For many of us, feeling like sh*t in the run-up to our time of the month is inevitable.
Fortunately, you don't have to let your hormones call the shots.
Here are some things you can try if you want to avoid feeling down or angry in the run-up to your period.
Avoid stress
This is obviously easier said than done but high pressure situations can exacerbate mood swings. Activities like yoga, meditation or mindfulness can be really helpful for finding your calm.
If you find that you're becoming seriously depressed or angry each month, speaking to a mental health professional might be of help.
Exercise
Running, boxing, a spinning class, a team sport - getting active will not only release endorphins that'll give you a high and counteract mood swings but will also help to relieve physical pain like cramping.
Calcium
Studies have shown that this mineral can help to alleviate depression and fatigue during PMS.
Dairy products, leafy green vegetables, seeds, beans, lentils, almonds and tinned fish are all high in calcium.
Eating habits
Swap your three square meals for six smaller meals throughout the day to maintain your blood sugar levels and avoid dips in mood.
You won't want to hear this, but avoiding alcohol, caffeine and high-sugar foods will also help.
Distraction
This is a no brainer. Your PMS might make you feel like crawling back to bed but planning something fun with friends will help to take your mind off your symptoms.
It's also no harm to speak to those around you about how your feeling and get their support - lots of people are in the same boat when it comes to PMS.
*Disclaimer*
We're not doctors. If you have any serious questions about your period, your reproductive health or anything related, talk to your GP or visit a women's health clinic.
For the month of February, Her will be #OnTheRag. We'll be chatting all things periods, products and pain as we delve deep inside the uterus to figure out why we bleed and - more importantly - how we cope.We'll also be talking to the experts about some of the period related conditions you have heard of - and all of the ones that you haven't. You can follow the rest of the #OnTheRag series here or follow our Instagram account for more period related content. Want to get in touch? Email us at anna@her.ie.
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Running, boxing, a spinning class, a team sport - getting active will not only release endorphins that'll give you a high and counteract mood swings but will also help to relieve physical pain like cramping.
Swap your three square meals for six smaller meals throughout the day to maintain your blood sugar levels and avoid dips in mood.
You won't want to hear this, but avoiding alcohol, caffeine and high-sugar foods will also help.
