Learning to relax can help you stop the stress before it triggers a headache or lessen the discomfort of a headache once it starts. All three of these methods have been proven in scientific testing to relieve stress. Try to do some form of relaxation for about 15 minutes at a time at least once a day. There is also biofeedback relaxation training. By using sensitive machines to measure the tension you are holding in your body, you can learn more about how your body is reacting to stress.
Many people react to stress by tightening their muscles, often without realizing it.
Here is a simple approach you can use to relax your muscles. Try it before bed if you have trouble sleeping, too. Follow the same four steps for each group of muscles, starting at your head and working your way down to your feet. The muscle groups you will work on are your face, neck and shoulders, arms, hands, chest, back, stomach, buttocks, legs, and feet. Tighten your muscles.