Although stress does not cause premenstrual syndrome (PMS), reducing stress can make your symptoms less severe.

• Identify the difficult situations and people in your life, and then look for ways you can reduce the stress they cause.
• Manage your schedule ahead of time as much as possible. Avoid the stress of rushing by planning in an extra 5 to 10 minutes before commitments and appointments.
• Get the amount of sleep you need to feel rested the next day.
• Avoid stressful or emotional activities (paying bills or reading an exciting book) just before going to bed, especially if your PMS symptoms include sleep disturbance.
• Try a relaxation technique such as meditation. Meditation methods may reduce PMS mood symptoms much more effectively than no activity or a quiet activity. Meditation has an effect on natural brain chemicals (neurotransmitters) that calm your mood.

For more information about ways to reduce stress, see the topic Stress Management.