immune, or even cause the symptoms to worsen, if you're taking too many pain relievers.
Another pill to look at though is an iron pill. Headaches are sometimes more common in anemic people. If you test positive for anemia, an iron pill can be a quick fix to your deficiency.
Surprising Cause #4: Your Eyes
If you work on a computer all day, stay home and watch TV all night, or even look at your phone too often, you could be straining your eyes to the point that you're creating headaches for yourself, even after you stop doing so. And all of these things can have long-term damage.
Don't look at bright lights or screens over long periods of time. Periodically watch your favorite shows, watch one movie a night, or limit your phone usage.
Surprising Cause #5: Your Routine
This one is tricky.
Sleeping in and going off your routine on a long weekend or holiday can sometimes cause your head to hurt.
According to Self Magazine, "Disrupting your body’s schedule can trigger headaches… Getting up at earlier (or later) than usual can throw off your circadian rhythm."
The best way to ensure you're not messing with your head during your days off is to stick to your sleep routine, and always stay hydrated and calm throughout your tossed-up routines.
Surprising Cause #6: Your Chair And Posture
As shocking as it is, the chair you sit on can deeply affect your headaches.
Depending on how often you're sitting and what kind of chair it is, it can change your entire head health.
And posture is a big factor in all of this as well. Slouching, hunching, and leaning are all known to create back problems. But they all can hurt your head, too!
If your body isn't in a comfortable and breathable position, your head may pay the price.
Surprising Cause #7: Your Painted Walls
You may have heard that paint fumes can sometimes cause major headaches, even when you can't smell them with your naked nose.
And while that is definitely true, the color can do the same thing.
The brighter the color, the harder it is to look at without straining your eyes.
Sometimes, it can be a combination of both, so pick your paint wisely.
Surprising Cause #8: Your Personality
I'm sorry to say it, but some of us just cannot help but get headaches often.
If you're the slightest bit obsessive or anxious, you're more prone to headaches.
One way to help yourself would be to try relaxation training. You'll have to train your brain to stop being tense and causing yourself harm.
Surprising Cause #9: Something Much More Serious
A brain problem of a much deeper caliber is the one situation we all hope to avoid.
Although this is what we may often jump to in paranoia, in the worst cases, something serious may be going on.
That's why it's always important to talk to your doctor about your headaches. Try and pinpoint the causes, and address them "head on!"
Please SHARE these surprising causes with friends and family to help them with their future headaches!
