Hey girls! You know that time of the month when it feels like our bodies are on a wild rollercoaster? Yeah, that’s the good ol’ period. But let me tell you, I’ve been on a journey to make this time a whole lot easier and even kind of enjoyable (well, as enjoyable as it can get, lol).
First off, let’s talk about food. I used to think that during my period, I could just munch on anything and everything. I mean, cravings are real, right? But then I realized that what I eat actually has a huge impact on how I feel. I started incorporating more foods rich in iron, like spinach and lentils. Seriously, it’s amazing how a simple salad with some spinach can give me that extra boost of energy when I’m feeling all sluggish and tired. And don’t even get me started on dark chocolate. Not only does it satisfy my sweet tooth, but it also has some antioxidants that are supposed to be good for us during that time. I like to think of it as my little treat that’s actually kind of healthy too.
Moving on to exercise. I know, the thought of working out when you’ve got cramps and feel all bloated might sound like torture. But trust me, gentle exercise can do wonders. I started doing some light yoga poses, like the cat-cow stretch and the child’s pose. It helps to relieve the tension in my lower back and abdomen where I usually feel the cramps the most. And if I’m feeling a bit more energetic, I’ll go for a short walk outside. The fresh air and the movement really help to clear my head and make me feel less grumpy. I remember one time when I was feeling super down during my period, and I forced myself to go for a walk. By the time I got back, I was in a much better mood. It’s like the exercise released all those endorphins that were hiding away.
Now, let’s talk about self-care. This is a big one for me. I like to create a little cozy corner in my room with some soft blankets, scented candles, and a good book. During my period, I’ll take some extra time to just relax there. I’ll light the candles, snuggle up with the blankets, and lose myself in a fictional world. It’s like a mini escape from the reality of dealing with my period. And taking a warm bath is another must. I’ll add some Epsom salts and a few drops of lavender essential oil. The warm water soothes my muscles, and the lavender scent just relaxes me completely. It’s like my own little spa session at home.
Sleep is also crucial. I used to stay up late watching shows or scrolling through my phone during my period, thinking it would distract me from how I felt. But then I’d wake up the next day feeling even worse. Now, I make sure to get to bed a bit earlier and get a good solid 7-8 hours of sleep. It really makes a difference in how I handle the whole period situation. When I’m well-rested, I’m less likely to snap at people and more able to deal with any mood swings that come my way.
Another thing I’ve learned is to listen to my body. Sometimes, I might feel like I need to take a day off from work or school and just rest. And that’s okay. We shouldn’t push ourselves too hard during this time. I used to feel guilty about taking a break, but now I realize it’s what my body needs. There was this one time when I had a really important project due at work, and I was on my period. I was trying to power through it, but I just couldn’t focus. So I finally decided to take a half-day off, went home, took a nap, and when I came back the next day, I was able to finish the project with much more ease.
In terms of products, I’ve been on a hunt for the best ones. I used to just grab whatever pads or tampons were on sale, but now I’m more picky. I’ve found some really great organic pads that are super soft and comfortable. And for tampons, I look for ones that have a smooth insertion and good absorbency. I also like to keep some pain relievers on hand, just in case the cramps get really bad. But I try not to rely on them too much, as I want to address the root causes of my discomfort rather than just masking it with pills.
Emotions are a big part of the period experience too. I’ve had my fair share of mood swings, from crying over a sappy commercial to getting really angry at the smallest things. But I’ve learned to accept that it’s just part of the process. I’ll talk to my friends about how I’m feeling, and they’re usually really understanding. It’s amazing how just having someone to listen and empathize can make you feel so much better. I remember one time when I was feeling really down and I called my best friend. She just listened to me rant and rave for half an hour, and by the end of it, I was laughing at myself for being so silly.
Overall, embracing the flow of my period has been a journey. It’s not always easy, but by taking care of myself in these different ways, I’ve made it a whole lot more bearable. So girls, don’t dread that time of the month. Instead, use it as an opportunity to pamper yourself and take care of your amazing bodies. Because we deserve it!