By Shelley Budd
I found myself incredibly ruffled by the old monthly crank this weekend, more so than usual. I’m wondering if it’s the heat. My theory goes, amazing sunshine + period = serious crankiness, feeling all the more sensitive to hormonal fluctuations because of the heat. Total non-medical diagnosis, but whatever the reason, if you find yourself barking orders at perfectly lovely people or heart-achingly whining because you dropped a single grape, try these stress-reducing cures.

1. Mist yourself. Close your eyes and breathe deeply. There’s a great Natural Wellness shop on Robson St., called Saje- there you’ll be directed to a remedy for anything from PMS and cramps to grief or mental fatigue, so you can pick up something for yourself and whoever you’re spending time with on a bad rag.
2. Eat something luxurious. Pick your sullen mood up off the dirty floor by indulging in a swank treat to-go – Le Crocodile on Burrard makes their Classic Alsatian Style Onion Tart specifically for that time of the month, I think…the French are bitchy all year long so I guess they need it. It’s smooth as silk with a perfect crust and little bits of bacon inside; a true, “one-of the-best-things-I’ve-ever-eaten,” foodie delight, and they’ll give it to you in a fancy, bright, shopping bag.
3. Watch a Period Film. These consist of a healthy dose of comedy, a fierce leading lady, great art direction and an accessible love story that works out in the end. Happy Go Lucky, Volver and Rachel Getting Married are all Period Films. Or the 90’s classics like Excess Baggage and Empire Records always feel good.

Other Notables:
Baking Pretzels
Rootbeer Floats
Ordering in the Italian Mushroom Pizza, from Oscar Pizza on Denman St.
Going for a solo, meditative, lane swim, ie. YMCA on Burrard from 7 to 10:30pm
Playing racket sports to get out the aggression