If you've ever had a migraine, you'll understand that they're so much more than "just a headache"
And if you haven't? Chances are you know someone who has…
In fact, around 10 million people in the UK live with migraines. That's roughly 1 in 7 of us, making it one of the most common neurological conditions in the country. Yet it's still widely misunderstood.
Migraines can affect every part of life. Work, family time, social plans, sleep... even the simplest everyday tasks can suddenly feel impossible.
As a brand built around wellbeing and creating spaces that help people feel calmer, we wanted to acknowledge June being Migraine Awareness Month and talk about something we know a little bit about: the importance of your environment.
Migraines are way more than a headache
The phrase "I've got a migraine" is often used interchangeably with "I've got a bad headache", which to migraine sufferers can likely be a little bit frustrating!
For many people, migraine attacks involve:
- Severe head pain
- Sensitivity to light
- Sensitivity to sound
- Sensitivity to smells
- Nausea and vomiting
- Dizziness
- Visual disturbances (sometimes known as aura)
- Extreme fatigue
- Brain fog and difficulty concentrating
Some attacks last a few hours, others can last for days! Everyone's experience is different, which is one of the reasons migraine can be so difficult to understand if you've never experienced one yourself. Everyone has different triggers and experiences with them.
Why your environment matters
As we said, Migraine triggers can vary hugely from person to person.
For some people, it's specific foods or smells, for others it’s hormonal changes, dehydration, disrupted sleep, stress or changes in routine.
And while changing your surroundings won't stop a migraine from happening, many people find that creating a calmer environment can help them feel more comfortable during recovery and support their overall wellbeing.
What about scent?
This is where things get a little nuanced. Strong smells can actually trigger migraines for some people, so if fragrance is one of your triggers, the best thing you can do is avoid it altogether.
But for others, certain scents have become part of a comforting routine that helps signal relaxation and rest and if lack of sleep is a trigger for you, doing everything you can to maximise the chances of a good night's rest is essential.
Research into aromatherapy and migraine is still developing, and we’re not saying candles are a treatment that are going to fix everything but, some essential oils have been explored for their potential role in promoting relaxation and reducing feelings of tension.
Lavender is probably the most well-known. It's long been associated with helping people unwind and is one of the most widely recognised scents used in relaxation rituals. You can find it in our Relax range and we’ve got lots of reviews from people saying how much it has helped them.
Rosemary is another popular one, often used to encourage a sense of clarity and focus, and eucalyptus is loved for its fresh, spa-like aroma that many people associate with creating a clearer, more restful atmosphere. Our Recover range features both of these notes - and might be one worth exploring!
The important thing? Listening to your own body. What feels soothing to one person may not work for another and often, it’s all about trial and error.
Small comforts can make a big difference
When you're living with migraines, there's often a lot of advice.
Drink more water, reduce stress, sleep better, avoid triggers…And yes those suggestions can be helpful, but they can also feel overwhelming, especially when you're simply trying to get through the day! And often, things like stress and some triggers are outside of our control.
Instead, maybe it's about asking yourself: "What small thing would help me feel a little more comfortable right now?" Maybe it's a cool, dark room, maybe it's your favourite blanket, maybe it's going to bed half an hour earlier…Maybe it's a familiar bedtime routine that helps your mind and body switch off!
Tiny acts of self-care won't cure migraines, but they can help you feel supported through difficultdays.
At Soul, we believe in the little rituals
We know that home fragrance isn't a replacement for medical advice, treatment or support, but we also believe that wellbeing is often built through the small moments of self care and that is what Soul is all about.
Migraine affects millions of people across the UK, and for many, it's an invisible condition that others don't always understand.So this Migraine Awareness Month, perhaps the most important thing we can do is offer ourselves, and each other, a little more compassion and understanding.