Period Tips That Will Change Your Life Forever
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Periods are the bane of a woman’s existence, there’s no doubt about that. In fact, if there was ever an issue that every culture, religion, and race the world over could agree upon and bond over, it would probably be regarding how much periods plain suck!
The mood swings, throbbing aches and pains, bloating, staining of good lingerie, cravings for sugary and salty processed foods, and the spontaneous urges to kill someone, are just a few of the many symptoms of menstruation that women have to struggle with every month.
And that, my friends, is on a good month.
I guess what I’m trying to say is, when the monthlies arrive, your daily schedule can turn into a giant, bloody mess (pun intended). And we understand this pain, which is why we took it upon ourselves to provide you with these lifesaving how-to-deal-with-period tips that will hopefully make your next ride over the crimson tide a smoother sail (yes, I know, enough with the nautical metaphors). Read on!
1. Hot Sock Or Hot Water Bag
Period cramps can be notoriously bad. However, instead of trudging through your day in misery, use this age-old home remedy to alleviate the pain – get a hot water bag! Boil some water or, alternatively, microwave a cup of tap water till it’s good and steaming. Pour it into a hot water bag and apply at your pelvic and back region. Instant bliss!
If you haven’t got a hot water bag, don’t worry. You could make a “hot sock” instead by filling an old (hopefully, clean) sock with rice and heating it for a few minutes. Ingenious, isn’t it?
2. Menstrual Cup
Tampons and pads are so passé. These days it’s all the rage to make use of menstrual cups! Now, before you dismiss it as a silly fad, hear us out. The menstrual cup has some rather vociferous advocates who make a good case. Not only are these medical silicon-made contraptions safe, they also happen to be reusable, ecofriendly, and easier on the wallet than traditional sanitary napkins in the long run.
Oh, and did I mention they’re 99% leak proof? Consider us sold!
3. Period Panties
If you’re still hesitant to venture into the menstrual cups realm, you can try period panties instead! The oh-so-comfortable, light and airy, ‘period-proof’ panties are made from organic cotton and can be worn to ensure the placement of tampons and sanitary pads, thereby preventing and spills or leaks.
4. Foods Rich In Potassium
Did you know that consuming potassium-rich foods can actually help combat menstrual cramps? Yes, you read that right. Dietary potassium can aid in relieving muscle cramping, while simultaneously improving muscle strength.
So, stock up on foods such as avocados, spinach, acorn squash, sweet potatoes, salmon, dried apricots, coconut water, pomegranates, white beans, and bananas the next time you’re preparing for your monthly visit!
5. Avoiding Salty Snacks
Now, we do understand that the pain, stress, and pure frustration your monthly guest brings you can make you cave into comfort eating. And any comfort food binge trip must include crisps, crackers, and biscuits or it ain’t worth its salt (Heh. See what I did there?).
However, while we can empathize with your pain, sister, we don’t recommend it. The excess sodium from salty snacks will only serve to exacerbate all the bloating and swelling you see during your periods – the last thing any of us want.
6. No Caffeine
On any regular day, coffee is the elixir of life. On menstruation days, however, this drink is poison! Forgive us our dramatics, but you see we have good cause. Caffeine has been reported to make menstrual cramps worse.
I know! That sneaky little, duplicitous cup of goodness. Ergo, it’s best to steer clear of the morning cup of joe when you’re hit with your menses. However, if you are too much of an addict to really endure a break, switch to the next best thing – decaf coffee.
7. Period Apps!
One of the greatest tragedy of life is having to keep a track of your menstrual cycle. Now, if you happen to be blessed with a punctual period that arrives and leaves on time, every month… well, then aren’t you a lucky one?
However, if you do belong to the majority of women who can never predict when their period is about to arrive – we have good news for you. Introducing, period apps! These bad boys take up the cumbersome task of tracking your period as well as calculating your fertile window, for you.
I know, brilliant!
8. Painkillers
Speaking about technological advancements, when it’s all said and done, there ain’t no real comfort like the blissfully numbing effect of a good painkiller during a bout of menstrual cramps. When all else fails, we women can always turn to aspirin. Our white knight in shining armor!
So, there you have it – period tips for your next month of menses that will help provide some measure of comfort and relief. Do you have a friend who often suffers from a terrible period? Well, share this with her now!
