Check for tension

If you notice that you get these headaches frequently, check the body for signs of tension.

1. Are your jaws set very tightly?.
2. Are you scrunching your forehead?.
3. You want to see if your fists are clenched.
4. Also, when you stop at a red light, are your hands gripping the wheel very tightly?

If the answer to any of the questions is yes - stop, relax, and take a deep breath or two (don't go beyond a couple of deep breaths, though; otherwise you may begin to hyperventilate).
Aslo see Relaxation techniques

Quit smoking.

Smoking may bring on or worsen a headache. Especially if you suffer from cluster headaches - extremely painful headaches that last from 5 to 20 minutes and come in groups.

Don't drink

Alcohol aside from its notorious morning-after effect, may also bring on migraines and cluster headaches. Alcoholic beverages contain tyramine, an amino acid that may stimulate headaches.

Start a program of regular exercise

Regular exercise helps to release the physical and emotional tension that may lead to headaches. Walking or jogging help to boost the body's production of endorphins (natural pain relieving substances).

Cut Down on Caffeine.

Caffeine can increase muscle tension and your anxiety level. It also creates difficulties in sleeping, which can cause headaches. Another problem is that many people drink several cups of coffee a day during their work week but cut their consumption on weekends. This can lead to weekend caffeine withdrawal headaches. Decrease your caffeine intake by one half cup per week

Fight the nausea first.

Some headaches may be accompanied by nausea, which can make you feel even worse. What’s more, the gastric juices produced by stomach upset may hinder the absorption of certain over-the-counter and prescription analgesics, which may make these drugs less effective at relieving the pain of your headache. So, by first taking care of the nausea, the pain of the headache may be easier to treat. That many patients have found that drinking peach juice, apricot nectar, or flat cola has helped alleviate nausea. Over-the-counter antinauseants such as Emetrol and Dramamine may also be useful.

Rise and retire at the same time every day.

Going to bed and getting up at the same time every day also helps prevent headaches. Changes in body chemistry that occur when you oversleep can precipitate migraines or other headaches.

Keep a headache diary.

If you get frequent headaches, try to tease out the factors that seem to be responsible:

1. Pick up patterns.
2. Figure out a way to record headaches and rate them on a zero-to-three scale of intensity: no headache, mild headache, moderate to severe headache, incapacitating headache.
3. Start to look at what foods you are eating.
4. Women should begin tracking their periods, as well as their use of hormone-replacement medications or oral contraceptives.
5. You can show this calendar to your doctor