Handling PMS is tough, but you know what’s tougher? — taking care of your mental health during your periods.
Dealing with your mood swings in your monthly period cycle literally feels like a roller-coaster of emotions in your mind like for a moment, you can be on the cloud nine and the other moment you feel like you’re in the middle of a traffic jam. And its normal to feel a dozen of emotions during your period cycle, but it doesn’t mean you treat yourself as a warehouse of negative emotions.
Let me give you some tips on how you can stay positive during this roller-coaster ride of emotions:
Tracking Your Menstruation Cycle:
- Menstruation Cycle tracking apps can help you predict when you might experience mood swings, irritability, or fatigue, allowing you to plan self-care activities and emotional support during those times.
- Knowledge is power, and knowing your cycle can give you a sense of control. Gaining a deeper understanding of your body and the various phases of your menstrual cycle can empower you to effectively manage your menstrual health.
Mindfulness and Meditation:
- Mindfulness and meditation are two powerful practices that can help you to stay positive during your periods. Both mindfulness and meditation can help to reduce stress, anxiety, and mood swings, which are common symptoms of PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome, these are the symptoms that occur before the menstrual period) and your period.
- When you practice mindfulness and meditation, you learn to observe your thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. This can help you to feel more detached from your emotions and less overwhelmed by them.
Embracing Self-Compassion:
- Embrace self-compassion during this time. Be kind to yourself and understand that mood fluctuations are a natural part of your cycle. This can help you to stay positive during your period by allowing you to be kind and understanding towards yourself, even when you are feeling down or experiencing physical discomfort.
- It can also help you to accept your period as a normal and healthy part of life, rather than something to be ashamed of or embarrassed about.
Eating for Wellness:
- A balanced diet rich in nutrients can mitigate mood swings. It will help you stay positive during your period by improving your mood and energy levels, reducing PMS symptoms, and increasing your sense of well-being.
- For this you should include plenty of fruits and vegetables, choose whole grains over refined grains, include lean protein in your diet, and limit processed foods, sugary drinks, and excessive caffeine and alcohol. Your body is your temple, and nourishing it is a form of self-love.
Exercise as Therapy:
- Exercise is a great way to stay positive during your period. It can help to improve your mood, reduce stress levels, and relieve physical symptoms such as cramps and bloating. Regular exercise can release endorphins and ease period-related discomfort.
- If you’re new to exercise, you can start slowly and gradually increase the intensity and duration of your workouts over time. Exercise is not just for physical health; it’s a mood-lifting elixir.
Prioritizing Sleep:
- Learn about the importance of maintaining a consistent sleep schedule. Adequate rest is the reset button for your mental well-being. It will help you stay positive during your period by improving your mood, reducing PMS symptoms, and increasing your energy levels.
- You should try having 7–8 hours of sleep each night, establish a regular sleep schedule, create a relaxing bedtime routine, brownie points to you if you make your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool.
Your menstrual cycle is a natural part of being a woman, and it doesn’t have to disrupt your mental health. By understanding your cycle, practicing self-care, you can empower yourself to navigate with greater ease to maintain your mental health and well-being.
