For many women, fatigue is one of the most common symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). PMS is a collection of symptoms that occur in the days before your period, and can include everything from mood swings and bloating to headaches and fatigue.
If you’re struggling with fatigue before your period, there are a few things you can do to help ease your symptoms.
First, try to identify patterns in your fatigue. Do you always feel tired a few days before your period starts? Or does fatigue hit you like a ton of bricks a day or two before your period? Once you know when fatigue typically strikes, you can start to prepare for it.
5 Ways to Fight Fatigue Before Your Period
Fatigue before your period is normal, but that doesn’t mean you have to suffer through it. By following these tips, you can help minimize fatigue and feel your best during your next period.
#1 – Drink Green Tea Instead of Caffeine
Around two-thirds of women experience fatigue before their period. While there are many possible reasons for this, one is that caffeine levels are naturally higher during the pre-menstrual phase. A great way to avoid fatigue without caffeine is to drink green tea instead of coffee or soda. Green tea contains a moderate amount of caffeine and also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties that can help boost energy levels.
Green tea also has other benefits for women’s health, including reducing the risk of certain types of cancer and improving fertility. If you’re looking for a way to fight fatigue and improve your overall health, green tea is a great choice.
#2 – Exercise
Another effective way to fight fatigue before your period is to get some exercise. Exercise can help increase energy levels by improving circulation and increasing endorphins. It’s also a great way to reduce stress, which can contribute to fatigue.
If you’re feeling too tired to exercise, start with some gentle activity like walking or yoga. Even a small amount of exercise can make a difference in how you feel. Just be sure to listen to your body and not overdo it.
#3 – Change Your Diet
As if PMS weren’t bad enough, the fatigue that often comes before your period can be debilitating. You may feel like you can’t keep your eyes open, and even mild activity can feel exhausting. Before you reach for the caffeine or sugar to try to boost your energy levels, consider making some changes to your diet.
Eating foods that are high in iron and B vitamins can help fight fatigue. These nutrients are essential for healthy blood flow and energy production. If you’re not getting enough of them through diet alone, consider taking a supplement.
#4 – Take a Nap
Another thing that can help is taking a nap. A 20-minute power nap is all it takes to refresh your body and mind. If you can’t manage a 20-minute nap, even just laying down for a few minutes with your eyes closed can help.
Just make sure not to nap for too long, as this can actually make you feel more tired when you wake up.
#5 – Track Your Cycle
Tracking your cycle can help you understand when you’re most likely to feel tired and give yourself time to prepare. There are a few different ways to do this.
You can use a period tracker app, which will give you an estimate of when your next period is due based on the average length of your cycle.
Alternatively, you can keep track of your own cycles by marking the first day of each period in a calendar. This method is more accurate if your cycles are irregular.
Once you know when your period is due, you can plan accordingly and make sure to get enough rest in the days leading up.
Conclusion
Fatigue is a common problem for women, and it can be especially bad before your period. However, there are things you can do to help fight fatigue and feel better. We’ve provided five tips that should help you get started. Have you tried any of these techniques? What works best for you? Let us know in the comments below!
