The best thing to do when you’re working on a project in front of a computer is plan to look away from the computer screen every 20 to 30 minutes. Now sometimes that can be impossible to accomplish so I go with standing up every hour to look away from the monitor.
April 29
Not working for me. That’s how bad my migraines are.
May 9
Finding work that fits around migraines can feel like solving a puzzle — especially when screens are a trigger. The good news is there are some work styles and setups that tend to be more manageable.
Jobs or work arrangements that may be more migraine-friendly include:
- Freelance or contract work — Allows you to set your Show Full Answer
Finding work that fits around migraines can feel like solving a puzzle — especially when screens are a trigger. The good news is there are some work styles and setups that tend to be more manageable.
Jobs or work arrangements that may be more migraine-friendly include:
- Freelance or contract work — Allows you to set your own schedule and take breaks when needed
- Remote work — Lets you control your environment (lighting, noise, screen time)
- Part-time roles — Reduces overall exposure to triggers
- Hands-on or outdoor work — Less screen time (e.g., trades, gardening, caregiving)
- Flexible-hours positions — Lets you work during your best hours of the day A MyMigraineTeam member who works as a freelance makeup artist shared that having flexibility to say "I can't work these days" has made a big difference in managing attacks.
If a traditional job is the goal, it's worth knowing that under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), employers with 15+ employees may be required to offer reasonable accommodations, such as:
- Adjusted lighting or noise reduction
- Flexible scheduling
- Remote work options
- Modified workstation setups For screen-heavy roles, taking regular breaks, adjusting screen brightness, and using blue light filters can help reduce trigger exposure. If screens are unavoidable, talking openly with a manager or HR about your needs is a great first step — many people are more understanding than expected.
April 26