Mood swings during periods driving you crazy? Here are tips to beat them

Mood swings during periods driving you crazy? Here are tips to beat them

by Pavitra Sampath

It's that time of the month and you are already feeling the effects of your periods. Irritability, weakness, bloating and acne; everything seems to be going wrong. Well, don't fret, we have some tips that will keep you calm, cool and comfortable during those days of the month.

Indulge in some self-pampering: This is the best time to invest in that relaxing foot massage or just bask in the soothing effects of a good aromatherapy treatment. Surround yourself with soothing music and scents. A relaxing environment makes a calmer you. (Read: Pedicure basics to keep your feet happy!)

Give in to your food cravings: During that time of the month it is normal to crave foods like chocolates, etc that might play spoilsport with your diet. But, as an exception, indulge yourself during this time. Try a little bit of chocolate or have those fries if you feel like it. While your body needs these foods to overcome its cravings, remember not to go overboard. According to leading nutritionist, Neha Chandna, 'Due to hormonal changes, you tend to crave for sweets. But try not to overindulge in them as they can just worsen your cravings. Instead of having sugar, you can opt for naturally healthy sweet foods like dates, jaggery, til chikki, dates, laddoos, etc. Try to eat a lot of fibre-filled foods like salads, fruits and nuts to stabilise your blood sugar levels and curb your sweet cravings.' 

Keep calm with soothing breathing exercises: 'Just breathe', is common advice most of us get when we tend to get irritable. And those who tell you that, are probably right (even though you want to bash their heads in). Studies have proved that breathing deeply and meditating is the best way to gain control of your emotions and calm down.

Just sit in a comfortable place, close your eyes and breathe in deep. Hold your breath for five counts and breath out. Do not try to pull in your stomach or abdomen. Just let your body relax. Do this for about five minutes every day and watch yourself relax. Amulya R, a leading yoga expert says, 'The exhaling action of the breath when extended, tends to activate the parasympathetic nervous system in the body. This system is the counterpart of the sympathetic nervous system. It is that component which helps in bringing the body into the 'rest mode', in contrast to the sympathetic nervous system which helps in preparing the body for the 'fight-or-flight' response. Hence, by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, we are nudging the body into its relaxing and self-healing mode.' So just relax and breathe.

Take a break to relax your body: We all know that one's periods are a taxing time for the body so give it some rest. While lying in bed all day might not be the best thing, try to get some moments lying down during the day. If this is not possible, make sure you sit on a comfortable chair with adequate back support. Keeping your legs above ground level will also help a great deal in alleviating the pain and discomfort you feel. More importantly, avoid exercising as it can take an adverse toll on your body.

Avoid weakness by eating right: You have probably heard this advice a number of times but haven't really paid  much heed to it. Know that women are especially prone to deficiencies like anaemia  as they go through their periods every month. It is a time when we not only lose a lot of blood from our body, but also go through a number of hormonal changes. That is why it is essential that you eat healthy.

You should be number one on your list of priorities. According to Neha, 'It is extremely important to eat well during your periods as this is the time when a woman's body undergoes a lot of hormonal changes and blood loss. If you don't eat well, skip meals, eat a lot of junk foods and don't drink enough water, you may feel weak and affect your work productivity. It can also affect your skin, hair, nails and overall health.' (Read: 10 food items for women's health problems)

'A woman should eat a balanced meal including foods from all food groups like whole grains such as oats, jowar, brown rice, ragi (which have a lot of fibre and calcium), pulses and sprouts, green leafy veggies, eggs and fruits. One could also have one spoon of garden cress seeds also known as halim with milk twice a day to increase iron intake to beat diseases like anaemia,' she advises. 

Your periods might be the toughest time of the month for you, but just eat healthy, rest and breathe, and you shall be more comfortable during your periods. 

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