(HealthDay News) -- Headaches have a variety of causes and triggers, but stress is a common factor in many types of headache.

The U.S. National Library of Medicine offers these suggestions to lessen stress and reduce your chances of a headache:

  • Get plenty of sleep every night.
  • Maintain a healthy diet, including staying away from junk food.
  • Don't smoke.
  • Get plenty of regular exercise.
  • Stretch your neck, shoulders and upper body frequently. This is particularly important if you work all day at a desk or computer.
  • Maintain good posture.
  • Practice meditation, yoga or deep breathing techniques.