Ah, the joys of that time ✨ of the month. The mood swings, bloating, fatigue, cramps, and the inevitable food cravings… not to mention the boyfriend who somehow knows exactly how to push your button —that’s my cue: my period has or will arrive. If you’ve ever experienced any of these symptoms during or even before the bloody days, then you’re not alone. In fact, I learned a few years ago that 75% of women who menstruate experience some form of PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

PMS includes a mix of physical, emotional, and behavioral symptoms that hit a few days (or even weeks) before your period. Think mood swings, fatigue, headaches, cramps, bloating, and irritability. For some people, it’s just an annoying little blip in the month, but for others, it can seriously mess with daily life. If the symptoms are intense enough to interfere with your normal activities, it could be PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder)—a more severe form of PMS that can seriously affect mental health. If this sounds like you, consider speaking to a health consultant for advice.

Personally, I’d say I’m relatively lucky. I definitely feel more tired and cranky as my period approaches, but it’s manageable. My best friend, on the other hand, experiences much more intense symptoms—pain, bloating, headaches, fatigue, and an all-around short temper. If you’ve ever felt this way leading up to your period, don’t worry—you’re not alone! Here are some tips to help you cope with your PMS and make it through with a little more ease:

1. Low-impact exercise (yes, really!)

It might sound counterintuitive, but light exercise is a game-changer when it comes to PMS. A little walk, some yoga, or even swimming can help boost your mood, ease bloating, and relieve cramps. I personally love doing yin yoga or specialized period workouts. Here are some that might help:

12 min Slow Workout for PMS

15 min Period Yoga for Menstrual Cramps Relief

20 min Yin Yoga for Your Period

2. Balance your diet

Eating nutrient-rich foods can help stabilize your mood and keep your energy up. Try incorporating more fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your meals. Magnesium-rich foods (like dark chocolate and leafy greens) can also help with cramps. So yes, this is the time to eat chocolate unapologetically—because you crave it and because it can actually help with pain relief!

3. Heat therapy

When cramps hit, heat therapy is a lifesaver. A heating pad or hot water bottle on your abdomen can help relax your muscles and soothe pain. I also love a warm bath with Epsom salts—it’s relaxing and soothing all around. I recently bought a portable belly warmer, and now I wear it practically everywhere (yes, even when I’m not on my period), 10/10 would recommend.

4. Practice stress relief

PMS can make you feel emotionally sensitive, so managing stress is key. Simple things like deep breathing, journaling, or even meditation can work wonders to calm your mind and keep anxiety at bay. Personally, I’m not always in the mood to socialize during my period, and that’s completely okay! Everyone—especially other women—will understand if you need to cancel plans because of your period. Isn’t that one of the best perks? You’ve got every reason to stay in and take care of yourself!

5. Supplements

Certain supplements like vitamin B6, magnesium, and calcium are known to help reduce PMS symptoms. If you’re not getting enough of these in your diet, consider adding them to your routine. But of course, check with your healthcare provider before introducing anything new to your supplement stack. And let’s not forget that dark chocolate contains magnesium—just saying ;).

With these five tips, you’ll hopefully feel more prepared to take on PMS the next time it rolls around! 💕

What are your go-to tools or remedies that help you get through your (pre)period?