Hello everyone, today I want to delve into a phase that all women experience each month: the premenstrual phase, also known as PMS. This phase is often characterized by increased anxiety, fatigue, and the surfacing of repressed emotions that may not have been expressed earlier in the month. Additionally, the pain that some of us experience can be so severe that it limits our movement. It can be a challenging time, especially when these changes are not recognized as the natural shifts in hormones. So, I will share some things that have worked for me, and hopefully, you can take something valuable from this as well.
Track Your Cycle: My first recommendation is to have an app or calendar where you can track your cycle. I cannot stress enough how helpful this is. Sometimes when I find myself stressing about something more than usual, I check my cycle app, and 10 out of 10 times, it's because I'm in that stage. Just knowing it brings immense relief.
Have Healthy Snacks: In this phase, we burn more calories but find ourselves with more appetite. If you don't eat enough, you probably will get more moody or unbalanced as the body is asking for more food because it needs it. But that's not an excuse to eat unhealthy foods, as they can contribute to feeling worse. So, when you go to the supermarket, buy healthy snacks for that week.
Mental Cleansing: In this period, as I mentioned earlier, it's normal to feel more anxious; it's like the body is entering protective mode. You may overthink things much more and be more sensitive and intuitive as well. In this phase, I try to take care of my mental health, so I don't give attention to thoughts that cause anxiety. If I can, I come back to those thoughts the following week. I try to meditate, draw, do things that relax my mind, focus on positive affirmations, and be extra nice when I look at myself in the mirror.
Be Mindful of Your Emotions: It's common for repressed emotions to surface during this stage. For instance, feelings of anger that may have been suppressed can unexpectedly arise. I've found that during this period, it's beneficial to refrain from making major decisions, as emotions tend to be heightened. Instead, I use this time for introspection and reflection. I approach it as a monthly review, looking back to heal and express any emotions that weren't addressed at the time.
Energy Clearing: In this phase, it is common to feel more tired, drained, and overall, the energy feels off. I like to use white sage every day and keep a crystal with me; I call it my hormone pal lol. The crystal is called shell jasper; it's well known to clear negative energies, protect the user, and bring balance.
Wear Comfortable Clothes: This may seem silly, but on those days, we can be more critical of ourselves. If you have some outfits that are comfy and you feel good in them, it makes a big difference. Dressing in comfortable clothes can boost your mood and help you feel more at ease during this phase.
Womb Clearing: I find it beneficial to practice a meditation that focuses on cleansing the sacral chakra. As women, we carry a profound energy from our feminine ancestors. This meditation can be particularly effective during the premenstrual or menstrual phase, helping to release stagnant energy and restore balance. Consider treating yourself to an energy cleansing session or engaging in a ritual that honors your feminine nature. Here is the link to the meditation that I usually do.
Supplements: It's important to note that individual needs vary, so consulting a specialist is advised. I'm sharing what works for me, but please do your own research. Evening primrose oil: This supplement has been really helpful for me in reducing inflammation, lowering pain during menstruation, and improving my skin. Iron: I take iron supplements when I get my period or a few days before to maintain my energy levels. DIM (Diindolylmethane): This supplement has been amazing in reducing my premenstrual symptoms. It's the one supplement where I've seen the most noticeable results.
I hope these recommendations are helpful to you. Remember, each woman's experience is unique, so it's important to listen to your body and find what works best for you. :)
