the ultimate period self care guide
I hate being on my period (besides the confirmation that I’m not pregnant!) But can’t it last like 30 minutes? A quick appearance letting me know my hot girl activities can continue.
My periods only bring cramps, tears, discomfort and emotions, but it doesn’t have to be the worst week ever though.
You can add some self care and implement little things that can bring you comfort during your time of the month.
Being a woman is beautifully complex, and dealing with a monthly cycle is something that most of us have to deal with.
So let’s make it something more enjoyable and less daunting!
always have extra tampons, pads, etc. in your bags
There have been countless times I have forgotten to pack my period essentials, leaving myself stranded to make do with balled up tissues from them.
Or having to ask strangers until someone is able to save me.
You don’t want to be left defenseless in these kinds of situations. It’s very annoying, and you can end up with an accident.
It can be so embarrassing to bleed through your underwear or pants (which I’ll be bold enough to say has happened to me multiple times, especially in middle school.)
There’s comfort in knowing that you’re prepared if something accidentally goes wrong, or if you start your period earlier than expected. I also like to have extra protection, such as wearing panty lines with a tampon, just so I know that I’ll be good.
Having extra products on you, whether it’s pads, tampons, menstrual cups, period underwear, etc., can make you have a less stressful cycle.
invest in a good heating pad
I love, love, love my heating pad. I’ve used heating pads since I was a teenager because it really does make so much of a difference when I’m dealing with stomach cramps or back pain.
In fact, I’ll use my heating pad everywhere on my body when I’m feeling aching pain, even if I’m not on my period!
I’m also pro-over-the-counter-meds (like Tylenol, Midol, Advil, etc.), but it does take a good 45 minutes to an hour to kick in for me.
That hour can be a very painful experience, and I need something to take off some of that pain (immediately!). So it’s a game changer to have a heating pad near me when I need it.
shop the self love daily planner
beyond being a daily organizer and self care planner, our journal is a guided self love experience aimed at promoting wellness and personal growth.
don’t be hard on yourself for bloating, acne, etc.
I feel sooo gross on my period. I know as a feminist, I’m not supposed to say how gross periods can be.
But the truth is I get disgusted sometimes with all the blood.
I feel so ugly sometimes, especially with the hormonal acne I get.
I get so bloated and am always a few pounds heavier during that week that I’m pmsing and on my period.
Feeling a little worse on your period about yourself is the reality of being on your period for many women.
I have to constantly remind myself that it’s the hormones that are making me feel so bad, and everything will be back to normal in a few days.
Be extra kind to yourself during this time, and remind yourself that all the changes that happen to your body and skin are natural. It just means you are a woman, and being a woman is beautifully complex.
embrace extra sleep and rest
When you’re on your period, you can feel extra tired and wear yourself out more easily. Things like exercising and working may seem harder than normal, and that’s okay.
You should give yourself grace, and allow yourself to rest when you feel tired.
One of the biggest things they suggest to help your period symptoms is to exercise because it alleviates some of the menstrual pain and boosts energy. I definitely recommend it if it helps you!
But I also know that exercising is one of the things I lessen, or give myself more grace with, during my period. It makes me feel extra lightheaded and overheated.
I’ll sometimes swap an intense workout for going on a light walk, or simply choosing to take a rest week.
Do what makes you feel good. If you have a routine that you want to stick with, whether it’s working out, partaking in hobbies, etc., I encourage you to keep that up, but also remind yourself that it’s okay to not give it your 100% if you’re unable to.
Rest when you need to, take additional naps, go to sleep early and do what you need to show your body some self love and care during this time.
have comfy clothes on standby to wear
Wearing comfortable and baggy clothes is a must for me. I’m so prone to bloating and feeling gross, so a loose shirt and pants are so important for my lifestyle.
Especially at work, when I have to dress up and wear more formal clothes, I try to save my loose fitting outfits and pants that don’t have a tight band for my period days.
If I’m at home, I’m quick to change into sweatpants and pajama pants to chill in. I love sweatshirts, fuzzy socks and curling into a ball on my couch.
I really believe comfy clothes make the difference in comfort levels on your period. I will always advocate to wear things you feel your best in, especially when your body is doing so much already on the inside.
treat yourself with your cravings
Periods can be rough. You deserve to cave in to your cravings, whether it’s chocolate, ice cream, fries, etc.
Being on your period is like being sick: calories and diets don’t count the same. You should splurge on yourself and enjoy the things that will make you happy.
You should also have nutritious foods that are good for your period, including fruits, iron-rich foods, dark chocolate, etc. But it’s also okay if what you want to enjoy isn’t the best for you.
Treat yourself, and remember how strong you are as a woman for getting through all the periods we have to experience in a lifetime!
