One of the bittersweet moments that all women have to deal with is that ‘time of the month’ or their menstrual bleeding. A lot is going on in your body during your monthly period. You may experience menstrual cramps, headache, bloating, and all-too-familiar emotional ups and downs caused by hormones on the loose.
Periods can all be rough to endure every single month. Thankfully, there are some tips that can help you get through your period, including the following:
Use a heating pad
The heating pad will probably be your best friend for the next 4-5 days after your period started. This can help you alleviate menstrual cramps and reduce period pain. Place it on your lower abdomen or lower back and let it stay there until it’s time to replace the water again. You can also massage your abdomen while using the warm compress.
Wear the most comfortable menstrual pads that fit you
The first thing you’d look for when your period begins are your menstrual pads or tampons. Make sure that you’re using the one that works well for you, especially for your skin, as some women tend to have allergic reactions to some brands.
Don’t compromise your comfort in choosing your sanitary pads. If you’re feeling uneasy wearing pads at all, you can use period underwear such as Knix instead, as it is leakproof, comfortable to use, and very effective in absorbing your period.
Take a warm bath
Understandably, your mood swings are worse during your period. A warm bath can help you relieve emotional stress and relax tight muscles.
The warm water helps in increasing blood flow to the area, thus, inducing the menstrual flow. Your mind and body will be put at ease as you take a warm bath.
Do easy exercises like yoga or walking
This might be the last thing that’s on your mind during your period. You’re suffering from abdominal pain and bloating that you feel like not doing anything all day but just lay down and rest.
However, doing regular exercise even during your period can actually help increase your blood flow and make the cramps go away eventually. Just make sure you’re not doing too much heavy workout as it can put excessive stress on your body and make your situation worse.
Drink a lot of water
Period bloat is a common symptom you’ll experience before and during your period, making you feel like you’ve gained weight or become puffy and full. To reduce the feeling of being bloated, you must drink a lot of water. It flushes out excess water and sodium present in your systems.
Drinking water can help alleviate abdominal pain too. It’s even better if you’d drink hot or warm water as it can help make the blood flowing with ease throughout your body. Also, it relaxes your muscles, which can then help lessen cramps caused by uterine contractions.
Eat healthy food
It’s normal for some women to have a bigger appetite when they’re on their period. During your period, your body may demand more nutrition. Hence, reach out for healthier snacks like fruits and vegetables instead of unhealthy junk foods. Also, grab some food that can offer natural relief from cramps.
Some of these include berries, tomatoes, ginger, parsley, and garlic. These anti-inflammatory foods help tame your menstrual cramps and keep the blood flowing out of your body. Avoid meals with high salt and cholesterol content such as processed foods. They’ll only contribute to your bloated stomach!
Avoid caffeine
Consuming caffeine during your period is highly discouraged since it can narrow your blood vessels and constrict your uterus, worsening your menstrual cramps. If you really can’t start your day without coffee, then temporarily switch to decaf instead.
Your best option would be to try herbal teas. Herbal teas have anti-inflammatory properties that can reduce the muscle spasms in the uterus that cause cramping pains. Chamomile, fennel, or ginger tea are some of the recommended herbal teas that can easily relieve menstrual cramps. Additionally, herbal teas also offer other benefits such as stress reliever and sleep-inducer.
Get good sleep
When women are on their period, they feel tired most of the time, considering that they’re also suffering from abdominal pain. That’s why some ladies tend to take sick leave from work so they can have total rest. If your circumstances allow you, aim to have a good night’s sleep of at least 8 hours so your body and mind can have ample time to repair and regenerate.
If you’re having a hard time sleeping, you may do a few stretches before bed, or yoga to ease your body for sleeping.
Consider taking the pill
Before taking any pills, consult first with your doctor about what’s best for you and your body. Birth control pills and treatments for hormones can be used to reduce abdominal pain, especially if it’s caused by hormonal imbalance.
These pills also help in regulating the length and frequency of your period.
Takeaway
Menstrual periods do happen every month, but with the pain and discomfort it brings, it’s understandable why women detest it all the time. Nonetheless, these tips are here to help you get through your period every month like a pro.
Just see which ones primarily work for you and your body, and you’re good to go! Don’t forget to always bring an extra menstrual pad with you wherever you go even if you’re not on your period yet. You don’t know when it will arrive, so you better be ready always!
