5 Things Which Have Radically Improved My PMS

I’ve suffered with PMS since puberty I imagine, or it feels that way anyway! It’s felt so severe at times, I’m sure some months were more PMDD than PMS however the past few months and without any perimenopausal symptoms as yet, I’ve prioritised self care which has helped all aspects of my life, my monthly cycle included.

Below I want to share what has worked for me which does, I must note, come at a much less stressful juncture in my life now that my 4 year old daughter attends pre-school (my boys are in their teens) and my work/ home life feels more balanced. I have more time to write, to make deadlines and also be present for my family, far from the chaos I experienced juggling three children after a traumatic birth in 2021. 

For transparency, I am not on any medication to ease PMS.

Please consult with your doctor with any concerns you might have as I am not medically trained. I do hope these adjustments help you. 

1. I took a food intolerance test and followed it carefully removing triggers that were discovered spanning wheat, cow’s dairy, rice and peas from my diet, seeing immediate results which included weight loss  (I’ve been losing weight consistently since last August after putting on weight due to medication) and no more bloating (yay). I had been experiencing loose bowels daily which also immediately eased on following a new eating plan ( I had checked my stools via my GP and nothing sinister was found thankfully). I highly recommend Supply Life, the most recent test I took (a Christmas present from my Mum) or York Test (I initially paid for the latter and was later given a complimentary test respectively, years ago). With a traffic light system in both cases, and in Supply Life’s programme (I’m not familiar with York Test’s current service), recipe ideas too and a detailed phone chat with a dietician, I have made easy switches from cow’s milk to goats and found a more balanced way of eating from the more restrictive low carb/ keto diet I was following before (and that was full of dairy). My doctor also advocated that I try the anti-inflammatory diet which naturally omits many of my triggers, focusing on plants, pulses, fish and lean meat. 
2. Exercise. I endeavour to walk at least 10k steps a day, hitting 20k on each day of the weekend usually and my beloved swimming has become a big part of my life. I joined a hotel gym with a pool and spa as a gift to myself last year, and aim to swim at least three times a week, using their sauna for its medicinal benefits too, improving cardiovascular health, enhancing recovery, and reducing pain. Exercise is a natural anti anxiety and anti depressant and is a great place to start if you’re feeling low. Begin with small steps, literally, walking, then work up to power walking or running if you feel up to it. I also weight lift with a PT once a week to support bone health and agility. I do realise how privileged I am to afford the above but walking daily instead of driving is a simple swap to try. Using a FitBit or similar can encourage you to meet a daily step count too.
3. Going to bed early. 9pm is my new bedtime. Night owl no more. What a difference it has made to boot. Even if I sleep later than 9, the fact I am reading in bed or watching a show on Netflix on my phone, relaxes me and makes waking up early for the school run so much easier. As someone who has spent their life writing mostly at night, around my children, this switch has been literally life changing for me. I’m also far more productive during the day thanks to a good night’s sleep! 
4. Keeping my circle small. I used to have far too many friends. I know? It sounds like I’m gloating but I was everyone’s friend to the point I was burnt out trying to see and please people I barely knew. Now, I keep my circle small and prioritise time with those I know and love the most. As a reformed people pleaser, this has meant exercising boundaries that still don’t come easily to me, and being strict about my time and energy. I recommend you follow suit. 
5. Doing what I love whether that’s drawing, having a (builder gel) mani/pedicure, watching old 90s shows or treating myself to a new Montblanc pen (my faves), writing down ideas or streams of consciousness (Morning Pages) in my collection of notebooks and starting new creative projects are all ways I’m making time for me and in doing so have slowly but surely found my way back to myself, making my inner child happy and being a better mother for it. 

Why don’t you give these life changers a whirl!