A majority of women experience some sort of stress or anxiety before and during their periods. Along with other menstrual symptoms like cramps, bloating, constipation, cravings, stress can be an added woe!
How stress affects your body during periods?
When you are under stress, the body produces more cortisol a.k.a stress hormones, which can suppress the reproductive hormones, including estrogen and progesterone. The fluctuating levels of estrogen and progesterone can cause anxiety and mood swings. Here are 7 natural remedies to manage stress during your period:
1. Eat Healthy Foods
If you eat all sugary snacks during your period, it can cause a blood sugar spike and increase your stress levels. Eat foods that are high in protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins and minerals. Avoid drinking alcohol or coffee during your period. Here’s a sample meal plan that is healthy for you during your period:
- Breakfast: Fried eggs & Avocado on Whole Wheat Sourdough, Sauerkraut, Fresh Orange Juice
- Lunch: Grilled Greek Chicken with Veggies
- Dinner: Chicken rice noodle soup
- Snacks: Dark chocolate, figs, grapes
2. Get enough sleep
It is a normal phenomenon to feel crankier after not getting a good night’s sleep. When you sleep for 8-9 hours every day, it can naturally help to reduce stress in your body. Create a cozy ambiance in your bedroom to help you fall asleep. You can add some pillows, sheets, essential oil diffusers to create the mood to sleep. Avoid keeping your phone, laptop, TV, in your bedroom.
3. Do light exercises
Physical activity produces endorphins which can help improve sleep and reduce stress. While intense exercises might cause heavy bleeding and cramps, some light exercises can be beneficial to relieve stress during your periods. Go for a power walk for 15 minutes in the morning, do some stretches for a few minutes.
4. Herbal supplements & tea
To keep your stress levels down, consider natural supplements to support your adrenal glands. Soak up in the sun or take a vitamin D supplement along with zinc, vitamin C, and magnesium. You can also consider herbal supplements like chamomile tea, ashwagandha, valerian root, ginger to manage your cortisol levels during your period.
5. Address Anxiety Issues
Instead of sweeping the stress under the rugs during your period, it is better to address the root cause of anxiety and stress. Prioritize your emotional wellbeing along with being physically healthy. Make a list of things that are causing you to stress and take steps towards managing them.
Things happen and we might have to deal with stress from time to time. The best approach is to manage it well and address it better the next time around. Incorporate these guidelines for a stress-free happy period!
