It’s that time of the month again and Aunt Flow has you feeling moody, achy and drained, possibly to the point of psychosis. Although PMS is often dismissed as an excuse for women to engage in “bitchy” behavior, the symptoms are very real. According to The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, at least 85 percent of menstruating women experience at least one PMS symptom during their monthly cycle. Symptoms can be as mild as headaches, fatigue, and abdominal cramping, and as severe as anxiety, depression and uncontrollable crying spells. Sounds like a nightmare, doesn’t it? Unfortunately for some women,  this is a nightmare that they relive one to two weeks out of every month until menopause.

Although doctors still have not determined the exact cause or cure for these monthly changes, there are some steps that you can take to help you relieve your symptoms.

MIND
During this time of the month, it is important more than ever to keep your mind in tip-top shape by getting enough rest. There’s nothing like some good ol’ fashion R&R to help alleviate symptoms of stress, fatigue and confusion. Sleep is essential to renew your body’s energy levels, essential cells and tissues. A well-rested body is better suited to deal with the physical and emotional symptoms that are caused by PMS.

BODY
Diet is thought to have an impact on the intensity level of certain PMS symptoms. If you are suffering from symptoms from PMS, it may be wise to limit your salt intake in order to combat bloating, and avoid depressants such as alcohol that will worsen feelings of extreme sadness or depression. You can also help boost up your “happy factor” by increasing your carb intake. Carbohydrates help increase serotonin levels in the brain, which are the chemicals responsible for elevating your mood. And that tub of ice cream that you kept hidden in the fridge? Eat some! If your body is telling you to eat something, it’s usually a sign that your body needs a nutritional component found in that particular item.

It’s no secret that exercise is a great stress reliever. Moderate exercise, about three times a week,
will help relieve stress and help balance out your hormones.

SOUL
Once you have nourished the mind and body, it is important to focus on the soul. Meditation is a holistic approach that can help you center yourself and align the functions of the body with the mind. Practicing meditation techniques on a regular basis can help to quiet the mind and control the unpredictable thoughts and behaviors experienced by PMS sufferers. A recent Women’s Health study described in WebMD reported that PMS symptoms subsided by 58 percent in women who meditated.

For more, visit Hollypinafore.com.