From keeping us fit to making us feel great, exercise has a host of proven benefits that make it an indispensable part of a healthy lifestyle. Yet, many of us prefer to ditch our workout routine every month, courtesy of Aunt Flo. According to a study published in Women in Sport and Physical Activity Journal, more than 30% of women completely avoid physical activity during their period.
Now, we understand that annoying shark-week afflictions like cramps, fatigue, and the fear of leaking can make it difficult to leave the comfy couch. But did you know that working out during this tumultuous time of the month is actually an antidote for all your period-related woes? Take a look at these five science-backed reasons why exercising during periods is important:
Exercising Can Ease Period Cramps
Exercising releases endorphins, aka happy hormones, in the body. This chemical messenger works like morphine. It relieves period pain and creates a general sense of well-being. Nope, you don’t have to indulge in a rigorous workout to get an endorphin boost. Light aerobic exercises like walking and mild stretches can work wonders too and take the edge off period pain. Here’s a low-intensity full-body workout that can help you get started:
It Keeps Mood Swings In Check
Owing to a host of hormonal changes in the body, PMS days can be full of mood swings. You could break into a laugh at one point and be shedding tears without a real reason the next moment. Yep, for some of us, mood swings can be that extreme. But exercising can help you glide through the lows smoothly. The endorphins that relieve period pain can also boost your mood. That’s why they’re called happy hormones. Something as easy and simply as a 30-minute stroll in the garden can make you feel better instantly.
It Helps You Debloat
Bloating is one of the most common side-effects of periods. It can make you swell up, feel heavy, and lead to extreme discomfort. Guess what? Downing tubs of ice cream and fries or staying curled up in bed all day can make it even worse. That’s because salty, sugary foods and lack of physical activity encourage water retention. However, exercise can help you get rid of the extra water and salt naturally through sweat.
It Promotes Better Sleep
Periods are a stressful time for most of us. The resulting increase in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels along with the discomfort associated with bleeding can hamper the quality of sleep. This can lead to more stress and higher cortisol levels. It’s a vicious cycle, really. However, exercising can break it by lowering cortisol levels, promoting blood circulation, and releasing happy hormones. All these workout advantages can decrease stress and promote better sleep during shark week.
It Helps Combat Fatigue
Have you ever felt too tired to hit the gym but somehow managed to drag yourself there—only to feel more energetic after your workout? Well, there’s a reason behind it, peeps. Exercise boosts blood circulation. This results in better energy and oxygen supply in the body, which makes our brain perform better. So you can count on your workout to kick out the period-induced fatigue and make you feel more energetic.
Period or no period, exercising is important for your overall health and emotional wellbeing. However, it can be a real saviour during shark week and take the edge off horrid PMS symptoms. So we say stop ditching physical activity during your monthlies and head out for a quick workout instead.
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