If there is one thing I am certain about in this world, it would be the fact that LIFE ISN’T FAIR. Why? Because women get premenstrual syndrome (PMS) every month while men do not have to deal with the effects of hormones on their mental stability. Well, except for those who have girlfriends with the worst PMS. They do have to deal with it, too; they have no choice. Haha!

Last week, I suddenly felt an unexplained sadness. I didn’t know why I was so down. I was (still am) in good terms with my friends. I was in Psychiatry rotation, which is relatively benign (read: non-stressful). I have been talking to my parents and they’re totally fine. The board exam is months away so there is still time to prepare and study hard. In short, I was not facing a major life problem, so what the heck was wrong with me? Then it hit me. Oh, it was almost THAT time of the month.

One thing I learned from The Happiness Project (a really nice book) is that it is much more taxing and energy-consuming to try to be happy. It requires more energy to smile than to frown or show a poker face, more effort to be bubbly and optimistic about everything. But then, there’s this spot-on quote from the book — “The days are long but the years are short.” Whatever it is you’re feeling today, you have to make each day count.

To combat PMS, I gave in to cravings and let myself become happy.

My friends and I ate at a Korean buffet (we ordered ice cream, too!) and had drinks afterwards. One cure for sadness (because depression is a medical term that we should not use lightly) is to surround yourself with the people you love. PS: Make sure that the feeling is mutual. HAHA

Another cure for PMS is to celebrate whatever it is worth celebrating!

I am definitely not Chinese but it was fun celebrating the Lunar New Year at Chinatown. We were hoping to get the positive energy from the crowd. No regrets, just luck! Heehee

My friends and I ate at Wai Ying. Everything was delicious. Be careful though, I had diarrhea a few hours after. Huhu

Lilai and I also enrolled in Gold’s Gym. Exercise really boosts endorphins a.k.a. the happy hormones. After one session at the gym, I don’t think I lost a pound but I was definitely happier.

Giving in to your food cravings, spending time with your closest friends, and exercising are just a few ways to cope with PMS. I also recommend reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin whenever you’re feeling down or you have a few minutes to spare. Instead of finishing the book in one sitting, I read it during down times or before going to sleep. It was my go-to book when I needed a happiness boost since it always reminded me that being happy comes from within — how you think, act, and interact with people.

How about you, how do you deal with PMS? 🙂

♥

Rach