Admittedly, when you’re on your period, the last thing you feel like doing is wearing tight, form-fitting, and figure-hugging attire which clings to your already uncomfortably bloated body! Ditch the slim-line pencil skirts and tight dresses during this particular time of the month, and opt instead for loose-fitting, comfortable pants, flowy shirts or t-shirts, or even flattering maxi skirts and dresses – especially in the summer.
Equally important are the sanitary products you choose to protect yourself with while you’re menstruating, and while many women choose to use traditional pads and tampons, one of the most comfortable and protective sanitary products on the market is period underwear. Nevertheless, some women may hesitate in using this type of product – perhaps apprehensive that the period underwear might not be comfortable, that it will not be stylish or flattering, or that it will not compliment their outfit.
Thankfully, if you choose to purchase a period g-string, you can still experience that form-fitting look that will not compromise your outfit with unsightly panty lines! Better yet, period g-strings are usually just as comfortable as other underwear of this style and shape.
Try to Avoid Eating Excessive Junk Food or Consuming Too Much Alcohol
Often, when we have our period, the first thing we want to do is reach for the chocolate, chips, and ice cream! However, the best thing to do is the opposite. Healthy foods such as salads, vegetables, and whole grains not only help to nourish your body, but they will also make you feel stronger and healthier, helping you get through your period more easily. Protein-rich foods are especially important when on your period – think nutritious, nutrient-packed, and energy-dense foods such as beef steak or turkey mince, salmon or other oily fish, or you could even choose from a variety of beans and legumes such as kidney beans, fava beans, or lentils – particularly if you are vegetarian or avoiding red meat.
Do Some Light Exercise! It Can Help With Period Pains and Cramps
No need to go crazy! Even some light cardio such as a gentle walk at the beach, your local park, or even just on a treadmill or elliptical trainer at the gym, will have you feeling a million times better, in no time at all. You don’t have to go too hard, as most likely, you will not feel energetic enough to face heavy weights or a high-intensity circuit workout. Nevertheless, the great news is that studies have shown that even light exercise can minimise the pain and discomfort many women feel while on their period – especially if they are prone to uncomfortable cramping.
Apply Heat to the Area of Discomfort
If you are experiencing cramps during your period, applying heat to the stomach and uterus area can be of great help. Using a heat pack or hot water bottle is a popular way of doing this. Alternatively, you could have a hot bath, or even drink a soothing cup of hot tea to warm your insides!
Distract Yourself with Self care Activities
Often, our mood, emotions, and general motivation are impacted when we have our period. Many women experience mood swings, irritability, and even elements of depression when menstruating. Selfcare activities can help – for example, spending time with friends, family and loved ones can lift your spirits. Otherwise, having a soothing bubble bath and pampering yourself can also help. Another great way to improve mood, in general, and when on your period, is through gratitude journaling. The act of expressing gratitude has been applauded by many therapists and counsellors as being one of the best forms of psychological self-care.
A fantastic gratitude prompt for while you are menstruating is to consciously remind yourself that having your period is a privilege and a sign that your body, menstrual cycle, and overall reproductive system are operational, and that you are in good health. Many athletes – professional bodybuilders and competitive bikini models, for example – often lose their periods through overtraining. This can compromise their reproductive system, and affect their chances of having a child in the future. As such, you can be grateful that your chances of conceiving and having a baby are high if that is something that you want for yourself.
Remind Yourself That Your Period Only Happens Once a Month
After all, your period only lasts for approximately 4 – 8 days out of the month. Until next time, you can enjoy the remainder of the month – period free!