Here's a checklist of the things you can do at home to reduce the frequency and severity of tension headaches: To reduce and learn to deal with stress: Find healthy ways to handle stress; you are more likely to get a tension headache during stressful times (I know, not exactly a surprise!).
Practice relaxation: Do relaxation exercises to reduce muscle tension and stress, which can help reduce the frequency and duration of your tension headaches.
Don't overdo painkillers: Not only can you suffer some serious side effects, but you can also get something called a "rebound" headache, which comes from overusing painkillers.
Do you suffer from depression or severe anxiety? Make sure to get appropriate treatment for those illnesses-burying them with painkillers will not do away with the root problem that could be causing your headaches.
Get regular exercise: It seems counter-intuitive, but getting your blood moving, and increasing your strength and immune system will actually help keep the headaches away.
Try keeping a headache diary: This will give you a clue as to what could be setting off your headaches and it's good to see how long they really last, and their frequency.
Also in your headache diary, track the foods you eat-there a surprising number of foods that can set off headaches.
Also in the eating area: Make sure to eat regular meals-skipping meals is a sure way to mess with your blood sugar levels and start a headache.
And a nutritionally balanced diet will also help manage and reduce headaches.
Try aromatherapy: Certain essential oils work to relieve stress and tension.
Don't smoke, and don't drink alcohol excessively.