On just about any list of tips to avoid headaches "get plenty of exercise" will appear.
It is good advice, however, it is also well documented that exercise can induce headaches.
So, if you are a victim of frequent headaches, how should you approach regular exercise? Clearly, exercise has enough positive benefits that is should not be avoided due to fear of getting a headache.
In fact, exercise has been shown to reduce stress, which can prevent tension headaches and to improve the quality of sleep which can also help reduce the occurrence of headaches.
If you are exercising with the goal of avoiding headaches you should always warm up slowly and thoroughly, because sudden, intense exercise can cause an exercise induced headache - the very thing you want to avoid.
A slow and complete warm up should alleviate that possibility.
Another useful technique is to stretch frequently.
Any good fitness program will include an element of stretching, but doing extra stretches for the neck and shoulders through your day can help reduce the likelihood of headaches.
Stretching improves circulation and reduces tension, both of which can reduce the frequency of headaches.
Physical activity releases endorphins, which are the body's natural pain killer and which are also responsible for the good feelings that can come with exercise often referred to as "runner's high.
" Regular exercise reduces stress, tension, the risks of heart attack and cancer, it improves mood and self-esteem and helps with weight management.
There are far more positive effects of physical activity than negative ones.
It is much more likely that regular exercise properly performed will prevent rather than cause headaches.