It is essential that migraineurs do some kind of physical activity with regularity.
By this, I mean concerted exertion for a specified duration of time.
These physical activities and exercises help keep the migraines less intense and infrequent.
Exercises include one of the many external dynamics, which is within our control.
Other such efforts include diets etc.
As far as pain control through physical activities for migraine is concerned, our aim should be to: a.
Increase levels of Serotonin b.
Increase levels of the pain-fighting Endorphin c.
Increase levels of Dopamine All repetitive movements raise serotonin levels.
This includes chewing, massages and the like, though the elevation in serotonin levels through such activities is marginal and ephemeral.
Significant increase in serotonin combined with endorphin and dopamine levels occur at the time of any activity that involves continuous or continual exertion for a certain period of time - a minimum of 20 minutes.
If you can incorporate repetitive movements to such an exercise sessions, it would augment the effect of serotonin and endorphin.
Let's look at the activities that can give such benefits: 1.
Brisk Walking 2.
Jogging 3.
Running 4.
Weight training 5.
Cycling - outdoors and stationary 6.
Swimming 7.
Dancing 8.
Stretching 9.
Yoga 10.
Pilates 11.
Aerobics - Step, Circuit training etc 12.
Kickboxing 13.
Any Sport 14.
Gym activities - treadmills, elliptical, rowing machines, push-ups etc 15.
Any other activity that causes you to exert for 20 minutes at one go (with possible rest periods built in) If you have never done exertive physical activities before or have led a sedate life, it is advisable to keep your exercise routine to 30 minutes every other day.
If you do not have the luxury of working out 30-minutes in a single go, break it up.
You can fit in lots of 10 minutes thrice in a day.
It all adds up.