We don’t always know what brings on a headache. Sometimes it’s tension/stress, lack of sleep, or even eye-strain from too much screen time. It could also be due to missing your daily cup of coffee or tea, or the onset of a cold or virus.

For anyone who suffers from migraines, there are definitely specific prescription medications that can help, and a doctor can advise on the steps to take as early as possible to try to reduce the suffering that comes with a miserable migraine.

But if you’re among the majority of people dealing with those everyday, run of the mill, bothersome headaches, there are plenty of natural, alternative remedies that may be helpful beyond the tried and true doctor’s advice —take 2 tylenol and call me in the morning.

The following 7 remedies and recommendations may prove helpful the next time you feel a headache coming on:

1. Drink Water - oftentimes a headache is caused by dehydration, and a person may not even realize they are getting dehydrated, especially in the colder weather. It’s equally as important during the winter months to stay properly hydrated and when spending more time indoors and perhaps less active overall, it’s easy to forget to drink at least the recommended 8 glasses of water a day, if not more.

2. Go to sleep - it’s entirely possible that a headache is a result of serious fatigue. Sometimes, just turning off the lights and putting your head down for a power nap (or more) is all that is needed to feel better fast.

3. Take Vitamins and Minerals - Magnesium is an essential mineral in our bodies and many people have a deficiency and don’t even know it. Taking a daily dose of magnesium may be helpful in reducing the frequency or severity of headaches. B complex vitamins are also found to help protect against headaches.They are water soluble, so adding a daily dose to your healthy regimen can’t hurt, and the excess is flushed out of the body.

4. Cold or Frozen Compress -  Or even just a bag of frozen peas on the forehead or back of the neck will usually offer some relief. The cold will help reduce inflammation and constricts blood vessels which is helpful in reducing headache pain.

5. Essential Oils - Lavender and Peppermint oils are particularly useful in lessening headache symptoms. A few drops applied to the temples, forehead and behind the ears can be very soothing. Also, try putting a few drops on your pillow before laying down to sleep off your next headache.

6. Massage - if you’ve got someone around with good strong hands, then use them. If not, you can also give yourself a healing massage. Focus on the neck, temples and forehead using a gentle rubbing motion to help relieve the pain. Try using an anti-inflammatory, skin calming CBD cream during the massage for faster relief.

7. Move Around / Moderate Exercise - Head outside in the fresh air and get your body in motion with some moderate exercise. Even just a 20 minute brisk walk or jog can get those natural endorphins revved up and release some stress, which usually helps ease the pain of a headache.

It may be trial and error, some may work for you and some may not. Sometimes it’s a combination of one or more of these remedies done together. Here’s hoping that the next time you feel a headache brewing, this list will come in handy.

About the author: Yaffa Baslaw (@yadeinu) is a Freelance Writer with over a decade of experience copywriting and blogging compelling content. She has written for more than 20 companies in the fields of healthcare, skincare, and retail.