The Ins and Outs of PMS AnxietyPMS can cause anxiety. But why?
What causes PMS anxiety?While responsible for the body aches, moodiness, and fatigue that some girls feel, low oestrogen can also cause anxiety. And oestrogen levels are low around your period. Some girls also become anxious about the physical aches and pains they may experience before and during their periods.
Stress can also make PMS symptoms worse, which can result in anxiety.
What to do for PMS anxiety relief?If you experience PMS anxiety, there are a number of things you can do for some PMS anxiety relief.
- Go easy on yourself.
If you know you’re about to get your period (read more about how to track your menstrual cycle here), lighten your schedule a little. Take some time out for some extra relaxation and self-care. This can mean taking walks, reading, alone time, baths… anything that puts your mind at ease.
- Avoid caffeine if you have PMS anxiety.
Caffeine puts your nervous system into overdrive and can amp up an already nervous and anxious mood. Instead, drink caffeine-free herbal teas. Or better yet – fill your cup with water! Added bonus: staying hydrated can reduce other PMS symptoms like bloating and cramping.If you have premenstrual anxiety, it can be extra important to treat the physical symptoms of PMS – like cramps and bloating. This means taking extra good care of your body. exercise, take hot baths, eat well. Premenstrual anxiety is just that much harder to manage when you’re also physically uncomfortable.
- Take care of your body.
If you have premenstrual anxiety, it can be extra important to treat the physical symptoms of PMS – like cramps and bloating.This means taking extra good care of your body. Exercise, take hot baths, eat well. Premenstrual anxiety is just that much harder to manage when you’re also physically uncomfortable.
- Exercise
Moving your body releases endorphins, natural chemicals released in your brain during exercise that boost your mood and relieve stress. It doesn’t need to be anything rigorous, just enough to get your blood flowing and your heart pumping for a natural mood improvement. Something as simple as a brisk walk around the walk should do the trick. Added bonus: light exercise also reduces PMS symptoms. Win!
- Write in a journal
Writing down your thoughts is a great way of counteracting anxiety. Getting your feelings out helps to stop the loop of anxious thoughts that endlessly swirl around in your head when you have anxiety. You don’t have to show anyone or even ever read what you write yourself. The point is to get your anxiety out of your head and onto the paper.
If you experience severe PMS anxiety attacks it’s a good idea to reach out to a medical professional for help. Together, you can find a remedy for your PMS anxiety that works for you.
