Dearest Gentle Readers,
Navigating PMS can be an arduous task, but creating the best path forward makes the journey easy and painless.
But what’s the best path you ask? Healthy habits. So let’s go through the habits of our dear Bridgerton characters to decipher the DOs and DON’Ts.
DOs:
1. Tea: Something that all gentlemen and ladies alike take part in is tea time. Caffeine can be harsh on your body during PMS and can create more acne and bloating than expected, so finding a healthier alternative for your caffeine kick will make the start of your day easier and smoother. No one wants to start their day feeling like a lump.
2. Read: Eloise Bridgerton has the right idea when it comes to taking time for yourself, sitting down, and opening up a good book. You can escape to another time and place when you read and when you’re feeling irritable towards your family or stressed about the future, taking a moment to disconnect from the real world can be the relief you need.
3. Write: Though Penelope Featherington’s habit of writing gossip can be hurtful and negative, finding a pen and paper to write your feelings down on is the right idea. When you’re feeling overwhelmed by your feelings and emotions and don’t know how to calmly express yourself, write down your thoughts and you may find ease from letting your looming thoughts go.
4. Connect with Friends & Family: If you have someone safe and comfortable to talk to, lean on them for an ear or for guidance. What the Bridgerton children do really well is seek support and guidance from Lady Bridgerton. She is wise beyond her years and always has the right thing to say to make her children feel heard and loved.
5. Walks in the Park: Whether you’re anxious, sad, stressed or irritable, taking a walk in the park is great quick relief and perfect for mental health improvement. Moving your body and getting your endorphins flowing can turn your mood around.
DON’Ts:
1. Sweets: When you’re out at a ball it’s easy to get swept up in the festivities, but avoid the dessert table at all cost. Indulging in some sweet or salty foods can cause bloating, cramps, and acne and in the end increase your irritability. Having one or two sweets can’t hurt, but overindulging could cause some bad cramping and bloating.
2. Drinking: One or two sugary drinks can provide immediate relief from PMS with a quick sugar high, but then there’s a sugar crash and the energy isn’t sustainable. Alcoholic drinks on the other hand can cause bloating and cramps that can just heighten your overall PMS body pain and moods.
3. Overeating/Not Eating Enough: Your body needs healthy foods to keep your body happy and energized, so making sure you eat just enough when you’re PMS-ing, will allow you to stay engaged throughout the day. Feeling sluggish is a common result of PMS and when you overeat, you can feel even more so. Being on top of your meal planning for the week you have PMS can help you maintain your healthy habits and mindset.
