5 Self-Care Habits That Improve PMS Symptoms
Feeling bloated, crampy, and craving copious amounts of chocolate for sometimes two weeks out of every month is something we tend to get used to but never really get over. Studies have shown that 20-30% of people with uteruses report severe symptoms of PMS. If you've ever experienced PMS, then you probably have a good idea of all the things in your life you'd trade to have relief.
Experiencing PMS symptoms can feel painful and inconvenient at times. But there are ways to help you find the peace you're looking for.
Keep reading to learn 5 self-care habits that can help you improve PMS symptoms.
Did You Know Your Period Can Impact Your Mood?
One minute you're fine then that next minute you're crying because the local cafe ran out of your favourite milk. When most people think of menstrual cycles, one of the first things they think about is mood swings.
Having a sudden shift in your emotional stability is a tell-tale sign of PMSing.
But how often have you stopped to think about what's really going on inside of your body to make your feelings go haywire? During your period, significant hormones (estrogen and progesterone) are super low which has a direct effect on chemicals in your brain.
One of these chemicals is serotonin which is responsible for stabilizing your mood.
Progesterone also heightens the intensity of circumstances that make you feel distressed. People who experience anxiety and depression tend to be more likely to have shorter cycles and worse PMS symptoms. The levels of estrogen and progesterone don't increase again until after your cycle has ended.
1. Learn To Nourish Your Body From The Inside Out
What you put inside your body is always important and is especially essential to consider when it comes to trying to relieve PMS symptoms. The first thing to consider is that iron levels decrease during your menstrual cycle which can cause exhaustion, feeling weak, lightheadedness, and poor concentration.
Replenishing this shortage with iron-rich foods is ideal for helping you feel more balanced. Here are some foods that can help you with symptoms of low iron:
- Leafy greens
- Fish and seafood
- Chicken
- Legumes
- Dried fruits
- Dark chocolate
- Tofu
Fish that is dense in omega-3s is a good way to help fight against feeling fatigued so this could be ideal for someone experiencing mood swings. You'll also want to make sure that you get the right amount of probiotics to keep bacteria balanced. Add in yoghurt and fermented foods such as kombucha and kimchi to help.
It's essential to make sure you have all the right nutrients going into your body during such a fragile time. This can be done with the help of supplements. Consider ramping up on supplements like vitamin B6, vitamin B12, vitamin D, calcium, and magnesium.
A great strategy to reduce PMS symptoms with diet is to start adding in these healthier foods at least a week or two before your cycle is set to start.
2. Exercise Can Totally Help
Remember how we mentioned that there are chemicals that are responsible for stabilizing your mood? Well, another way to regulate and release them is through exercise.
One of the best self-care habits that ease PMS symptoms is to get your body moving. Exercise has been linked to increasing serotonin and dopamine which can boost your mood and decrease stress levels.
Breaking a quick sweat might be just the thing you need to get over period blues.
3. Get Your Body Moving (Yoga Is Your New BFF)
A lot of the pain that comes during menstrual cycles happens in the lower body area. You might feel aches in your lower back, cramping in your abdomen, or pressure around your hips. Two great period self-care practices to pick up are yoga and mediation.
Many of the poses in yoga are targeted to help relax and release stress and tension in those same body parts that you're feeling agony in. Positions like child's pose, cobbler's pose, and cat-cow loosen up problematic areas to deliver you sweet relief from PMS symptoms.
4. Meditation Is Definitely Worth The Hype
Mediation is heavily focused on proper breathing techniques and mindfulness which have been known to help increase calm and reduce stress and anxiety levels. Studies have even shown that mindfulness is linked to changing your attitude towards your period, which may help improve symptoms.
Incorporating regular practice into your lifestyle can help manage PMS symptoms for positive long-term effects.
5. The Full Package? Reducing Stress With AWWA
Society has come to find that the sanitary pads and tampons we once trusted wholeheartedly were actually not as safe for our health as we thought. One way people are starting to combat this is by opting for safer, organic alternatives.
AWWA provides the perfect solution for this with our reusable period underwear. These garments are made with a sustainable fabric technology that includes four qualities in the protective layers:
- Moisture-wicking
- Extremely absorbent
- Leak-resistant
- Anti-microbial
We pride ourselves on creating a comfortable solution for those who want to be as fuss-free as possible each month.
Kick PMS Symptoms to the Curb With Our Essential Self-Care Habits
Trying to relieve PMS symptoms might seem impossible sometimes. But with the right self-care habits, you can start to see more and more improvement with each cycle.
Take care of your body before and during your period by taking preventative measures! If you're looking for a health-conscious alternative to period products, shop our online range today.
