This holiday season, remember that you’re not alone in fighting headaches and migraines. Our headache clinic in West Fargo, ND, is here for you.Tips for Managing Migraines During the Holidays
Stay Ahead of Holiday Migraine Triggers
The holiday season is full of joy, celebration, and connection — but for people who experience migraines, it can also be a minefield of triggers. Travel, schedule changes, stress, bright lights, loud gatherings, rich foods, alcohol, and disrupted sleep can all contribute to a spike in headaches this time of year.
At Transcend Headache Clinic, our goal is to help you understand your triggers and feel empowered, prepared, and supported — so you can enjoy the season without fear of the next attack.
Below is your Holiday Migraine Survival Guide, created by our Fargo-based migraine specialists to help you stay ahead of symptoms and feel your best.
Table of Contents
- What People Search for During the Holidays
- Why Holiday Triggers Hit Harder
- How to Reduce Migraine Risk This Season
- Plan Ahead
- Stick to Regular Meals
- Avoid Strong Scents
- Keep Your Medications Handy
- When to See a Migraine Specialist
Our team at Transcend Headache Clinic welcomes you with warmth during the holiday season and beyond.What People Search During the Holidays
The Most Googled Migraine Questions This Season
Every year, Google sees a spike in migraine-related searches from November through January. Some of the most common include:
- “Why do I get migraines during the holidays?”
- “Holiday migraine triggers”
- “How do I prevent migraines when traveling?”
- “Holiday stress headaches”
These searches highlight a real truth: even people who are typically well-managed often struggle this time of year. Let’s explore why.
Read more about common headache types and triggers on our headache and migraine conditions webpage.
Why Holiday Triggers Hit Harder
How Seasonal Changes Increase Migraine Risk
Holidays overload your brain and body in ways that disrupt your normal rhythm. Some top contributors include:
- Stress & emotional intensity
- Changes in sleep schedule
- Missed or delayed meals
- Bright lights, noise, and sensory overload
- Travel fatigue
- Alcohol, chocolate, caffeine, and salty foods
- Exposure to strong fragrances (candles, perfumes, pine scents)
These sudden shifts increase the nervous system’s reactivity — making migraines more likely, even if you’re typically well-controlled.
If headaches and migraines are disrupting this holiday season, contact us via phone, message or email to learn more about how we can help you.How to Reduce Migraine Risk This Season
Small, intentional adjustments can significantly reduce the chance of holiday-related headaches. Below are the strategies our migraine specialists recommend most.
Plan Ahead
Why Planning Is Your Best First Line of Defense
Preparation reduces stress, removes unknowns, and keeps your schedule more predictable — all of which help stabilize the nervous system. Try planning for:
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- Travel times
- Meal schedules
- Medication routines
- Sleep hours
- Which events you realistically have energy for
If you’re sensitive to noise or lights, consider bringing:
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- Earplugs
- Blue-light glasses
- A hat or scarf
- A small ice pack
Visit our FAQs to learn more about common migraine concerns.
Stick to Regular Meals
Why Skipping Meals Can Trigger Migraines
Holiday schedules can easily disrupt your normal eating routine — but long gaps between meals often cause blood sugar dips, one of the most common migraine triggers. Aim for:
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- Balanced meals every 3 to 4 hours
- A protein-rich breakfast
- Snacks you can easily carry (nuts, yogurt, fruit, meat sticks)
Avoid long stretches without food, especially on travel days or before evening gatherings.
Need more ideas? Check out this list of migraine-friendly travel snacks from the American Migraine Foundation.
Avoid Strong Scents
Why Holiday Scents Are Hard on Migraine Brains
Candles, cleaners, perfumes, and seasonal fragrances can activate the trigeminal nerve — one of the main pathways involved in migraine attacks. Even scents that feel “mild” to others can be overwhelming for a migraine-sensitive system.
To reduce exposure:
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- Sit away from scented candles or diffusers
- Let hosts know you’re sensitive to fragrances
- Choose fragrance-free lodging when traveling
- Bring your own linens or a small mask if scents linger
Common triggers include pine, cinnamon, vanilla, and strong perfumes.
If holiday scents are setting off headaches or migraines, you don’t have to power through it.
Schedule a migraine evaluation online or call 701.809.7650 to get support before symptoms derail your season.
Keep Your Medications Handy
Be Prepared No Matter Where You Are
Whether you take abortive medications, CGRP medications, or supplements, keep a stocked kit with you at all times. Include:
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- Acute migraine medication
- Preventative supplements (magnesium, riboflavin, CoQ10)
- Ice pack or heat pack
- Hydration packets
- Small snacks
- Sunglasses
- Your provider’s contact info
Don’t hesitate to take your medication early — waiting often leads to a longer, more intense migraine.
Want to learn more? Read our guide on types of migraine treatment.
Meet Kyrie Severson, AQH, APRN, and Tiffany Eslinger, APRN — your Fargo-Moorhead migraine specialists.When to See a Migraine Specialist
Signs It’s Time for Professional Help
If your migraines are becoming more frequent, lasting longer, or interfering with daily life, you’re not alone — and you don’t have to “push through it.”
See a migraine specialist if:
- Headaches increase during the holidays
- Your usual medications stop working
- You notice new or unusual symptoms
- Your migraines include aura, dizziness, or visual changes
- You’re missing work, school, or important events due to pain
Getting personalized care can make this season — and the entire year — feel lighter.
If you’re looking for a migraine specialist in Fargo, West Fargo, or the surrounding Minnesota and North Dakota region, our specialists — Kyrie Severson, APRN, AQH, and Tiffany Eslinger, APRN — at Transcend Headache Clinic would love to walk alongside you and help you find answers.
Schedule a migraine evaluation online or call us at 701.809.7650 to take the first step toward relief.
Transcend Headache Clinic believes no one should have to live with chronic pain or uncertainty. Founded by neurology-trained nurse practitioners Kyrie Severson, APRN, AQH, and Tiffany Eslinger, APRN, our West Fargo team pairs advanced expertise with a deeply personal approach to help patients overcome headaches and migraines — and get back to life.