Nothing can ruin a good day more than a throbbing migraine headache. If you’re a migraine sufferer, you know the drill. Take a pain reliever, find a dark room and wait for relief. If your method of coping isn’t working, several new migraine studies suggest five methods to help kick your headache to the curb.

It is well-known that stress can trigger these intense headaches. However, researchers at Yeshiva University found one surprising culprit — when stress hormones drop suddenly after a stressful situation is over. To combat this, breathe deeply for 30 seconds to calm down slowly after stress.

Migraine sufferers can also benefit from meditation. Researchers from Wake Forest University found that those who meditated for 35 to 40 minutes a day, five times a week, experienced shorter and less-intense migraines than those who didn’t meditate.

Glued to social media? A University of Michigan study found that expressing your pain via Twitter could also help provide pain relief. Emotional and cognitive centers in the brain are directly related to the perception of physical pain. So don’t be afraid to hashtag your headache away.

Experts at the Mayo Clinic also suggest avoiding coffee, chocolate and red wine while you’re in pain. Reach for carbs like bread or crackers instead to increase your blood sugar and provide relief.

Finally, experts say solely relying on medication may not be the best idea. A study by researchers at the Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center found that 12 million Americans are over-treated for headaches each year. Researchers suggest keeping a headache diary, noting your diet and exercise routine. This will help you and your doctor figure out whether your lifestyle is contributing to the headaches … and what adjustments might be needed.