Treat-Yo-Self ! The Best Self-Care Period Tips For When Aunt Flo Comes For A Visit.
Ah, periods! What a blast. If it’s not bad enough we are literally bleeding out of our vaginas every single month, for days on end. Getting a visit from Aunt Flo often comes with fun side effects like breast soreness, aching muscles, bloating, headaches, low energy, abdominal cramps and more. We’re hormonal and emotional. We’re tired and in pain. Even the slightest inconvenience can set us off.
At this time of the month, it’s extra important to treat-yo-self and practice self-care. There are hundreds of symptoms that have been attributed to menstruation. It doesn’t matter if you get one or twenty of them. And whether it’s one-off or you suffer regularly. You are more vulnerable at this time and it’s ok to put yourself and your needs first.
These are some of our best self-care period tips.
Exercise With Lighter Activities
When you’re on your period, this isn’t the best time to train like you’re a triathlete or bodybuilder. You’re more run-down than normal and have less energy than what you would a different time of the month. Try a nice stretch. A yoga class. Or a swim in the ocean. Not only are they a great way to get back in nature, but these exercises also help increase your blood flow, which cuts down on cramping.
Eat Delicious & Nutritious Food
We know you’re more likely craving a block of chocolate or some junk food, rather than some steamed vegetables at this. However, studies have shown a diet rich in those good omega-3 fatty acids such as fish and calcium, and low in animal fats, salt and caffeine can reduce some PMS symptoms. Plus, fruits and veggies contain lots of water, so you’re filling up on the good stuff and staying hydrated at the same time. But if a Magnum Caramel Eco is calling your name, then don’t beat yourself up about it, either. You do you, sis!
Take A Warm Bath
Is there anything better than a warm bath full of bubbles, a face mask, some relaxing music, and a great book? Not only can baths increase levels of serotonin, which is the fancy name for the chemical produced by the brain associated with happiness, so that’s always good! But a warm bath or compress can be useful to alleviate period cramping, too. They also have a heap of other benefits like helping you breathe and sleep better, soothing sore muscles and joints, helps to moisturise your skin and hair, plus much more. Why not? Get in!
Try To Get A Good Night’s Sleep
In a perfect world, you’d get a good night’s sleep every night. We know sleep is essential to good physical and mental health. But it’s even more important during the menstrual cycle. Sleep deprivation increases cortisol levels. Cortisol is a hormone produced by the adrenal glands that raises your blood sugar. This then stuffs up your ovulation and period. Try and skip any caffeine late in the day. Avoid blue lights from your laptop and phone at night. Try warm milk or caffeine-free tea. Set an alarm at a consistent time each day to help improve your sleeping patterns.
Create A Clean Space
Not only is it nice to have a clean and organised space, but there are actual proven mental health benefits of both cleaning your room, and having a clean room. Research from scientists and other experts have found numerous links between a spotless living space and a calm headspace. Yeah, science b*tch! Clutter creates stress that has three major biological and neurological effects on us—our cortisol levels, as mentioned above. As well as our creativity and ability to focus, and our experience of pain. Having a schmick room or living area reduces these side effects, especially at that time of the month.
Soak Up the Sun
We’ve all been there. Our period is making us want to crawl in bed, and participate in a Good Place Netflix binge, and only A Good Place Netflix binge for the whole day. However, did you know that soaking up the sun is proven to ease some of those pesky PMS symptoms because low vitamin d levels can make your periods painful and irregular? Also, fresh air is known to reduce stress. Even if you get out to read a book at the beach or a park bench, a bit of sun and fresh air can make you feel a million times better.
And The Best Period Self-Care Tip? Do What Makes You Happy!
Feel like dancing in the front of the mirror to the latest Lizzo banger? Maybe you want to drink tea and play uno with your family or watch a movie marathon with your friends. Whatever brings you pure joy, is there a time you need it more than when Aunt Flo is here? We should always make time for self-care, but its more imperative than ever at this time. Listening to your body and taking care of yourself is the best way to get through this time as pain-free as possible.
Each individual person has an individual period to them. At Bambody we have a selection of leak-free underwear protection for that time of the month. Why not check out our new absorbent range here.
For more self-care period tips, or for anything else, get in touch with our friendly team, today!