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If there’s one thing that puts a monkey wrench in your daily routine, it’s the days leading up to your next menstrual cycle. The barrage of hormonal changes causes everything from mood swings and headaches to fatigue and cramping leaving you with little energy or patience to do anything. As a mother, however, there are no days off. Meaning, you’ve got to find a way to suck it up and get on with your day.
Sure, it would be nice to get a week off from work and parenting as you prepare for what is one of the most aggravating times of the month for a woman, but that just isn’t possible. Fortunately, there are effective solutions to help subside or eliminate PMS symptoms that you can use so you can carry on with your day.
CBD Products for Pain Relief
Popping a bunch of painkillers every time your menstrual cramps start is a bad habit to develop. Though great for curbing pain, they contain ingredients that when consumed on a regular basis can cause stomach and liver problems. Not to mention, your body can develop a tolerance causing you to need more or stronger doses of pain medication to find cramp relief.
A natural alternative for cramp relief is CBD products. For those who don’t know, CBD is a chemical compound found in the marijuana and hemp plant. It’s non-psychoactive (meaning you won’t get high), but it works with the body’s natural system to reduce inflammation which is a leading cause of menstrual pain. CBD has also been proven to help reduce stress and improve mood which is also ideal during this crazy time of the month.
Change Your Diet
What you eat can have a positive or negative impact on your body. When it comes to cramping and bloating, sugar and refined carbs are the biggest food culprits. As this sugar breaks down in your body, it increases inflammation causing more extreme cramps and excessive bloating. Try to reduce your intake of refined carbs and sugars, especially just before your period. Instead, replace favorites like pasta, white rice, and potatoes with healthier alternatives like wheat pasta, brown rice, and sweet potatoes. Also, look for all-natural sweeteners like raw organic honey, agave, or stevia.
Get Moving
Okay, okay. So, the last thing you want to think about doing just before your menstrual is exercising. Be that as it may, when done regularly, it can greatly reduce or eliminate your PMS symptoms. Exercising regularly works to boost endorphins, serotonin, and dopamine, which are chemicals known for improving mood. Not only can exercising help to balance out those mood swings but it can help increase energy levels and improve sleep. If you’re wondering how you’re supposed to fit exercise into your routine, there are several options. You can wake up 30 minutes to an hour earlier and workout, join a gym with babysitting services or incorporate exercise into your daily activities like dancing while cleaning, running around with the kids during playtime, or walking further from the parking lot to your job every day.
Keep Stress At Bay
Alright. So, stress and motherhood go hand in hand. That being said, too much stress can greatly exacerbate PMS symptoms like cramps and pain. When you find yourself getting worked up or otherwise in a lot of pain, having methods to calm your nerves and renew your spirit can give you the relief you crave. Try solutions like meditation, taking a walk outdoors, yoga, or even taking a nap to reduce stress hormones and PMS pain.
Try Supplements
There are several vitamins, plants, and herbs that have been attributed to improving PMS symptoms. After consulting with your gynecologist, look for high-quality supplements to help combat PMS. Chasterberry is recommended for bloating, headaches, and breast pain. Calcium is ideal for bloating, fatigue, and mood swings. Vitamin B-6 has been proven to help women suffering from irritability, moodiness, and anxiety. Magnesium is great for depression, water retention, and breast tenderness. There are several other supplements you can try to relieve PMS symptoms, just be sure to do your research first and follow instructions to avoid adverse reactions.
Don’t let PMS slow you down. You’ve got little ones relying on you and too many responsibilities. Do yourself (and your family) a favor and utilize solutions such as those discussed-above to get rid of PMS symptoms and move on with your day.