Whether you like it or not, the end of summer means we’re back to the regularly scheduled programming of packed social calendars, all night study sessions, school drop-off lanes, insane extracurricular schedules, and “what the heck am I making for dinner tonight?!” at the end of every busy day.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when responsibilities start piling up, and that stress can easily lead to some of the most annoying symptoms of your menstrual cycle: Skin breakouts, stomach aches, and more intense menstrual cramps – just to name a few.
Here are 5 ways to reduce stress throughout your menstrual cycle:
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Exercise. We know what you’re thinking… great, one more thing to cram into my daily routine. Trust us – we get it! But hear us out: even small doses of exercise produce endorphins, which have huge health benefits from improving your mood and increasing your ability to sleep. Working out also helps to lower certain stress hormones. Consider this your sign to go on that hot girl walk more often!
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Unplug. Bad news for those late night feed scrolls. A recent study found at pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov showed that “after one hour of exposure to bright light or blue light, stress hormones increase…” Woof. Over exposure to bright light like those coming from your computer screen, phone, and tv can all increase stress levels. Consider limiting your screen time to lower your stress. (Easier said than done!)
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Set Boundaries. Ah, the elusive “work-life balance.” If work and responsibilities are cutting into your ability to enjoy life, it’s time to set some serious boundaries for yourself! Mental health and wellness are more important than answering that after-hours email, promise.
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Prioritize Self-care. Me-time is the best time. Find a few minutes or hours here and there to sneak away for self-care. Read a good book, take a bubble bath, listen to your favorite song up loud and dance like nobody’s watching… Do whatever it takes to tap into your best self! It isn’t always easy to carve out time for self-care, but we promise it will be worth it when you do.
- Stick to a Routine. Stress levels can easily spike when your daily rhythms are chaotic. Starting your day with the same healthy habits and working in ways throughout your waking hours to decompress and re-center can help alleviate stress and make you feel more calm overall.
Do you notice your stress levels rise during certain phases of your menstrual cycle? Keep this post handy when you need a reminder to take it easy!