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Making the most of your monthly cycle
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Your period likely isn't exactly your favorite time of the month, we know. But that doesn't mean it has to be miserable, either. That's why we put together a complete guide to keeping your mood light, managing your symptoms, and planning around your period, so that you can get on with your life, even when you are on your period.
Things You Should Know
- Make it a point to do things you enjoy during your period, like getting spa day or dressing up, to make it feel less restricting.
- Reduce your symptoms by reducing your sugar, salt, and coffee intake while on your period.
- Do some light exercise each day, like a quick walk or a run, to keep your body limber, your mind light, and your symptoms at bay.
Steps
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Have a ritual of watching comedy. The first day of your period can be frustrating. You may have physical symptoms or feel emotionally vulnerable. Therefore, make it a monthly ritual to watch some comedy to lighten your mood on day one. Peruse YouTube, your DVD collection, or Netflix and find something that will make you laugh. Comedy will provide you with entertainment and take your mind off any symptoms you may be experiencing. If you want, you can make a point of watching a particular movie or TV series during the first day of your period.
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Pamper yourself. Periods can be tough on your body, so do something to pamper yourself to help alleviate symptoms. You may actually enjoy periods more if you use them as an excuse for pampering you may not do otherwise. If you ache all over, book a massage at your favorite salon and enjoy an hour of relaxation. Get a manicure and pick a bright color so you smile every time you glance at your nails. Take a really hot bubble bath while you read a book. Indulge in something that will make you feel happy, relaxed, and refreshed.Advertisement
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Get dressed up. Many people feel bloated and unattractive during their periods. You can fight that feeling by using your period as an excuse to dress up. Resist the urge to lay around in sweatpants all day. Get yourself dolled up and go out with your friends. Make this a monthly ritual each time you have your period. Whether you’re trying a new restaurant or doing some shopping, put on an outfit that you feel good in, take the steps you take to feel clean and beautiful, and see how much better you feel.
- Don’t be afraid to wear cute underwear while you’re on your period. You’re probably going to reach for your most worn out pair of undies, but resist! Boring skivvies can put a damper on your mood, so put a pair on that make you feel great. If you’re afraid of stains, a thin pantyliner can solve that problem. [1] X Research source
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Relax. Being active can be fun and does wonders for your period symptoms, but don’t be afraid to take it easy either. Your period may make you feel drained on some days, and physical symptoms may be worse during some parts of your cycle. Give yourself the excuse to relax on certain days of your menstrual cycle.
- Make some snacks (bonus points if they’re ones that reduce symptoms), find a movie, and snuggle on the couch for a while. Sometimes the best thing for your body is rest. Don’t feel guilty for vegging out for a couple of hours while you watch something good on TV.
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Watch what you eat. It’s okay to give in to cravings once in a while. If you are constantly eating milk chocolate while you’re on your period, however, you might actually be doing yourself a disservice. Sugar, salt, and coffee can aggravate your symptoms and actually make them worse. Try to avoid these foods in the time leading up to and during your period.
- Why are sugar, salt, and coffee bad? Sugar spikes your blood sugar which can actually make you more irritable. Salt can cause you to feel even more bloated, and caffeine elevates estrogen production, which can cause more extreme PMS symptoms. [2] X Research source
- Try to consume leafy greens, salmon, whole grains, bananas, and yogurt instead. Packed with all sorts of vitamins, these foods will reduce your symptoms so you can enjoy yourself and forget about your period.
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Move. You may be tempted to curl up on the sofa and watch television all day, but you’ll actually feel happier if you get up and move around. Exercise reduces your symptoms, like cramping and bloating, and releases mood-boosting endorphins. Your body temperature is actually lower when you’re on your period too, so you’ll stay cooler.
- You don’t necessarily need to run a marathon or hike a mountain to get some exercise. Grab a friend and try a spin class, take your dog for a walk around your neighborhood, or break out your yoga mat and do some sun salutations. Anything that gets your body moving and active will make you feel better.
- Leaks sometimes happen during exercise. Therefore, it's a good idea to use a tampon over a pad to prevent leaks. If you're having a particularly heavy month, using a tampon and a pad may help with leak protection. You could also try wearing darker workout clothes in case a leak occurs.
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Try essential oils. Essential oils are a natural way to perk yourself up when you’re feeling sluggish. Add a few drops to a hot bath or massage it into your temples and wrists. The smell alone will make you feel more happy and relaxed.
- There are a lot of different oils out there, but a few, in particular, can be helpful during your period. Bergamot and clary sage keep your mood stable, geranium is wonderful if you’re feeling crabby, and lavender helps you relax. White peppermint can relieve headaches and grapefruit and lemon are great for bloating. [3] X Research source
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Address stress. If you’re stressed out, your period symptoms may be even more extreme. Take some time to think about what is stressing you out. If it’s something you can easily address, take care of it so it’s off your mind. If it’s something out of your control, remind yourself of that and try to relax with a bubble bath, yoga, or meditation.
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Take pain relievers. If you’re experiencing substantial cramping, breast tenderness, backaches, or headaches, and nothing natural seems to be working, you may want to try taking a pain reliever. These pain relievers include ibuprofen (Advil) and naproxen (Aleve). You can also try remedies specially made for PMS symptoms like Pamprin and Midol.
- Always follow the dosage information on the bottle and talk to your doctor if you’re unsure or have any questions before taking medication.
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Use heating pads. Another common way of dealing with periods is a heating pad. As a heating pad can be comforting, this also may help you enjoy your period. See cramps as an excuse to indulge in this luxury. [4] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- You can purchase a heating pad at most drug stores. Make sure you read instructions before use, as some heating pads should be wrapped in a blanket or towel.
- Never leave a heating pad plugged in overnight or unattended.
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Know when it’s coming. Nothing puts a damper on brunch with your friends like unexpectedly getting your period, in white pants no less. While you can’t always pinpoint the exact hour you’ll get your period, you can usually plan for a general timeframe. If you know it’s going to happen, you’ll be more prepared and can avoid potential mishaps. [5] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.- Marking the general time your period will arrive each month with a discreet red dot in your planner or your phone’s calendar is an easy way to remind yourself when it will happen. They even make apps, like Period Tracker, that help you keep track of your flow.
- Wearing a super thin pad, period underwear or a pantyliner around the time you’re expecting your period can prevent a leak.
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Don’t feel self-conscious. Think about it. How often have you cringed seeing a person buying tampons? Have you ever actually looked at somebody and thought, ' they smell like they're on their period '. Probably not. While you don’t necessarily need to advertise that you’re on your period, you don’t need to feel embarrassed or paranoid either. [6] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.- If you get caught off guard with your period, don’t be afraid to ask somebody for a tampon or pad. A lot of people have periods and many of them have been caught in the same situation. Nobody is going to laugh or make fun of you.
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Remind yourself periods are a good thing. While they may seem like a nuisance, periods mean you’re in excellent health and your body is performing like it’s meant to. Your brain is sending chemical messages to your ovaries so you’re producing hormones like estrogen and androgens, both of which are extremely important. If you remind yourself of that, it allows you to appreciate what’s happening with your body and then focus on other fun things in life.
- If you are transgender or nonbinary (or don't identify as a woman), try not to be ashamed of your period. Millions of people have periods but don't identify as a woman.
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Use the best menstrual product for your body. There are numerous options today in the world of menstrual products including pads, tampons, menstrual cups, sponges, and more. If you’re using one product but you find it uncomfortable, try another product! [7] X Expert Source Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO
Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist Expert Interview. 3 April 2020. Don’t feel like you have to use a certain product just because that’s what your friends use. Find the most comfortable option for your body because when you’re comfortable, you’re less likely to even notice you’re on your period. -
Work around irregularity. You may have irregular periods, which can make planning for and then enjoying your time of month difficult. Irregular periods are periods that do not come every month. They are also periods that are sometimes very heavy, while other times very light. If you have irregular periods, talk to your doctor about how to treat the issue. This way, you'll be more able to plan for your period. [8] X Trustworthy Source Mayo Clinic Educational website from one of the world's leading hospitals Go to source
- If you have just started your period, it's common for your period to be irregular for the first few years. Irregular periods can be caused by a variety of health conditions, such as ovarian cysts, pelvic inflammatory disease, and habits like exercise and weight loss. If your periods are irregular, finding the cause can cut back on worry. This can allow you to enjoy your periods more when they do occur.
- Your doctor may be able to treat your irregular periods. Birth control can help control your period. Talk to your doctor about getting on birth control if irregular menstruation prevents you from enjoying your period.
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Expert Q&A
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QuestionWhat happens if my tampon string breaks?Dr. Rebecca Levy-Gantt is a board certified Obstetrician and Gynecologist running a private practice based in Napa, California. Dr. Levy-Gantt specializes in menopause, peri-menopause and hormonal management, including bio-Identical and compounded hormone treatments and alternative treatments. She is also a Nationally Certified Menopause Practitioner and is on the national listing of physicians who specialize in menopausal management. She received a Masters of Physical Therapy from Boston University and a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) from the New York College of Osteopathic Medicine.Your tampon won't actually go anywhere. Just put on a glove, get some lubricant, and slide your fingers up around the tampon and pull it out.
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Tips
- Heating pads or a warm water bottle can feel really nice on your stomach if you’re experiencing cramps.Thanks
- Epsom salt is wonderful for cramps and body aches. Run a warm bath, pour in some salts, and relax for a while.Thanks
- Don’t focus all of your attention on your period. If you’re constantly thinking about it, you’ll be more aware of your cramps or aches. Instead, focus your energy on other activities and you’ll be more likely to forget you’re even on your period.Thanks
Tips from our Readers
The advice in this section is based on the lived experiences of wikiHow readers like you. If you have a helpful tip you’d like to share on wikiHow, please submit it in the field below.
- If you don’t have a hot water bottle, pour boiling water onto a wash cloth, then put it on your stomach once it’s cool to the touch.
- Prioritize your sleep while you’re on your period. An extra hour can do wonders.
- Hand warmers are good for cramps and are easy to carry around and use in school.
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Warnings
- If your symptoms are so severe that you’re missing a lot of work, school, or outings, visit a doctor right away.Thanks
- Avoid dairy products as much as you can. Calcium in milk, cheese, and others can cause cramping, bloating and nausea.Thanks
- Period symptoms can be really serious and quite painful. Don’t let someone tell you they’re not serious and always listen to what your body needs.Thanks
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References
- ↑ http://galadarling.com/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-making-your-period-suck-less/
- ↑ http://galadarling.com/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-making-your-period-suck-less/
- ↑ http://galadarling.com/article/the-ultimate-guide-to-making-your-period-suck-less/
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/menstrual-cramps/basics/lifestyle-home-remedies/con-20025447
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ Rebecca Levy-Gantt, MPT, DO. Board Certified Obstetrician & Gynecologist. Expert Interview. 3 April 2020.
- ↑ http://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/womens-health/in-depth/menstrual-cycle/art-20047186?pg=2
About This Article
Article Summary
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While many people dread their periods every month, you can learn to enjoy them by being prepared and taking good care of yourself. Mark the general time your period will likely arrive or use an app, like Period Tracker, so you can be prepared. While it’s okay to give in to a few cravings, avoid too much sugar, salt, or coffee, which can aggravate your symptoms. You’ll also want to get some exercise, which can reduce bloating and cramps as well as release mood-boosting hormones. Another way to enjoy your period is to pamper yourself. For example, have a ritual of watching a comedy on the first day of your period. Another way to make yourself happy and relaxed is to get a monthly manicure or take a hot bubble bath. While feeling bloated or unattractive during your period is normal, combat these feelings by getting dressed up or styling your hair in a cute way. To learn how to use essential oils to reduce period symptoms, keep reading!
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