Having a headache is one of the worst things that can happen to anyone, especially if it’s a bad one. Depending on the degree of the headache, your routine – whether at home or at work – can be hampered, or you can totally not do anything.

When at the office, having a headache is even worse. You may not be able to get your work for the day done, or you may have subpar results. All the while suffering throughout the day.

Having had more than my fair share of headaches, let me share some effective headache remedies at work. They’re effective when you’re not working, too, of course, but these specific remedies are geared toward situations when you’re in the office when you may not have the luxury of time.

Headache Remedies at Work

Drink as much water as you can. One of the most common reasons for headaches is dehydration. When you feel a headache coming on, drink as much water as you can. You don’t have to drink a lot at a time – sipping water throughout the day will help.
Drink herbal teas. Herbal teas are just as good as water to cure a headache. Some of the most effective teas for headaches are green tea, cinnamon tea, ginger tea, and chamomile tea. Chamomile is especially effective when you get a migraine attack, offering almost instantaneous relief.
Eat the right food. For some people, certain types of food trigger headaches. Study your patterns, and figure out what these triggers are. For headache relief at work, always keep almonds handy. They contain salicin, which works to cure headaches. (This is found in aspirin as well.)
Get moving. A brief, brisk walk will improve blood circulation, which in turn can relieve your headache. If you can go out of the office and spend five to ten minutes walking, that would be great. Alternatively walk around the office for five minutes at a fast pace.
Do some stretching. Stretching exercises will relax tense muscles, which may be contributing to your headache. Specific stretching exercises that are effective headache remedies include scapular retraction, which basically pulls your shoulder blades together and opens up your chest. This increases your blood flow as well. How do you do this? Sit up straight. Raise your arms in front of you and press your shoulders down and your shoulder blades together. Do not to lean your head forward when doing this. Also push your neck back. Release and repeat 15 times.
Give yourself a massage. Massage has been proven to be beneficial, and you can take advantage of it to get rid of your headache. Rub your temple and your head. Rub your shoulder muscles and neck. Do this for a few minutes, and repeat as often as you have to.
Do some breathing exercises. Breathe slowly and deeply – either sitting on your chair or lying down. Do this for five to ten minutes to calm down and alleviate the pain.
Utilize relaxation techniques. These include breathing exercises, but also cover meditation and visualization.
Ventilate your area. Sometimes, headaches can be caused by lack of proper ventilation. Check your office space and make sure that you get enough air where you’re sitting.
Rearrange your workspace. A simple thing such as a change of your surroundings can help you relax and lessen the pain in your head. Declutter your desk. Move items around.
Use aromatherapy. What you need are soothing scents that will get rid of your headache. You can use an oil burner or stick diffuser if it’s possible at work, or you can simply sniff at a bottle of essential oil. Oils that are great headache busters include bergamot, lavender, peppermint, sandalwood, eucalyptus, and chamomile.
Use a hot or cold compress. Invest in a hot/cold compress pack and keep it handy at work. Applying the pack (alternate cold and hot) on your head, neck, and shoulders will provide immediate relief. Alternatively, use a towel soaked in hot or cold water.
Take aspirin or paracetamol. If you’re not averse to taking medication, then an aspirin will do the trick. Paracetamol or ibuprofen also works.

Do take note that this article is not meant to replace medical advice, so if you experience severe and recurrent headaches, it is best to see your doctor.