It’s been a few months since I last created a blog post; the main reason is that I needed to spend some time on my own battle with PMS.
As I have frequently stated on this site, I have constantly improved on my own symptoms with a lot of hard work and commitment to the journey.
But I am human, and sometimes I don’t have a “Happy Month”, in fact, I have a completely miserable one, luckily it’s not that often, but it does happen!
So I wanted to spend some time finding out what are the real differences between a good and bad month, in areas such as: my daily routines, eating habits, fitness and communication.
With this insight, I then hope to be able to reduce my symptom further and to be able to share these findings with everyone who reads this blog.
So what did I notice?
Good Month
Awareness: On a good month, I am always fully aware of where I am in my cycle
Fitness: I have a regular fitness routine, adapting at the PMS stage to incorporate activities that will still be achievable with a reduction in my energy
Eating Habits: A good diet with fresh food, water, only two cups of coffee a day and the odd treat*
*everyone needs a treat
Lifestyle: Fully enjoying work and life, knowingly reducing the pace when approaching PMS stage and being kind to myself for doing so.
Communication: Proactive PMS updates e.g. Adding a star to my Calendar, highlighting the estimated start day of my PMS phase and an openness with my loved ones.
Bad Month
Ignorance: No awareness of where I am in my cycle, my mind is busy thinking of future tasks/events that I need to do
Fitness: 2 weeks of regular exercise and then 2 weeks of procrastination and nothingness!
Eating Habits: A good diet for two weeks and then a gradual increase of too much caffeine and undeserved treats 😦
Lifestyle: Trying to keep the pace of life at a constant level for the whole month and when unable to meet my own expectations, adding more tasks on to my to-do list
Communication: “It’s not PMS, I’m fine… “
As you have read, there is a big difference between a good and bad month and the list clearly highlights that there are many elements to focus on if you wish to reduce your symptoms, not just one.
But the biggest piece of advice that I could give, is that it all starts with awareness and being mindful of the present moment and where you are in your cycle.
If you get lost in your work, children, tasks, and to-do lists, then you will never be able to spot the signs that you are about to move into your PMS phase, instead your eureka moment will come in the middle of an argument or at the end of the month, when you would have wasted two weeks of being down, unmotivated and unhappy.
So don’t let PMS win, become aware, make those needed lifestyle changes and have the Happy Month that you deserve.
