vagadminIf you’re like many other women on this planet and me, you’ve experienced some period hassle in your lifetime. Some days, we feel fresh as a daisy, but on others, we feel downright crummy. Sometimes it feels like no matter what we do, the dreaded curse is always around the corner, waiting to strike us down at some random moment. I can personally attest to feeling bloated and “uptight,” which is not my personality at all!
I’m here to tell you that while there’s nothing we can do about our hormones or how our bodies work (it’s called PMS for a reason), there are things you can do to lessen its effects so that when Aunt Flo comes to visit, she doesn’t leave quite as much destruction in her wake. I’ve compiled a list of tips that have helped me through the years, and if you are someone who suffers from heavy periods or any other type of general menstrual crud, maybe they’ll help you too!
1. Be prepared
If PMS has taught me anything throughout my life, it’s to be prepared for bloating emergencies at all times! Now, what does this mean? Well, keep some Emergen-C packets on hand, drink about three cups of coffee per day (it can dehydrate you), eat foods high in fibre like whole-grain bread and fruit (and lots of water — no sodas, please!) and try to stay away from salty foods too. Dates are also your friend! Also, keep Midol handy at all times. Trust me on this one — it will be your new best friend when you get that inevitable headache.
2. Exercise
This is probably the last thing you want to do when you’re feeling bloated, but trust me on this one too, if there’s any time or place for exercise other than during your period itself (when it’s acceptable), it would be during the week leading up to your visit from Aunt Flo! If you feel like garbage and can barely walk around, let alone up a flight of stairs without feeling like someone stabbed you in the lower abdomen with an ice pick, try exercising while sitting down or doing light stretching. Seriously. Go outside and take a walk while you’re on your period. It’ll help move things along and make you feel better about yourself too.
3. Get enough sleep at night (for me, around ten hours)
This is easier said than done, but if you can manage to get about eight to nine solid hours of sleep per night during the week leading up to your menstruation cycle – take it! By the second day or so of PMS symptoms kicking in, you’ll at least have more energy! This helps immensely because it gives our bodies a chance to relax and heal themselves – primarily if you work out the week before your period comes due.
4. Clean out all the toxins from your uterus or womb area so they don’t slow down proper circulation and drainage while you’re on your period
It sounds hippie-ish, but it works!
Get a massage during your period If you can afford it, try to schedule a nice massage or reflexology session with a therapist nearby. Not only will they make you feel more relaxed and less tense, but certain pressure points on the feet and hands will help to move things along if you’re having a slow time going through your menstrual cycle.
If you’re experiencing light flow, there are certain foods I recommend avoiding during your period to prevent any further complications with digestion or nausea. One of the worst feelings is feeling bloated but still being really hungry at the same time! It’s important that whatever food or drink enters your body is properly broken down and prepared for digestion, so it’s best to stick with bland foods while you’re on your period.
5. Limit sugar intake or avoid it entirely from the week preceding menstruation until three days after your cycle ends
Sugar is evil and causes bloating more than anything else I know of! It’s also addictive – put down the candy bar and pick up an apple, please! In a few months, you’ll be so glad you did when you feel fabulous, and your skin looks fantastic.
6. Make sure you’re eating enough magnesium, calcium and potassium during this time of the month too!
If you eat junk food, then the chances are that your body is craving more than just that chocolate bar, so go ahead and give it what it’s asking for and pick up a banana or two while you’re at the grocery store. Take a good multi-vitamin supplement as well, if possible, especially one high in magnesium and B vitamins (like folic acid). Hold off on taking any aspirin until at least three days after your cycle ends as well because aspirin thins the blood and slows down proper circulation – not what we need when we’re bleeding from our uteruses every month!
7. Alternate hot and cold showers or baths during the week leading up to your period and on the actual day of menstruation
alternating between hot and cold showers and baths can help reduce pain and relaxes tense muscles, which is always a good thing!
8. Avoid wearing tampons unless you have to because they cause toxic shock syndrome if left in for too long (say 8-12 hours)
Opt instead for sanitary pads – especially overnight, so you don’t get blood all over your sheets! If you’re swimming, try using a menstrual cup instead of a tampon or sanitary pad. I know that’s weird, but it works – I never used to wear a bathing suit when I was younger because I hated how uncomfortable my tampon string felt on my bikini. I’ve been using a menstrual cup for years now, and it’s great: no mess, no fuss, and you don’t have to change it every few hours like tampons!
9. Stay warm or cool depending on your preference
Extremes of either temperature can aggravate bloating and pain significantly – also, try not to stand up too quickly after lying down as this often causes lightheadedness and some bloating because of the build-up of blood in our lower bodies. I know from experience!
10. Get expert help
Lastly, stay positive and consult with your physician if needed so they can prescribe you something more appropriate than Midol for cramps (which is just caffeine and acetaminophen usually). This has helped me a lot, and it might help you, too!
Good luck and happy menstruating!
Please remember that any advice given is based on our own experiences and should be taken as such. Please consult your GP for their opinion before trying anything new or before changing or stopping medications.