We all know that when it comes to that time of the month, and sometimes, for some of us, when it happens twice a month, there is a deep need to hibernate until the end of time (or until the end of this harrowing menstruation). I personally find my periods to be some of the most glorious days for the sake of bowel-cleansing! But more than that, periods can bring some [in]tense pain, heavy bleeding, fatigue and lots of tears. As someone who has been menstruating for nearly ten years now, I think that it is safe to say that I know and have been through (most of) it all. From a never-ending period and a heavy flow that lasts for an entire five days, to irrational pregnancy scares due to irregular cycles. PCOS tests, the pill for regulation and a trip or three down to the ER for the pulls and tugs on my uterus, my periods have really put me through the most. Thus, come every month, I use these few and simple tricks to help me cope with the period experience that I am never able to predict.
Tip 1: Know your cycle
Most people who menstruate are often able to find the routine and usually know ‘round about when to expect it. Otherwise, apps that are easy and free to download and use on your smartphone or other handsets can also be handy to help track and predict a cycle. For those of us who prefer to doodle and get artsy with it, creating a doodle calendar on a whiteboard or in a sketchbook can help you single out the days of the month of which you should expect your periods. Three consecutive months of +/- the same days intervals are usually good indicators of a cycle. Otherwise, a date-to-date method also works!
Tip 2: Prepare
Preparation is always a hit for me! My go-to is singling out the two days before I am about to bleed and preparing my body by taking an anti-inflammatory and a painkiller thrice a day, as prescribed by my doctor, for both of those days and into my first day of bleeding. This helps with the internal swelling and muscle-tension your body might be going through due to the blood build up and release. If you suffer from any forms of vitamin deficiencies, do take your necessary supplements during this time – especially if you have an iron deficiency!
Tip 3: Hydrate
Staying hydrated during your period is possibly one of the best things you can do for yourself. Due to the amount of fluids and blood your body is releasing, staying hydrated is of utmost importance. For many of us, when we urinate, we wipe away blood, not noticing in our urine whether or not the body is in need of fluids. Thus, just adding an extra two or three glasses of water a day can really help fight both fatigue and low energy levels. Tea, hot chocolate and any other warm substituted for just plain water can also work. Not only do they help level out fluid levels in the body, warm drinks are often able to somehow soothe cramps.
Tip 4: Stay warm
A breeze, a wind, a gaping hole in the warmth of your body – anything that could at all blow away the heat from your back, is going to increase the tension in your muscles. Thus, keep warm at all times of the day as much as you possibly can! Even in the Summer, we find that hot water bottles and hot-bean-bags are always helpful behind the back or on the lower abdomen to release muscle tension. Hot showers, hot towels and keeping socks on your feet are also musts, especially when battling really bad period pains.
Tip 5: Exercise
Whether it is five minutes of stretching in the morning, a quick ten-minute jog around the block, yoga in the afternoon or an impact of your choice full body workout, anything will do when it comes to exercising during your period. Keeping the blood flowing in your body is always a good thing as it helps relieve pain, works as an energy booster aka fatigue-fighter and in some cases, regular exercise can also help regulate your cycle. No matter what it is you choose to do, keeping the body active is a must!