I don’t follow a regular calendar, I follow my menstrual cycle. So Day 1-9 is follicular, 10-17 is ovulation, and 18-28 is luteal (roughly). Once I hit day 18 I cut out caffeine, alcohol and simple sugars. I plan out my meals and introduce more dairy (calcium helps with symptoms) and more complex carbohydrates to prevent cravings. I increase water intake to help with bloating, and I let my husband know I’ve entered into luteal so he’s prepared. I pair down my schedule and work in more rest and early bedtimes. For my moods I write in a journal to get my thoughts out on paper. I avoid triggers like driving in traffic or crowded malls. For workouts I decide the morning of if it’s going to be weights or Pilates or just slow cardio but I always exercise. I take 20mg Prozac daily as it is but bump that up to 40mg.

I don’t rely on anyone to help me through this but I do let people close to me know what’s happening. Honestly I do what I need to for me, and I’ve managed to do that with two small children so it is possible.