Dealing with PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) can feel like riding an emotional roller coaster while carrying a backpack full of physical discomfort. Lots of mood swings, cravings, pains and all other emotional and mental ups and downs. But don’t worry – there are plenty of ways to make this monthly visitor more manageable! Let’s talk about PMS Management in this blog.
Natural Remedies That Actually Work
- Exercise – Yes, I know moving might be the last thing you want to do, but light activities like yoga or walking can help reduce bloating, cramps and boost your mood by releasing happy hormone.
- Heat therapy – Your trusty heating pad can be your best friend during these times, and it may help you to deal with physical uneasiness.
- Herbal Teas – Chamomile and ginger tea can work wonders for cramps and mood swings. Chamomile tea relaxes the mind, helping you unwind, while ginger soothes the stomach and alleviates pain.
Dietary Changes That Make a Difference
“Let food be thy medicine” takes on a whole new meaning during PMS!
- Foods to embrace:
- Dark chocolate (finally, a medical excuse!) – A piece of Chocolate can subside your sweet cravings and enhances your mood. Keep an eye that you are eating pure chocolates only and not compounds in limited amount.
- Bananas for potassium – Banana is easy solution for fulfilling Sweet Cravings, along with this banana boost mood due to high content of Potassium.
- Leafy greens rich in magnesium – Green Leafy Vegetables are rich in antioxidants and micronutrients and indirectly helps in PMS symptoms. You can take a full glass of Green Smoothie or a hot bowl of Soup for the benefits.
- Walnuts and other omega-3 rich foods – Fish, Walnuts and Flaxseeds are rich source of Omega -3 fatty acids which is responsible for decreasing inflammation in the body, pains in the body and mood enhancement.
- Hydration – Drinking plenty of water can alleviate bloating and fatigue. It also helps in relaxing muscles and calming down mind.
- Foods to avoid:
- Excessive caffeine – Excessive Caffeine intake results in dehydration, energy degradation sometime after its intake and results in bloating, this may elevate pains.
- Salty snacks – Salty, Fried and Spicy food to be avoided during PMS as they fluctuate hormones, increases water retention and craving for more such foods.
- Processed sugars – Ice-creams, Sweets, Desserts and other processed sugar items should be avoided as it causes inflammation, insulin spike and results in weight gain and moods swings.
Self-Care Strategies
Sometimes, the best medicine is simply being kind to yourself. Try these approaches:
- Soothing Warm Baths – Take warm baths with Epsom salts and it helps in relaxing body, ease muscle tension and reduce inflammation.
- Relaxation Techniques – Meditation, deep breathing, and mindfulness can help manage stress. As stress hormone Cortisol Level decreases, slowly it also helps in subsiding symptoms of PMS also.
- Get Enough Rest – Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night according to Circadian Rhythm, also prefer to not exaggerate yourself during this period.
- Comfortable Clothing’s – Wear comfortable clothes, avoid tight and skinny clothes. It might help in easy flow of blood and relaxes the muscles during cramps.
When to Seek Help
If your PMS symptoms are severely impacting your daily life, it’s perfectly okay to:
- Consult a doctor –Â If your PMS symptoms are severe or unmanageable, seek medical advice.
- Therapy –Â Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) can help in managing emotional symptoms.
- Psychological Consult – Discuss with a mental health professional if emotional symptoms are overwhelming
Remember, everyone’s experience with PMS is different, and what works for one person might not work for another. It’s all about finding your personal comfort toolkit! If you have any specific questions or need more detailed advice, feel free to ask on our insta handle www.instagram.com/sculptinglifestyle
Thank you,
Sculpting Lifestyle
