5 Best Ways To Achieve Ultimate Period Comfort
If you are experiencing period pain or menstrual cramps, you are not alone.
According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, about half of all women experience menstrual cramps, also called dysmenorrhea, during the first couple of days of their periods.
Menstrual cramps are most often the cause of the pain in your lower abdomen. This pain is similar to a throbbing, cramping feeling in your lower belly and could spread to the back and thighs. Sometimes the pain comes in intense spasms, while at other times, it may be dull and constant.
Period pain can also change with each period. Some periods may not be painful, while others may be debilitating, along with other symptoms such as lower back pain, nausea, diarrhea, and headaches. However, the severity and frequency of menstrual cramps can vary widely.
WHY PERIOD COMFORT IS IMPORTANT
There are many reasons why women dread getting their period. Physically, the hormonal fluctuations wear you out. Besides being uncomfortable, they can cause fatigue, intense cravings, constipation, mood swings, cramps, and other health problems. For most of us, it's a tough time of the month.
Given that half of the world's population goes through menstruation, it's crucial to ensure a more comfortable period experience while also considering overall wellness. Imagine having your period with fewer menstrual cramps and fewer mood swings, in addition to feeling less terrible physically & emotionally. That would be a dream true!
Yes, you can feel comfortable during your period. Some things will help you to feel better and make your life a little easier as you ride this crimson wave. Keeping a period comfort kit ready can also help you navigate better at this time of the month.
With you being aware of the period comfort essentials and tuning in to what your body needs during your period, you will no longer dread this time of the month and enjoy the best days even while at it.
BEST WAYS TO ACHIEVE PERIOD COMFORT
Period experience varies from woman to woman, but let’s admit it– it's not a walk in the park! Period symptoms such as cramps can be frustrating and painful every month. This is the perfect storm for a woman's worst nightmare, as it comes coupled with mood swings, cravings, bloating, and nasty breakouts.
While it sounds like an unpleasant experience, there are several ways to counter that. Yes, periods can be comfortable! And the moment you hear people telling you to "just deal with it,”-- tune them out immediately and never look back!
And as you tune in more and look after yourself, check out these helpful tips on how to achieve period comfort. Relax, enjoy this time of the month, and escape the stress cycle by following these steps:
1. Indulge in Your Period Cravings
What is your appetite like before your period? Do you crave chocolate treats, baked goods, chips, tacos, and salty snacks when the flow finally comes?
The cravings and hunger you experience during your period are real (and sometimes crazy!). There are legitimate, scientifically proven reasons why you and many other individuals might prefer to eat more than usual on the days before your period.
A woman's cycle may cause her to experience intense food cravings during the weeks leading up to her period. Researchers believe fluctuating hormone levels and low serotonin levels cause PMS (premenstrual syndrome).
Blood sugar levels may drop during this time due to hormone changes, which can lead to sugar cravings. Serotonin levels are also usually lower during this time. As a result, we crave sugars and carbohydrates (like potato chips) since the body makes serotonin from carbohydrates.
So, is it okay to indulge ourselves with our food cravings?
Absolutely! Indulging in your period munchies will definitely put you in a better mood and make your period more bearable. Listening to your body before your period is also essential. The cravings you experience may be related to your body's need for more calories.
An occasional indulgence is fine, but don't feel guilty if you eat more than you normally would before your period.
The key here is to listen to your body and support what it needs.
For instance, a sudden craving for dark chocolate may be your body's way of telling you it needs more magnesium. Cocoa beans have a lot of magnesium, but so do green veggies, oatmeal, and avocados. Whenever you crave chocolate bars, try eating a spinach salad or bowl of oatmeal first, and you'll feel less hungry.
The same is true for salty foods, as your body might be dealing with mineral deficiency the best it can. If you crave salty foods during your period, you can satisfy it by eating more water-rich vegetables seasoned with sea salt to satisfy it.
2. Soak Up in a Warm Bath to Reduce Period Pain
Menstrual cramps are an unwelcome visitor every month, ranging from mild to awful. Contractions of the pelvis muscles cause it during menstruation.
Periods can sometimes make you feel sore all over because of muscle pains. Instead of having a massage or popping in painkillers, take a soak in a warm bath.
Warm, soothing baths can relieve cramps as warm baths increase blood flow to the pelvis and increase internal body temperature, thus reducing period-related pain.
Run the bath water, soak for at least 10 minutes with your hips and abdomen submerged, and enjoy the blissful comfort!
3. Sleep It Off
Periods make you feel sleepier than usual. It's a fact! You might feel drained and low in energy and want to go back to bed for a week and sleep again! In addition to this, other symptoms and signs include headaches, stomach cramps, acne, food cravings, mood swings, and tender, swollen breasts.
Every month, when the menstrual cycle begins, a rising tide of progesterone causes a slew of different symptoms that make you want to lie down and do nothing.
When experiencing period symptoms like these, the best remedy is to go back to bed and forget the alarm. The world can take care of itself for a few hours while you enjoy a restful sleep!
Getting a better sleep during your period can help alleviate painful cramps, improve your mood, reduce fatigue and discomfort, and help make your period cycle a little less stressful.
4. Relieve Period Cramps
During your period, you may experience menstrual cramps. They are caused by contractions in the uterus, which are triggered by an increase in a hormone called prostaglandin.
In some cases, women only experience mild symptoms, whereas others may suffer from severe symptoms such as nausea, headaches, diarrhea, and dizziness.
You should see your doctor if your symptoms are severe. In case your symptoms aren't a cause for emergency consults, here are some home remedies to ease cramps and reduce period pain:
- Warm up your lower abdomen or lower back, or the bottom of your legs by using a heating pad
- Massage your abdomen
- Use a tens machine for period pain
- Consult your doctor about other clinical remedies
- Walk, practice yoga, or swim to improve blood flow.
- Slow Down and Lean Out
5. Slow Down and Lean Out
Our society is obsessed with productivity, and it can feel like it's a lot to handle when you're on your period. Sometimes it's good to be reminded that you don't have to do everything all the time, regardless of how busy your schedule is.
You don't need to be worried about it if you need to step away for some time. You can meditate or go for a stroll on your own. The world won't stop when you slow down.
It is in this way you can process everything internally, especially since you are in your period and your hormones affect your mood. It is essential for your well-being.
IMPORTANCE OF SELF CARE
At this time of the month, being intentional with self-care is the best thing you can do for yourself. It's this time of the month that your body is working, so it is crucial to tune in and listen to what it needs.
It's easy to feel overwhelmed, especially when you don't know how to manage your period symptoms, but the last thing you need is to be hard on yourself. You don't have to love your period, but always remember that you are your best ally.
As you go through the peaks and valleys of your cycle, focusing on the positives and the things that matter to you can benefit your well-being. You are just a person going through a tough week, so don't worry too much about it.
A commitment to self-care is a must, especially with all the outside pressure to be your best self every time. You don't need to be; you do you. But keep in mind that the best way to take care of the people you love is to take care of yourself first.
SUMMING IT UP
Being a woman is not easy, and being on period is not always fun. But with all its quirks and nuances, being a woman is special.
Periods are a way for our bodies to let go of things that no longer serve us. It's our bodies' way of purging! The process of purging is sometimes painful and unpleasant, but with the right support from ourselves, it's a bearable and beautiful experience!
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