Hey ladies! So, I was just sipping my morning coffee (okay, it was my third cup, don’t judge me ☕️) and it hit me—why do we treat our periods like some kind of monthly apocalypse? Like, why is it always “Ugh, my period is coming,” instead of “Hey, my body is doing this amazing thing again!”? I mean, I get it. Cramps, bloating, mood swings—it’s not exactly a walk in the park. But what if I told you that shifting your mindset about your period could actually make it… dare I say… a positive experience? Stick with me, because I’m about to spill the tea on how I went from dreading my cycle to actually embracing it.
First off, let’s talk about the stigma. Society has done us dirty by making periods this taboo topic. Like, why is it still weird to say “I’m on my period” in public? It’s literally half the population’s reality! I used to hide my tampons in my sleeve like I was smuggling contraband. But then I realized—why? It’s not like I’m hiding a weapon. It’s just a tampon. So, I started being more open about it. And guess what? The world didn’t end. In fact, it felt liberating. When you normalize something, it loses its power to shame you.
Now, let’s get into the science-y stuff because, yes, I’m that girl who loves a good fact. Did you know that your menstrual cycle is divided into four phases? There’s the menstrual phase (when you’re bleeding), the follicular phase (when your body is prepping for ovulation), the ovulatory phase (when you’re most fertile), and the luteal phase (when your body is like, “Okay, are we pregnant or not?”). Each phase has its own hormonal cocktail, which affects everything from your energy levels to your skin. For example, during the follicular phase, estrogen is on the rise, and I feel like I could conquer the world. But during the luteal phase, progesterone takes over, and I’m like, “Can I just eat this entire pizza and cry?” Understanding these phases helped me stop fighting my body and start working with it.
Speaking of working with your body, let’s talk about self-care during your period. I used to treat my period like a punishment—like, “Oh, I’m bleeding, so I’ll just suffer in silence.” But then I realized—why not pamper myself instead? I started creating little rituals around my period. For example, I’ll take a warm bath with Epsom salts (hello, magnesium!) and light some candles. I’ll also indulge in some dark chocolate because, hello, antioxidants and mood boosters. And let’s not forget about movement. I used to think I had to skip the gym during my period, but now I know that gentle exercise like yoga or walking can actually help with cramps.
Oh, and let’s talk about period products for a sec. I used to be a tampon girl, but then I discovered menstrual cups, and it was a game-changer. Not only are they eco-friendly, but they also hold more than tampons, so I don’t have to worry about leaks as much. Plus, they’re way more comfortable once you get the hang of them. And if cups aren’t your thing, there are so many other options now—period underwear, reusable pads, you name it. It’s like the Wild West of period products, and I’m here for it.
Now, let’s address the elephant in the room—pain. I used to pop ibuprofen like candy during my period, but then I started exploring more natural remedies. For example, I’ve found that drinking ginger tea can help with cramps. And if you’re into essential oils, a little lavender oil on your temples can work wonders for headaches. Of course, if your pain is severe, don’t hesitate to talk to a healthcare provider. But for me, these little hacks have made a big difference.
Finally, let’s talk about the emotional side of things. I used to think my mood swings were just something I had to deal with, but then I realized—they’re actually a sign that my body is doing what it’s supposed to do. Instead of beating myself up for being emotional, I’ve learned to honor those feelings. If I need to cry, I cry. If I need to vent, I vent. And if I need to eat an entire pint of ice cream, well, that’s between me and my freezer.
So, there you have it—my journey to period positivity. It’s not about pretending that periods are all rainbows and butterflies. It’s about shifting your mindset and finding ways to make the experience a little more bearable—and maybe even a little empowering. Because at the end of the day, your period is a sign that your body is doing something incredible. And that’s something to celebrate.