This week marks the inaugural PMS Awareness Week designed to celebrate Irish women and start a discussion on a little spoken about but debilitating condition; PMS. Here are top tips for coping with PMS:

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PMS Symptoms

Anxiety, bloating, skin breakouts, food cravings, headaches, forgetfulness, fatigue – these sound like the symptoms of a nasty, debilitating condition; one you would work to treat, especially if you lost up to 3000 days (that’s eight years!!) of your life to these symptoms. Yet half the world’s population suffers in this way, and most of us accept it as normal. We’re talking about PMS of course. But we don’t have to accept it. Something can be done.

Top Tips For Coping with PMS

Daniella Moyles, SPIN 1038 DJ, Model and Writer, she is Brand Ambassador for PMS Awareness Week gives these tips for coping with PMS.

#1. Invest in a hot water bottle.

Fill with warm (not boiling water) to alleviate cramps and back pain.

#2. Exercise daily.

Even if you don’t feel like it, try to do some sort of exercise every day, you will feel much better for it!

#3. Meditate.

Mindfulness and relaxing exercises such as yoga and tai chi may be effective for easing cramps and pain.

#4. Enjoy an Epsom salt bath.

Add some Epsom salts to your bath; they are rich in magnesium which can help to reduce water retention, bloating, relieve pain, muscle cramps and stress.

#5. Sleep well.

Quality sleep is vital for giving your body a rest and allowing it to prepare for the next day. Ask in your local health store or pharmacy for Melissa Dream™ tablets, 100% natural and made with Chamomile and Lemon Balm.

#6. Identify food intolerances.

A simple test such as Lorisian® Food Intolerance Test can identify foods that you are intolerant to; cutting these out may help ease a range of symptoms including bloating, fatigue and abdominal pain.

#7. Balance blood sugar levels.

Eat little and often, include protein with each meal and snack. E.g. Hummus and oat cakes.

#8. Pamper yourself.

Looking your best will help you feel more confident and content. Go ahead – book that manicure or facial!

#9. Track your symptoms.

Keeping a diary is a great way to track your PMS symptoms, over time you will learn what is normal for you.

#10. Open up about PMS.

Seek support from your GP, partner, friends and family. It’s good to talk.

Any tips to share to help with PMS? Tell us in the comments below.