Understand your body better to effectively manage PMS symptoms
Each cycle is different for each woman, causing them to face different PMS symptoms.
Getting mood swings is a normal monthly thing for women due to menstruating. It can even start a week before the cycle begins.
But not knowing how to handle them would surely impact daily life regarding work-life balance.
Fitness coach Kevin Zahri said: “You should know when you are getting your period, where things will get unpredictable and chaotic, and take some things off your plate before that so as not to overload yourself.
He suggested that it is important to take a break from chores and focus on recharging oneself before getting back to a normal routine once the cycle ends.
"If you cannot focus on anything due to the roller-coaster of emotions, then opt for hobbies such as physical exercise.
"There will be tough days, and it is important to pull through each time," said Kevin.
Meanwhile, clinical psychologist Yasmin Khan said that as a woman, there will always be low, medium, and high days throughout the period cycle.
"You should know what you can do on your low, medium, and high days. For example, when you are experiencing low days, do something simple and light, or take a break.
When you are on your medium days, do what you can and on high days, do heavier things," she said.
"Each cycle is different for each woman, causing them to face different PMS symptoms, which makes it important for girls to get to know their bodies better," Yasmin said.
In the same talk at the She Leads 3: Elevating the Fitness of Your Body and Mind event recently, she also advised the audience to seek professional help when things on the plate become too difficult to handle.
"There is too much stigma and taboo around that, and by normalising seeking professional help, we can get rid of that," she said.
"Most importantly, do not self-diagnose yourself. Please get actual consultation from a CP (clinical psychologist) and not use poor performance as an excuse for bad mental health when you do not seek help for it," she further added as a reminder.
She also reminded me that it was important not to take social media advice too seriously, as the expertise's source is not 100 per cent validated.
"Take what you see about possible symptoms for mental illnesses such as depression, anxiety, and ADHD (Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) on social media with a grain of salt," she said.
Along with that, she recommended a breathing technique when things get too overwhelming at work or school, which is using the four-second technique, including breathing in for four seconds, holding the breath for four seconds, exhaling, and waiting for another four seconds.
Meanwhile, Kevin suggested simple jumping jacks and squats - 20 reps each for minimal everyday exercise.
