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[picapp align=”center” wrap=”false” link=”term=woman+smiling&iid=5236495″ src=”3/5/9/4/Portrait_of_a_90f5.jpg?adImageId=11211364&imageId=5236495″ width=”380″ height=”333″ /]Obviously, this post is mainly for the ladies…but men can also benefit from this information, as it’s really about taking care of yourself!

For some women, getting their period is no biggie.  Good for them.  But for others, it takes all their strength not to strangle someone one second and burst into tears the next.  According to the Mayo Clinic, 3 out of every 4 women experience some form of PMS symptoms, especially those in their late 20’s to early 30’s.  Here are some tips to harness your hormones, no matter where on the monthly drama scale you fall…

1. Get some exercise to release feel-good endorphins.  Yoga is great for mind and body centering, while a kickboxing or spin class is a great calorie-burning choice to unleash pent-up anger or frustration.
2. Get sleep!  Energy levels tend to be on the low side during this time, so it’s especially important to catch those Zs!
3. Make sure you have healthy snacks in your house (click here for ideas).  Not having options can lead to convenience store runs for chocolate bars, potato chips, or ice cream.
4. But don’t deny the undeniable cravings.  If you can, choose a healthier version of what you crave, but if nothing will satisfy you but the real thing, have it.  Denying yourself can lead to eating a lot more of something you didn’t even want.  And holding out too long can lead to bingeing when you do finally give in.
5. Eat salmon.  It’s rich in vitamins, iron, calcium, and selenium…awesome stuff to combat PMS symptoms and will get you glowing skin as a bonus!  Try this recipe for Super Salmon Salad.
6. If you’re not already, eat smaller meals more frequently.  This will keep your blood sugar levels nice and steady.  Your hormones are already out of whack, no need to aggravate the situation!
7. Carve out some time for yourself.  It’s helpful to have some downtime to relax, regroup, and reenergize.  Take a bath, meditate, read a book, watch a movie, write in your journal…however you like to spend your alone time that doesn’t zap your energy.
8. Warn your loved ones if necessary.  You might get some leniency for minor bad behavior.  And hopefully, some sympathy!