Cranky during your periods? Here are 4 tips to manage period mood swings
What comes to your mind when you think about periods? Blood, cramps, fatigue, bloating, digestion issues and irritability are just a few of the things we associate with our menstrual cycle.
Menstruation occurs when your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. As for the pain you experience during this process, it is caused by the hormones called prostaglandins. This pain is severe enough to affect your mood, ultimately disturbing your daily routine.
There are, however, some ways in which you can master your feelings during your periods! Here are some tips and tricks that can help you feel happy and deal with period mood swings:
1. Exercise
Exercising is a great way to boost your mood. When you are healthy, you feel happy! Focus on exercising both physically and mentally. You don’t necessarily need an intense workout. Easy exercises like yoga, meditation, walking and stretching can help you feel good.
For visible results, always remember these two tricks:
i) Don’t skip your exercise routine
ii) Practise deep breathing and meditation
2. Diet
When you eat enough of the right food, it automatically helps in reducing the cramps. Follow these dietary tips for enhancing your happy hormones during your periods:
- Eat lots of fruits and vegetables. You can go for smoothies and soups. They refresh your body and provide you with some much-needed energy, resulting in a better mood.
- Eat a high-fibre diet. You can include more fibre in your diet in the form of things like sautéed vegetables, vegetable raita, and vegetable porridge.
- Take analgesics if required. It’s absolutely alright to have painkillers if you’re in a lot of discomfort. It will have no harm on your fertility.
3. Love
It is not just normal to have sex during your periods but also recommended that you maintain healthy lovemaking. It helps in releasing hormones that will make you feel relaxed and uplift your mood.
4. Hygiene
Change the sanitary napkin/tampon or menstrual cup at least twice a day. Avoid using vaginal washes frequently. It kills your protective vaginal flora and increases chances of infection.
Remember these few tips for your next menstrual cycle and you’ll be feeling much better with reduced period mood swings!