By Marcela De Vivo
When I first read Are You There God, It’s Me Margaret by Judy Blume, I was still in my pre-teens—so the whole bra-wearing, period-having, growing up angst was something that I related to and wanted to know more about (except the angst part). I honestly believed that you could “increase your bust” with an odd rhyme and even odder exercise—and the fact that the girls were so desperate to get their period made me want mine too.
Boy, did they misrepresent the experience. When I finally got my period, it wasn’t a misty-eyed entrance into womanhood with moderate spotting and a proud mother. No, mine was a hormonal nightmare complete with acne flare-ups, inexplicable rages and tears, and cramping that I wouldn’t wish even on the mean girls who tormented me at school.
I didn’t quite get that they were all PMS symptoms for a while, since I wasn’t regular yet and hadn’t figured out when my period was coming. As I got older, I started making the connection between the awful symptoms and the impending monthly menses.
Once I understood the association, I started trying any number of remedies to relieve my PMS—for my sake and the sake of those around me. What I found was that yoga and meditation did a lot to help alleviate those issues.
How yoga can help PMS
Yoga is a great way to get in shape (just look at Jennifer Aniston). Not only does it strengthen muscles and calm the mind, but it also improves blood circulation, all things that can help reduce PMS symptoms. Also, yoga (or exercise of any sort) provides more oxygen to your muscles, which is a must in decreasing the intensity of cramps; it is also thought to help reduce bloating, so that you can fit into your favorite pair of jeans again.
If you do choose to practice yoga to reduce cramps and bloating during PMS, keep in mind that some poses are not good for your period. Inverted positions can prevent the natural flow of energy down and out of your body. Try these positions: the seated twist, cat pose, child’s pose and bow pose, as these are all considered good poses to help improve cramps during your period.
How meditation can help PMS
Out-of-control hormonal rages and weepiness are pretty common PMS symptoms. The fluctuating hormone levels make you much more sensitive, so you should try to avoid stressful or anxiety-causing situations as much as possible.
Meditation can reduce stress and the pains associated with PMS, which can help keep mood swings and irritability in check, not to mention make cramps more manageable. When you meditate, you gain perspective on situations that might be bugging you, rather than just reacting hormonally.
Additionally, meditation has been found to be very effective in reducing pain, and helps relieve cramps without having to resort to painkillers (which can pose many negative side effects). A study found that participants who attended meditation sessions reported to have less pain after meditation compared to using painkilling drugs, placebos and hypnosis. So, instead of reaching for Midol or Pamprin, maybe try meditation – a natural way of managing pain.
If you experience insomnia as a PMS symptom, as some women do, meditation may increase your body’s production of melatonin —a sleep-inducing hormone.
Get some space…and make a space
Create a little space in your room or home dedicated to meditation. Make sure it is quiet and set away from any bright lights or shared walls with noisy siblings. Add plants to create a peaceful ambience and a wall fountain to create a soothing white noise to block out any distractions, like nosey parents and prying siblings.
Unlike bust-increasing exercises, improving your PMS symptoms with yoga and meditation is not a health myth. If you suffer from severe cramps, mood swings or insomnia stemming from your period, give yoga and meditation a try as a natural way to regain control over your body and mind the next time your period strikes.
Marcela De Vivo is a freelance writer and mother of three in Southern California. She personally practices yoga and meditation on a daily basis not only to make her PMS symptoms more manageable, but to improve her overall health as well. Follow her on Twitter today!
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