Practicing Ahimsa During PMS
A Gentle Reminder That You Deserve Kindness—Especially From Yourself
Ahimsa is the first principle of yoga. It means non-harming—toward others, yes, but also (and especially) toward ourselves.
And I’ve found no better time to practice ahimsa than during the days before my bleed—when everything feels a little more raw, when the world feels too loud, and when my inner critic can speak louder than truth.
PMS can bring irritability, fatigue, sensitivity, tears over nothing, and a sudden craving to reorganize your entire life. It can feel uncomfortable and confusing. But it is not wrong.
PMS is a call inward.
And ahimsa is how we answer.
🧘♀️ What is Ahimsa, Really?
In yoga philosophy, ahimsa is the root of all other principles. It’s more than “not hurting”—it’s the presence of love. It’s making space for tenderness, truth, and trust.
During PMS, this practice becomes especially important because that’s when:
We may judge ourselves more harshly
We may push past our limits
We may feel out of sync with the world around us
Ahimsa invites us to ask:
🌸 How can I be more gentle here?
🌸 What would love do in this moment?
🌾 What Practicing Ahimsa During PMS Looks Like
1. Softening the Inner Voice
That voice that says “You’re too much,” “You’re not productive,” “Get it together”—
Let’s not believe her this week. Let’s notice her and offer a different story.
Try this instead:
“I am allowed to be tender.”
“This phase is sacred too.”
“I’m not behind—I’m cycling.”
2. Honoring the Body’s Needs
Your energy is shifting. Your hormones are moving. Of course you’re tired. Of course you’re craving rest.
Ahimsa says:
“Cancel what you can.”
“Say no with love.”
“Put on the cozy clothes.”
“Eat what comforts you—and bless it.”
3. Moving Gently (or Not at All)
Sometimes I move slowly through yin yoga or go for a walk. Sometimes I just lie down with my legs up the wall and breathe.
Ahimsa isn’t about doing less because you’re weak. It’s about doing less because you’re wise.
4. Letting Emotions Be Messy
Tears? Frustration? Mood swings? That’s okay. Let them move. Let them be.
You don’t have to make sense. You don’t have to fix it.
Just hold it. Let it rise, like a wave. Let it pass.
💗 A Simple Ahimsa Ritual for PMS Days
Make a cup of warm tea or cacao.
Put your hand on your heart and your womb. Breathe deeply.
Say aloud:
“I choose gentleness over judgment.”
“I trust my body’s wisdom.”
“Even this is holy.”Journal or simply rest in silence.
Let it be enough.
🌙 Final Thoughts
You are not broken because you feel more during this time. You are not failing because you don’t want to keep up.
You are cyclical.
You are sacred.
You are worthy of tenderness.
Practicing ahimsa during PMS is not indulgent—it is radical self-respect.
And I promise: the more you meet yourself with softness here, the more you’ll bloom with strength in what follows.
With lavender tea and deep permission,
Ilda