Tried & Tested Hacks to Deal with PMS Mood Swings

Getting your period is one thing, dealing with PMS is another altogether. TBH, it’s no joke. The aches, cramps and mood swings that begin days before menstruation is what constitutes premenstrual syndrome (PMS). For a few women, the symptoms are so severe that it interferes with their daily life. PMS usually starts five to eleven days before the onset of the cycle. While bloating and breast tenderness are common, there are also emotional symptoms that one experiences. Some of them include anxiety, crying spells, food cravings, appetite changes, insomnia and social withdrawal.

Though the exact cause of PMS is still not known, fluctuating hormones is one of the culprits. However, the good news is that you can instantly boost your mood during PMS. You need to promote your happy hormones and manage stress levels. These are certain chemicals released by the brain when you feel good. In fact, they can even make you feel relaxed and content. All you need to know is how to tap them so that you can fight the pre-period symptoms.

How to Feel Better Emotionally on your Period?

If you’re looking for ways to ease PMS mood swings, we have you covered with some super-easy hacks:

• Get your body moving

You might find a lot of people telling you not to exercise when your period is round the corner. Well, we would highly recommend light to moderate exercise. If you have certain aches and pains, the gym may be the last place you want to go. However, workout for at least 30 minutes and you’ll definitely feel happier. Your mood and overall sense of well-being will improve too. Do some yoga or light stretching. This will not just improve blood circulation but also release endorphins. When you focus on exercises that relax your muscles, your period is likely to arrive on time too.

• Eat a balanced diet

You are what you eat, especially during PMS. When you eat the right foods, your cramps reduce considerably. Healthy fats are recommended. Consider foods like cheese, avocado, fish, eggs and nuts. When you’re feeling low, it’s a good idea to snack on some almonds. You can even munch on them at work as they’re easy to carry. During PMS, foods rich in magnesium are your best friend. It’s the best way to provide energy to your otherwise fatigued body. Besides almonds, banana, spinach and legumes can also be your go-to for a healthy dose of magnesium. Also, remember to incorporate healthy fats such as omega-3s and omega-6s. Limit the intake of processed foods and saturated fats. If you’re craving sugar, having a little is okay. Too much sugar can worsen your symptoms and affect your mood negatively.

• Grab your favourite bar of dark chocolate

If you’re looking for an instant way to put those period woes away, grab your favourite bar of dark chocolate. Pick dark chocolate that is high in cocoa content. It contains just the right amount of sugar that can help increase serotonin levels. It is this hormone that is responsible to stabilize your mood and induce feelings of happiness. Not only does dark chocolate satisfy your sweet tooth when you’re PMS-ing but also soothes sore muscles. Studies reveal that dark chocolate is an effective remedy to keep PMS mood swings at bay. Also, when you’re having dark chocolate, remember to relish and savour each bite rather than gobbling it.

• Sex is a good idea

Sex is a sure-shot way to feel emotionally better when you’re PMS-ing. It will not just induce pleasure but also tackle mood swings effectively. Even if not sex, fore-play or masturbation is a good idea. It’s a tried-and-tested way to calm the frazzled nerves. It completely flushes out cortisol and can lift your mood in a jiffy. It also improves blood circulation in the pelvic cavity which further reduces cramping and bloating.

• Get a goodnight’s sleep

It is a universal fact that sleep is crucial if the human body has to function properly. Insomnia is a common PMS symptom. Lack of sleep can cause mood swings and severe back pain. Before your period is about to begin, get enough sleep. Seven to eight hours is a must. Naps give you the much-needed rest your body needs. When you sleep well, you will notice your cramps reduce considerably. Your body needs rest. If you’re unable to clock in eight hours of sleep, take afternoon catnaps.

• Consider long showers

Nothing soothes the body better than a long, hot shower. Heat makes everything feel better. It not just eases PMS-related cramps but tension as well. If you have a tub, consider a bubble bath with salts. Add Epsom salt as the magnesium content in it soothes sore muscles. You could also play your favourite tunes in the background to further calm your nerves and senses. A long shower is a proven PMS remedy. You will come out feeling revitalised.

• Avoid caffeine and alcohol

You can track when your period is going to arrive on a period diary app. Seven days before it is likely to come, you should stop consuming caffeine and alcohol. A lot of people consume a lot of coffee to boost their mood. However, this might work against you. In order to cope with PMS, avoid caffeine for a few days. Not just your anxiety will reduce but you feel a lot more active.

• Stay hydrated

Lastly, hydration is key. The best way to boost your happy hormones before or on your period is by drinking enough water. It helps in flushing out toxins and waste from the body. Whenever you’re feeling drained, grab a glass of water and watch your mood get much better. You could also add honey to warm water. Honey contains a compound called dopamine. It is a neurotransmitter that makes us feel happy and relaxed. Honey is also said to alleviate anxiety.

With these hacks, you can definitely boost your mood during PMS. If you follow any other period hacks to boost your mood, let us know in the comments section below.