The 7 Worst Reasons to Quit Your Job

Alli Hoff Kosik
Aug 20, 2017

There’s nothing inherently wrong with saying sayonara to your current job. With the right timing and the right strategy for dealing with your disappointed employer, leaving your gig may even turn out to be the best decision you’ve ever made. We’re totally supportive of any decision that will advance your career and help you feel like the boss you are, so if it’s quittin’ time, go ahead and quit! That said, resigning is a pretty big deal, and there are many common workplace issues that (while certainly frustrating and problematic) are probably not grounds for doing so in and of themselves. Tracey Jones — president of professional development firm Tremendous Leadership — shared with us seven such reasons. If any of these problems are plaguing you from nine-to-five, see if you can get creative about solving them before you give up entirely.

1. You’re not crazy about your coworkers. Having a friend to sit next to in meetings and chat with at the water cooler is (of course) a perk at any workplace, but, according to Jones, lacking that special someone — or even working on a full team of people you don’t even like — is no reason to hand in your notice. Instead, address the individual colleagues that are actually causing a problem so that you can move forward. “If there’s one person in particular that you can’t stand, make adjustments in your location, schedule, or team projects to limit your interactions with that person,” Jones suggests.

2. Your hours are too long. Time management — not overwork — may be the real issue at hand. “Before you leave because of this, take stock of how you use your time, both on and off the job,” Jones says. “I guarantee that you can cut out waste in both areas.”

3. You don’t love all of your work. “You’re not going to love 100 percent of your job 100 percent of the time,” Jones reminds us. “Take a closer inventory of how much time you spend on the things you don’t enjoy and try to reduce it. Talk to your boss about focusing more on the things you love.” There has to be something in your job description that excites you — and if there’s not, then you really might have a problem and grounds for leaving.

4. You didn’t get the promotion. We want you to get every single promotion you deserve (and we totally trust that you deserve it), but we also want you to stay level-headed about how quickly career advancement happens for lady bosses everywhere. According to the employee engagement survey, more than half of employees believe they don’t have the advancement opportunities they’re looking for right now. “Instead of quitting, make sure your boss is aware of your career goals and set up a plan to reach the next rung,” encourages Jones. If after you and your boss have communicated about your ambitions they still don’t walk their talk on helping you grow your responsibilities, you may then decide to set your sights elsewhere.

5. You’re unhappy. In addition to wanting you to get promoted, we want you to have every happiness in the world, but again — it’s important to be reasonable. See if you can break down your workplace frustrations into smaller pieces, so you can tackle each item instead of feeling overwhelmed with general misery. “Pinpoint what exactly is making you unhappy and develop solutions to fix those specific things,” Jones advises.

6. You’re not getting enough credit. If you feel like you’re not sufficiently acknowledged for the awesome work you’re doing, you’re not alone. According to a global survey on the state of employee engagement (updated in real time — so cool!), close to two-thirds of employees agree that their work isn’t being adequately recognized either. If you’re craving more feedback from your boss, Jones recommends requesting face time with them on a monthly or quarterly basis… “But be careful, because your mistakes will come up too.” Many bosses will be too busy to give you the credit you so sorely crave, so don’t make any major decisions about your current place of work thinking that a new employer will solve the problem. Odds are it won’t.

7. Your boss is demanding. There’s no excuse for a boss who is abusive — verbally or otherwise — but there’s a difference between being treated inappropriately and simply being pushed to a higher standard. Before you throw in the towel, consider how reporting to someone demanding can make you better at your job. “A mean boss gives you an opportunity to work on your customer service skills,” Jones offers. “There is a lot to gain in a situation like this if you change your perspective a bit.” If a challenging supervisor is your only complaint at work, this shift in perspective may be just what you need to make you love your job (or at least like it) all over again.

What obstacles would get you to say goodbye to your gig? Tweet us @BritandCo!

(Photos via Getty)

6 Things to Do on Sunday for a More Productive Week

Nothing sets your week up for success more than a productive Sunday. By taking a few hours out of your weekend to get everything ready for the workdays ahead, you can set yourself up for success in every area of your life. Trying toeat healthier? Working toward some career goals? Trying to reduce stress in your life? All of these goals can be more easily accomplished by laying the proper groundwork for each week as it starts. Here are a few of the habits you should try to cultivate on Sundays for a more productive workweek.

Photo by Ella Olsson on Unsplash

1. Meal prep. First and foremost, meal prepping makes eating healthy throughout the week significantly easier. This is especially true if you work full time. Meal prepping doesn’t have to be a multi-hour, day-long process either. Here are a few of our favorite tips and tricks for keeping it quick:

  • Meal-prep your breakfasts by creating ready-to-go smoothies. Slice up whatever fruit and veggies you like to use and place them, along with any other mix-ins, into a ziplock bag. Store in the freezer. Each morning, all you need to do is add the contents of the bag along with water or milk to your blender and hit go.
  • Batch-cook your proteins for the week by laying 5-6 servings of meat on a baking sheet. Cook in the oven and store in the fridge, and then reheat throughout the week.
  • Cook a huge batch of rice or quinoa as a base for convenient, ready-to-go healthy sides.
  • Pre-slice any veggies you use tend to use often so you don't have to slice them up as you cook throughout the week. Common combos include mirepoix (onion, carrot, celery), sofrito (onion, garlic, tomato, bell pepper), and the Cajun “holy trinity" (onion, bell pepper, celery).
Photo by STIL on Unsplash

2. Organize your planner. Whether you use a day planner or a bullet journal, take 30 minutes or so to get everything organized for the week. Write in any appointments, plans, or projects you have on the horizon, and section off as much time as you'll need to get everything done. You can also use your planner to make grocery lists, track habits you want to accomplish each day, and schedule relaxation time.

3. Set goals. While you're working in your planner, set some goals for the week. Make sure they are timely things you can actually accomplish before the following Sunday: When you set unattainable goals, you only stress yourself out. In your planner, break down concrete steps and actions to take to ensure you achieve those weekly goals.

Photo by Lee Campbell on Unsplash

4. Clean out your bag. Too many of us start the week with last weekend's receipts, wrappers, scraps, movie tickets, and god-knows-what-else in our bags. Give yourself an organized start to the week and stay ahead of the mess by cleaning out your purse.

5. Pick out your outfits. Take a glance at the weather forecast, and use it to inform what outfits you want to wear on each day of the week. Even if you're WFH these days, having outfits all picked out will keep you feeling both comfy and ready to crush the day each day. You can either fold each outfit and arrange them side by side, our plan the outfits in an app like Stylebook.

6. Call an accountability partner. Pick a person — be it your mom, your best friend, or your SO — who will be an uplifting force in your life and help you stay focused as the week goes on. Agree to check in on each other mid-week to see how each other is doing and help gently remind each other of the goals you both want to accomplish. This should be a person who can also lend a friendly ear if you need to vent about your passion project, your coworker, or your creative blocks.

What productivity hacks do you use to prepare for the week? Tweet us @BritandCo and let us know, and sign up for our newsletter to get more tips delivered straight to your inbox!

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Mandy Teefey’s Go-To Hack Will Make Social Media Suck Less

We all have big feelings. And thanks to social media and rising levels of anxiety, those feelings, well, feel bigger than ever. That’s exactly where resources like Wondermind come in. The self-proclaimed “mental health ecosystem” is all about exploring, discussing, and navigating our emotions together. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Wondermind wants you to live your mental health journey in community because Mandy Teefey, who co-founded the company with daughter Selena Gomez, knows what it’s like to walk that journey alone.

Image via Wondermind

“As I went through a very long journey of finding I did have a mental health diagnosis — and then I was misdiagnosed and then I had to go through that — I was blessed to have the resources to do that,” Teefey, who received an ADHD and trauma diagnosis after a 20-year bipolar misdiagnosis, says. “Whenever I started my journey of discovering what mental condition I had…I didn't have anybody to lean into or explain the way I was feeling.”

While these personal experiences helped Teefey better understand mental health, it wasn’t until she produced Netflix’s 2017 series 13 Reasons Whythat she saw just how far the mental health conversation goes. The hit show went viral almost as soon as it aired because of its realistic depiction of mental health and all the aftershocks of trauma.

“After we did 13 Reasons Why and saw the reaction and the need for that support, me and Selena were trying to really figure out what could be next,” Teefey says. “Everybody was releasing things [at] different times. It's like you have to have 12 apps to have a program, and then remember to use them all. So that's when we decided to create a mental fitness ecosystem. So it's all-encompassing, but there's something for everyone.”

“We're not a medicinal company [but] we do have an advisory committee that oversees everything that we do,” Teefey continues. “We're technically not doctors, but we are for everyone when it comes to feelings. Everybody has feelings and they can go to our content hub and just kind of explore that for a while.”

Image via Brit + Co

Admittedly, that exploration bit is pretty fun. The articles are inspiring, and the worksheets (which are each created by an expert) are incredibly helpful. Seeing every program, article, and podcast episode feels like an opportunity to start fresh, but once you have all the ideas in front of you, what do you actually do? Teefey recommends journaling, even if it’s just a sentence every day. (She also loves watching journaling videos from Planning Annie: “Anytime I'm feeling sad or like a little unmotivated, I put her on.”)

Journaling every day, even if your entries are short, allows you to track your mood over an extended period of time. If you notice a consistent sadness, for example, it could be a sign it’s time to check in with your doctor. Plus, journaling can help prepare you for the conversations mental health appointments bring up.

“Sometimes if you go into a therapy session and you're not really settled or concrete in who you are and what may be going on, you might go through what I went through, which is being misdiagnosed,” Teefey says. “It's more important for you to know who you are and what you need prior to going in. So you can give that to them instead of them guessing and working around that process with you.”

Image via Brit + Co

Establishing a consistent routine can help decrease your stress, whether you’re eating the same breakfast every day, or you stick to a tried and true skincare regimen like Sydney Sweeney’s Cassie does on Euphoria. I immediately thought of this teen drama when Mandy Teefey mentioned how important her 4 a.m. routine is. But while Cassie spends time doing her skincare and makeup, Teefey spends time nurturing her soul.

“If I don't have [that routine], I'm usually really off kilter,” she says. “So I get up at 4 when everyone's still asleep, and I found that time could be about me, and I'm not taking it away from anybody. And so that's really what helped me be more grounded throughout the day.”

I can attest that my own quiet time in the morning is vital for a successful day — as is knowing what my boundaries need to be. Because honestly, boundaries can change daily! Teefey and I both acknowledge we have to stay away from sad music to protect our mental health, and she also recommends staying off social media when you feel your mental health struggling.

“I can go three days without looking at social media and then when I go on there, I start having anxiety because I'm like, ‘Oh my gosh, I haven't liked this person. I haven't even liked our own pictures [for] Wondermind.’ And then I start feeling guilty,” she says. “There's just some kind of [expectation] to do social media and you really don't. Not everybody needs to know everything, you know? There's beauty in privacy.”

Even Selena Gomez admitted at the 2024 Time100 Summit that taking time off Instagram "was the most rewarding gift I gave myself."

Image via Brit + Co

The idea of staying off social media is way easier said than done (speaking from first hand experience here). If you feel like you’re drowning in engagement announcements, anxiety-inducing news, and FOMO, Teefey recommends keeping tabs on your reactions to gauge when it’s time to take a serious break.

“If it invokes any emotion that is a negative emotion, I [know] it's not worth being angry about, it's not worth losing sleep about,” she says. “It just feels like there's an unintentional taunting on social media and, ‘Wait a minute, is that about me?’ You don't know this person and then you start running with all this stuff in your mind.”

Like every area of life, social media is all about balance, and if you’re looking to unplug while still staying informed, Mandy Teefey recommends bringing a journal with you when doing your morning news scroll — that way, you can process emotions while keeping tabs on what’s happening. “If anything evokes emotion, I'm meditating during the quiet time,” she says.

Studies have found journaling can help decrease your anxiety, and that it can help you break obsessive thought cycles. And while you’re the only one who can process your thoughts and emotions, it’s important not to isolate yourself from your community — especially when you’re struggling. “You gotta build trust and you gotta build the boundary of who you volunteer [your] help to,” she says.

When it comes to her own daughters, Mandy Teefey knows it’s a process. “You have to work with them and meet them where they're at, and then see the help they need and don't assume [they’re going through] what you went through,” she says. “You've got to really understand them to be able to give that advice.”

Image via Natalie Rhea

In her own life, Mandy Teefey got to experience building that trust first-hand with Selena Gomez! “One time it was very, very cold in California and me and Selena were on the opposite sides of the pool,” she says. “We were in sweats and she says, ‘Do you trust me?’ And I went, ‘Yeah.’ And she goes ‘Okay, if you trust me, on three, we're gonna jump in this ice cold pool.’”

While Teefey wasn’t convinced, she trusted Gomez, and they both ended up in the freezing cold water! Which is both a funny story and a fond memory: “We couldn't get out of the pool because [our clothes were] so heavy. It was madness!”

“There's a lot of things I know my daughters don't tell me and that's their right,” she continues. “It's so sensitive between teenagers — especially teenagers — and their parents. They're going through that phase and they don't want to be around them and they don't wanna tell them things. It's definitely not easy but maybe put some feelers out there and just make sure that they know you're there and make it okay to have these conversations.”

Thanks to all this actionable advice, we know that Mental Health Awareness month isn’t limited to TikTok videos or Instagram posts we can reshare. There are real tips we can use to take care of ourselves — and a place to go when we need a boost.

Watch Our Full Interview With Mandy Teefey Here!

youtu.be

Wondermind Co-Founder Mandy Teefey Helps Us Navigate Big Feelings For Mental Health Awareness Month

If you're struggling with your mental health, check in with your doctor or check out the mental health resources Wondermind offers. You can also use Psychology Today to find a therapist near you.

Lead image via Getty

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What Netflix Show You Should Binge On Your Holiday Break, According to Myers-Briggs

Finally getting time off during your holiday break is the perfect time to relax and catch up on your favorite Netflix series. From heartfelt comedies to dramas that keep us on the edge of our seats, there's just something magical about falling in love with a cast of characters and getting lost in a story. If you're looking for something new to start this December, watch the Netflix original that matches your Myers-Briggs personality type, then go back and watch the rest!

ISTJ — "Ginny & Georgia"

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Ginny & Georgia | Official Trailer | Netflix

15-year-old Ginny moves to New England with her mom Georgia and her brother Austin after the death of her stepfather. The fact that she often feels like the most mature person in her family frustrates her, but as Ginny navigates love, friendship, and life as a teenager, she realizes there might be more to her mother, and her stepfather's death, then meets the eye. The strong mother-daughter bond in this show will appeal to ISTJs' loyalty and dedication to family.

ISTP — "The Queen's Gambit"

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THE QUEEN'S GAMBIT Trailer (2020)

As Beth falls in love with playing chess, she also develops an addiction to the daily tranquilizer pills given out by her orphanage. Her success in the game and her addiction intertwine as she becomes one of the most famous players in the world. Independent ISTPs will love Beth's hands-on nature and her ferocity.

ISFJ — "Sweet Magnolias"

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SWEET MAGNOLIAS | Official Trailer | Netflix

Maddie, Helen, and Dana Sue have been friends since high school, and when they decide to open a spa in their town of Serenity, South Carolina, both their personal and love lives get very complicated. ISFJs, and their kind, responsible natures will fall in love with this warm-hearted Netflix series.

ISFP — "Virgin River"

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Virgin River | Official Trailer | Netflix

Mel moves to Virgin River after she sees an ad looking for a midwife nurse practitioner. She thinks it will be the perfect fresh start until she realizes that living in a small town is not as drama-free as she hoped. Because ISFPs can be easy-going and sensitive, they'll resonate with the journey Mel goes on to find healing and make a home in Virgin River.

INFJ — "Anne With An E"

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Anne | Official Trailer [HD] | Netflix

Siblings Mathew and Marilla think they've adopted a boy until they discover red-haired Anne instead. With a temper that matches her hair, Anne always seems to be getting into trouble, but her kindness, imagination, and loyalty quickly win the town over. INFJs will relate to Anne's complexity, creativity, and her love for all things beautiful.

INFP — "Bridgerton"

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Bridgerton | Official Trailer | Netflix

In a story that's a little bit Jane Austen, a little bit Gossip Girl, Daphne has one thing on her mind during her debut season: a suitor. When Daphne and the Duke fake a courtship to make her look desirable and him unavailable, they begin to develop real feelings. The idealistic and creative nature of INFPs will love this drama's colorful details and high stakes.

INTJ — "Never Have I Ever"

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Never Have I Ever | Official Trailer | Netflix

After dealing with her father's passing and being in a wheelchair for three months, Devi decides to change her social status. However her grief, Indian identity, and complicated relationships make it more difficult than she anticipated. INTJs are analytical, logical, and creative, which is why they'll relate to Devi's drive and passion.

INTP — "Shadow and Bone"

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​Shadow and Bone | Official Trailer | Netflix

When Alina saves her friend Mal while inside the Fold (a physical darkness splitting her country in two), she accidentally releases a power she didn't know she possessed. Everyone quickly realizes she's the Sun Summoner they've been waiting for and Alina gets swept into a world of power, intrigue, and magic that will certainly appeal to INTPs.

ESTP — "Girlboss"

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GIRLBOSS Trailer (2017) Britt Robertson Netflix Series HD

Sophia begins to flip clothing online after discovering a passion for fashion. When her business plans snag, she decides to start her own company, but realizes that being her own boss is harder than she thought. Sophia's outgoing nature and attention to detail will appeal to ESTPs who value the same things.

ESTJ — "The Chair"

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The Chair | Official Trailer | Netflix

Pembroke University appoints Ji-Yoon as the chair of the English department. As the first woman and woman of color in the position, she navigates love and parenting, while also realizing that the issues in the department run much deeper than she realized. ESTJs can be logical and assertive, and will relate to Ji-Yoon's take-charge nature.

ESFP — "Family Reunion"

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FAMILY REUNION Official Trailer (HD) Netflix Family Series

The McKellans decide to move to Georgia from Seattle after attending their family reunion. While they expect life in a small town to be simpler, it leaves them feeling out of place instead. Spontaneous, outgoing ESFPs will love this heartfelt family sitcom.

ESFJ — "Emily In Paris"

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Watch Emily in Paris | Netflix Official Site

Vibrant Emily becomes the American representative at a Parisian marketing firm in this fun, flirty show that can definitely be described as brain candy. Both Emily and ESFJs are outgoing and encourage others to be their best selves, making them the perfect match.

ENFP — "Julie and the Phantoms"

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Julie and the Phantoms NEW Series Trailer | Netflix Futures

Julie hasn't played the piano since her mom's death, but with the help of a boy band that's been dead for 25 years (yes, you read that right), she rediscovers her passion for music. This Netflix series is so fun, creative, and oh-so heartfelt that ENFPs of all ages will love it. Plus it's got a great soundtrack.

ENFJ — "The Babysitter's Club"

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The Baby-Sitters Club Official Trailer | Netflix Futures

Five best friends start a babysitting business in their Connecticut small town, and must deal with bullies, school, and crushes. Don't be fooled by the the fact that this show is about middle schoolers: The issues they face definitely speak to ones faced by people of all ages today and the girls are confident, social, and able to pick up on the needs of the people around them, just like ENFJs.

ENTJ — "Tiny Pretty Things"

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Tiny Pretty Things | Official Trailer | Netflix

When Cassie, the star dancer at a Chicago ballet school, is attacked, Neveah must take her place, but is unprepared for the cutthroat competition that awaits her there. The characters' focus on success is perfect for ENTJs and their no-nonsense, hardworking nature.

ENTP — "Stranger Things"

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Stranger Things | Official Final Trailer | Netflix

When Will goes missing from his Indiana small town, the search to find him uncovers a mysterious girl and a string of government experiments. The more Will's friends and family discover, the more they wonder why the authorities are so interested in his disappearance. ENTPs' innovation and idea-oriented nature will love this unique, creative Netflix series.

Let us know on Instagram what your favorite Netflix series is and subscribe to our email newsletter for more holiday break ideas!

Featured image via Roger Do Minh/Netflix

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Ryan Gosling Is The Ultimate Girl Dad

After The Gray Man and a year full of Barbie and Ken, The Fall Guy (plus the upcoming Ocean's 11 prequelwith Margot Robbie) continues to prove Ryan Gosling is THE definition of a star. And between his friendship with Emma Stone and his relationship with Eva Mendes,Ryan seems like the kind of guy we'd all want to be best friends with — and not just because of his endless #Kenergy.

Not only is Ryan the sweetest partner, he's also the ultimate girl dad to daughters Esmeralda and Amada. Their "interest in Barbie and disinterest in Ken," as Ryan tells People, get him to Barbieland in the first place, but he also just revealed they "asked specifically" he avoid one The Fall Guy stunt. “My kids didn't want me to be set on fire,” he says. “Even though I said, ‘Well, it's actually, technically the safer thing to do because there's a lot of protective stuff involved, [they] were like, ‘No. No fire.’ So I didn't do it.”

It's clear that Ryan Gosling's children are spitfires and I love to see it! Here's everything you need to know about Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids.

How many children do Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have?

Image via Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images

Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have two children, Esmerelda Amada and Amada Lee. Amada was named after Eva's grandmother — both my sister and I have family names and I love seeing the way different families carry on that tradition!

How old are Ryan Gosling's kids?

Image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

Esmerelda was born in September 2014, meaning she'll turn 10 this fall. Amada just turned 8 at the end of April!

How does Ryan Gosling prioritize his kids?

Image via Lionsgate

In his recent profile with WSJ, Ryan Gosling revealed he only picks roles that will benefit his whole family. "I don't really take roles that are going to put me in some kind of dark place," Ryan says. "The decisions I make, I make them with Eva and we make them with our family in mind first."

"I think La La Landwas the first," he continues. "It was sort of like, 'Oh this will be fun for them too, because even though they're not coming to set, we're practicing piano every day or we're dancing or we're singing.'"

Every couple needs to figure out what prioritizing their kids looks like for them, and considering how much I love all Ryan's recent roles, I'd say this is a shift that benefits everyone ;).

When did Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes have their daughters?

Image via Andrew Toth/Getty Images for New York & Company

Eva Mendes gave birth to Esmerelda on September 12, 2014 and later had Amada on April 29, 2016.

Are Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes still together?

Image via Sonia Recchia/Getty Images

Yes, Ryan Gosling and Eva Mendes are still going strong, and thank goodness. Eva just revealed that Ryan provides a ton of support for her. "When I was 40, it was a big deal for people when I was pregnant, and it wasn't for me," she tells People. "And then I was 42 and I was pregnant with my second one and people were like, 'Oh my God, you're going to be so tired. That's why people have kids in their 20s.' I was like, that's the most sorry, asinine thing I've ever heard."

"[Ryan supports me] in all the ways I need to be supported," she continues. "He's got me in all the ways."

How has fatherhood affected Ryan Gosling?

Image via Hector Vivas/Getty Images

Considering Ryan Gosling's daughters are such a huge part of his life now, it's hard to believe that earlier in life, he wasn't sure he wanted kids. "After I met Eva, I realized that I just didn’t want to have kids without her," he tells GQ. "And there were moments on The Place Beyond the Pines where we were pretending to be a family, and I didn’t really want it to be pretend anymore." Now, I'm going to need you to pause and reread that quote because I can't believe that's a real sentence. I'm obsessed!

A source also told People in 2023 that "Ryan is such a fun dad. He is goofy and his girls love it."

Via WSJ, we also know that since Ryan Gosling's kids have started learning Spanish, they now call him Papi. "It kills me every time," he says. "There's just nothing, nothing better than that."

What has Eva Mendes said about their daughters?

Image via Eva Mendes/Instagram

Eva Mendes is just as obsessed with her and Ryan Gosling's children as he is, and she's talked about how they make life so much better. "Oh April…I have such a complicated relationship with you," she says on Instagram. "[April 2] would have been my brother’s birthday…..in a couple of weeks from now is the day we lost him…but then, the end of April we got the biggest blessing of all, my little girl was born 8 years ago. I hate you April. But I love you more."

Check out our email newsletter for the latest celebrity news and trending content, and check back here for the latest news on Eva Mendes and Ryan Gosling's kids!

Lead image via Daniel Boczarski/Getty Images for Universal Pictures

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Dealing With Stubborn Bloating? An Expert Shares How To Banish It

Bloating is a common digestive issue that can make you feel sluggish, uncomfortable, and self-conscious. While bloating is often caused by overeating, there are other factors that can contribute to this uncomfortable sensation, such as consuming gas-producing foods or experiencing hormonal changes.

The thing is that bloating happens to the best of us so it doesn't mean you're weird if you haven't figured out what's causing your tummy issues. Between weight fluctuations and hormonal changes post-birth, I still haven't cracked the 'happy digestive system' code. But, that lack of knowledge is no match for the expertise of Dr. Brynna Connor, MD — a Healthcare Ambassador at NorthWest Pharmacy.

Based in Austin, Texas where she has her own private practice, Dr. Connor is a member of the Texas Academy of Family Practice, the American Academy of Family Practice, and the Texas Medical Association. In other words, she has nearly two decades worth of medical experience that makes her the right person to answer all our "How to get rid of bloating" questions.

Whether you're dealing with the occasional bloat or chronic digestive issues, Dr. Connor has expert tips to help you find relief and get back to enjoying healthy meals that your body loves.

How can I tell if I'm bloated?

Image via Polina Zimmerman/Pexels

Before I became a mom, it was easy for me to recognize the immediate signs of bloating. I only experienced it during PMS and the week of my cycle, but it always went away for a few weeks. Not only that, I used to be able to pinpoint which foods were the culprit of horrific period cramps and the inevitable gassiness that seemed to make my cycles 10x worse. Now, things are up in the air and I'm joining the ranks of other curious women who want to know what's considered bloating.

Dr. Connor says, "There are various symptoms a woman may experience if she’s bloated. Bloating may make you feel like your stomach is tight or full and can cause abdominal pain, swollen/distended stomach, flatulence, belching, and/or stomach cramps. It’s not uncommon to experience multiple symptoms of bloating at once."

I don't think I need to mention just how uncomfortable things can feel when experiencing multiple bloating symptoms.

What triggers bloating symptoms?

Image via cottonbro studio/Pexels

I mentioned my daily cycle as one of the reasons I knew I used to experience bloating, but there are more things that can trigger it. "Bloating occurs when your gastrointestinal or digestive system(s) are filled with gas or liquid and there are six common potential causes," says Dr. Connor.

She lists having gas as one of the first reasons. "It’s normal to experience symptoms of excess gas, especially after eating and/or drinking as you may have also swallowed small amounts of air. Certain factors may increase the likelihood that you experience bloating after eating, such as chewing gum, drinking carbonated beverages, and/or eating or drinking too fast."

Hearing this reminds me of the moments I was told to slow down when eating my food as a little girl.

Image via Maksim Goncharenok/Pexels

There's also the chance that you have a food intolerance. I only speak for myself when I say that I'm only able to consume dairy in small increments and tomato sauce? Well, I can just forget that because lately my stomach skips bloating and heads right to nausea. What gives, you ask?

Dr. Connor says, "You can experience bloating if your digestive system has trouble breaking down certain foods. Common food intolerances that can lead to bloating include lactose intolerance, gluten intolerance, and/or fructose intolerance." Feeling mind-blown about possibly having a fructose intolerance? Same here, but Dr. Connor explains what happens when our body breaks down certain foods.

"There are also chemicals found in particular foods that can increase the chances of bloating after they’re ingested, including histamine (found in wine and cheese), caffeine, alcohol, sulfites (found in beer and wine), and monosodium glutamate (MSG – found in ripe fruit and cured meat)," she says.

If you're hearing someone play the world's smallest violin, it's me mourning the fact that my two greatest loves — wine and cheese — may not be the best things to consume together.

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I can say it's been a while since I've been constipated, but only because my doctor all but demanded that I start taking probiotics and eating more probiotic-rich foods. Still, it always sucks when constipation happens which explains the bloating that tends to follow.

"When your large intestine absorbs too much water from your stool, it becomes harder and more difficult to pass. The resulting buildup of stool in your colon can lead to bloating, swelling, and stomach/abdominal pain, and you’re particularly susceptible to constipation if you’re not getting enough fiber, water, or exercise. Changes to your daily routine or an increased level of stress can also contribute to constipation and bloating," says Dr. Connor.

Somehow this is oddly comforting to know that stress can also be a culprit.

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Like I mentioned before, starting your period is one of the reasons you can experience bloat. What Dr. Connor says next will occupy a space in your mind if you're never considered what happens during that special time of the month.

"Certain hormones, like estrogen, can cause your body to hold onto water, which can cause swelling in the abdomen. Estrogen can also interact with progesterone in your digestive system, leading to increased gas in your intestines. Bloating prior to your period may also be caused by the increase in volume in your uterus just before your period starts," she says.

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I've been prescribed different medications after two of my surgeries and found that I experienced unusual bloating that led to horrific cycles. Dr. Connor says there's a reason why certain medications or supplements can cause this to happen.

"...fiber supplements can cause bloating or constipation when the supplement isn’t taken with enough water. Other medications that can lead to bloating and/or constipation include opioids like hydrocodone or oxycodone, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin or ibuprofen, iron supplements, and antihistamines like Benadryl," she offers.

Although I no longer take Benadryl, I can confirm I experienced a ton of bloating when trying to combat my allergies.

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Lastly, Dr. Connor says there could be underlying medical reason you're experiencing bloating. "People living with gastrointestinal diseases like Celiac Disease, an inflammatory bowel disease such as Crohn’s or ulcerative colitis, or irritable bowel syndrome are more likely to experience bloating, excess gas, and constipation."

She also says, "Underlying liver disease or cancers can also cause bloating in the abdomen, which is why you should talk to your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged symptoms associated with bloating, or if you’re having any additional symptoms such as vaginal bleeding, or pelvic pain, blood in your stool, difficulty swallowing, or any excess fatigue or unexplained weight loss."

What are some ways to reduce bloating in general and during PMS/menstrual cycles?

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Dr. Connor says managing bloating can depend on what's triggering your symptoms. It's always best to schedule an appointment with your doctor if you concerned about your digestive health, but there are things you can do at home to provide some relief.

"At-home solutions include over-the-counter (OTC) medications like Gas-X or antacids that can be taken together or separately. Probiotics can also help reduce gas and restore the balance of bacteria in your digestive tract. Herbal remedies like peppermint, chamomile tea, or turmeric, can aid digestion, and peppermint oil can help relax muscles in the stomach that aid in the passing of gas."

She also suggests that you increase your fiber intake, incorporate exercise in your routine, and stay hydrated.

By taking steps to reduce bloating, you can improve your overall health and feel more comfortable in your daily life.

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This post has been updated.

Header photo by Anete Lusina/ PEXELS

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