Here’s How To Beat Period Fatigue This Winter

If you suffer from period fatigue, it can feel like a struggle to get through the day.

Latest research from Active Iron suggests that nearly half of all women (49%) frequently report experiencing tiredness and fatigue due to their menstrual cycle – and that the winter weather can actually exacerbate things.

According to their study, it turns out that it’s common for you to experience period fatigue in the winter weather more than any other time of year. Which is good, and bad; good that we know our fatigued feelings aren’t coming from nowhere, but bad that we have to go through it!

So why does our period fatigue take a turn for the worst in the colder months?

It comes down to a couple of factors, like reduced physical activity. Since physical activity improves circulation and releases endorphins, it can help reduce fatigue, but all we want to do when it gets chilly out is curl up into a ball!

Unfortunately, when our physical activity decreases, the symptoms of period fatigue are increased.

There’s also the fact that we get less natural light exposure as the days become shorter, which can mess with our internal sleep clock and affect sleep quality, leading to tiredness.

Eating habits can make period fatigue worse too. In the winter we naturally crave more comfort foods which are higher in sugar and carbs. This can cause fluctuations in blood sugar levels, leading to energy crashes and increased feelings of fatigue.

Other obstacles that tend to get in the way of feeling energised include drinking less water than we do in the summer, and stress increases during the Christmas season because, well, Christmas is stressful!

However, it’s not all doom and gloom.

Small changes throughout your day can make a big difference when it comes to alleviating period fatigue.

Maintaining a balanced and healthy diet is key, so make sure you’re getting a proper breakfast, lunch and dinner. Staying hydrated is also really helpful – if you’re useless at remembering to drink water, why not get a cute reusable water bottle and set goals to finish it throughout the day?

Gentle exercise is also recommended to battle fatigue, and we don’t think it needs to be crazy. A little evening yoga or a morning walk can make the world of difference if you’re sitting at a desk all day.

Of course, one of the best ways to treat almost any winter ailment is mindfulness!

It’s preachy, we know, but the way you feel in your head can take a significant toll on how wrecked you feel throughout the week.

Taking time to relax will reduce stress and can help to regulate your cortisol levels. Journalling, meditation, reading, colouring, a long bath or a good movie; whatever works for you. Make sure to remember that your mental wellbeing is as important as your physical health.

The last tip is to try to get as much natural light exposure as you can, especially in the mornings.

Easier said than done some days, but even a little bit of light on your skin will help your body to regulate  – and it’s a great excuse for a coffee break!

Maybe winter isn’t so scary after all…

Tags:

• Period Fatigue
• SAD
• winter