Keep moving during your period

The last thing you may want to do when you're feeling miserable from PMS or menstrual symptoms is go to the gym. But there's a big payoff! Believe it or not, physical activity can actually help to minimize cramps and bloating.1,4 Exercise releases the body's natural pain-relief chemicals, beta-endorphins.4 Endorphins improve your mood, relieve your pain, and relax your muscles.4

Aerobic exercise: Aerobic exercise (exercise that increases your heart rate) increases blood circulation and helps reduce cramps.4 Aerobic exercise includes walking briskly, cycling, dancing, and many other activities that keep you moving.4

Stretching exercises: Stretching can be a big help to relieve cramps and bloating.1,4 Yoga stretches can also strengthen your abdominal muscles and increase pelvic blood flow.4

Don't let your period slow you down. Try to make the effort to get moving—it may actually help you reduce stress and relieve pain. And when period pain and cramps make you feel stressed, relax when you can. You will feel better for it!

References

  1. The facts about PMS. Available at http://www.kotex.com/na/articles-info/the-facts-about-pms/10201.
  2. Good mood foods. Available at http://www.kotex.com/na/articles-info/good-mood-foods-nutritional-choices-to-alleviate-pms/10203.
  3. 6 herbs fosr PMS. Available at http://www.kotex.com/na/articles-info/6-herbs-for-pms/10205.
  4. Got cramps? Get physical. Available at http://www.kotex.com/na/articles-info/got-cramps-get-physical/10106.
  5. Living with your period. Available at http://www.midol.com/living_with_ur_period.html.
  6. Menstrual cycle after pregnancy. Available at http://www.buzzle.com/articles/menstrual-cycle-after-pregnancy.html.
  7. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Available at http://www.emedicinehealth.com/premenstrual_syndrome_pms/article_em.htm.
  8. So what I really want to know is … Available at http://www.midol.com/faqs.html.