The Ultimate Migraine Survival Kit + Homemade Ice Pack Tutorial
This is a tutorial for a DIY Homemade Ice Pack and how to put together the ultimate migraine survival kit.
My life is crazy. Stress, tension and anxiety all are staring me in the face at every corner. Often these three things can cause me to suffer from migraines. Such was the case about a year and a half ago when I had agreed to appear on a LIVE cooking segment on television.
If you knew me at all, you would know instantly that the sheer amount of anxiety I suffered pre-show was exhausting all on it’s own.
I am introverted by nature so I was already ridiculously nervous and I don’t like being the center of attention.
The morning the cooking segment was scheduled to be filmed, I was kind of a mess.
It was the stress of getting everything ready just to leave and head to the show, preparing the recipe in various stages of completion. And then figuring out how to transport them and realizing I was missing garnish for the finished dish. We had 10 minutes before we had to leave and head to the station.
I was a stressed out, anxious mess.
Screen Shot of Cooking Segment on Great Day St. Louis
By the time we arrived at the TV station, a migraine had reared its ugly head.
I do suffer from migraines occasionally, but this one was a doozy and I had to be on the air less than 45 minutes later. I was literally blanking as the host was talking me through the process and what I needed to do and where I’d be, etc.
As soon as she walked away, I reached for my bag and was incredibly grateful to wrap my hand around a familiar bottle in the bottom of my purse.
I took the recommended dose of my favorite headache med (Excedrin), and just before I had to begin setting everything up, I was already starting to feel much better. Thank goodness!
I have since decided to put together an Ultimate Migraine Survival Kit that I carry with me in my purse pretty much everywhere I go.
I also have extra bottles of the various types of Excedrin® on hand always, you know… just in case. At home I have lot of small things that help when a migraine hits.
But let’s talk about the Ultimate Migraine Survival Kit.
It all starts with Excedrin Migraine. One bottle goes right in my kit.
You will also need to pick up the rest of what you need to make an Ultimate Migraine Survival Kit.
- Carry-all Pouch (get one large enough to hold all the things you want to carry)
- Dark Chocolate
- Excedrin®
- Peppermint Essential Oil (or Lavender) (apply 1 drop to each temple and 1 drop under each nostril)
- Ear Plugs (helps block out noise if you’re somewhere you can’t find a quiet spot)
- Sleep Mask (helps block out light – dark sunglasses are another option)
- Crackers – (can help with nausea)
- Peppermint and Ginger candies (both proven to help with nausea)
- Change (water bottle from a vending machine)
Extra Items you should have handy: Anti Nausea Wrist Bands, Dark Sunglasses, Migraine Diary, Water Bottle, Soft blanket and soft pillow, lavender or chamomile candles, Gallon Bag or Sick bag if the nausea gets too bad, abortive medications prescribed by your doctor, a heat pack or an ice pack (see below for an easy DIY Homemade Ice Pack. Keep the larger items in your trunk. That way they are always with you.
Easy DIY Homemade Ice Pack
Making a DIY Homemade Ice Pack is pretty simple.
You only need a few supplies, and absolutely no tools.
You will also need a pouch of some kind. I used an old make up bag I had, which zips closed. Try to find something that can be buttoned, zipped or snapped closed so the ice pack doesn’t fall out.
When it’s frozen, allow it to sit on the counter for about 5-10 minutes before use. You can use it immediately if needed, but it will become more pliable after a few minutes. The soap does NOT freeze all the way, so it’s pretty moldable from the start.
We use this for bruises, sprains, headaches or even just to cool off sometimes.
Homemade Ice Pack Tutorial
Equipment
- 2 quart sized freezer bags
Materials
- 2 quart sized freezer bags
- 1 bottle of dish soap
- 1 store-bought or handmade cloth pouch
Instructions
- Fill one bag about a third to half way with dish soap. Seal the zipper, expelling the air as you go.
- Slide the bag inside another bag and seal the zipper, again expelling extra air in bag as you go.
- Place in the freezer.
- When needed, remove from the freezer and allow to sit on the counter just for about 5-10 minutes.
- Slide inside a pouch. Zip, snap or button it closed.
- Use as ice pack immediately.
- When finished, place in freezer again.
What would you include in a Migraine Survival Kit?
I would definitely include all of these things in my migraine survival kit, and add in water too. It’s so important to stay hydrated. Thanks for a great list of ideas and love your homemade ice pack,they really help a headache. {client}