That day of the month! Self-Care Through Your Period Together Sis!

FirstAidLove
7 min readApr 29, 2024

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Hey there, sister! Let’s talk about that time of the month when Mother Nature comes knocking — your period. We know it can be a rollercoaster ride of emotions and physical sensations, but fear not! We’ve got your back with some sisterly self-care tips to help you breeze through your menstrual cycle feeling like A Queen.

In this blog, we will explore how to navigate that time of the month with care and compassion for ourselves and each other. From practical tips to soothing remedies, we’ll cover everything you need to know to make your period a little bit easier. So, grab a cozy blanket and a warm cup of tea, and let’s journey through this together!

Table of Contents

Self Care №1

Hydration and Nourishment

Sis, Staying Hydrated is KEY during your period. Keep that water bottle handy and sip on it throughout the day to keep your energy levels up and your body functioning smoothly.

Without enough water, you might feel more fatigued, experience headaches, and even worsen period cramps.

  • Water helps to flush out toxins from your body, regulates your body temperature, and keeps your skin glowing.

You should go for room temperature or slightly warm water instead of icy cold. Icy water can tighten up those blood vessels, making those cramps feel even worse. Plus, it could slow down your digestion, leaving you feeling bloated and uncomfortable. So, stick to that lukewarm goodness Your body will thank you later!

Read about Hot-Cold-Room Temperature During Period

And don’t forget to load up on nutrient-packed foods,

  1. Iron-rich Foods: Your body loses iron during your period, so it’s crucial to replenish it with iron-rich foods like
  • Spinach
  • Beans
  • Lentils
  • Lean meats.

Iron helps your body make new blood cells and keeps your energy levels up. So, load up on these goodies to stay strong and vibrant.

2. Magnesium-packed Foods: Magnesium is your cramp-fighting superhero. Foods like

  • Bananas
  • Leafy greens
  • Nuts
  • Seeds
  • Whole grains
  • Dark chocolate

These are packed with magnesium, which can help ease those dreaded period cramps and muscle aches. Plus, they’re tasty treats that can boost your mood too!

3. Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These healthy fats are your period’s best friend. Foods like

  • Fatty fish (salmon, anyone?)
  • Flaxseeds
  • Chia seeds
  • Walnuts

These are loaded with omega-3s, which can help reduce inflammation and ease menstrual discomfort. So, go ahead and whip up a delicious salmon dish or sprinkle some flaxseeds on your morning yogurt to keep those cramps at bay.

There are also Foods to Avoid During Your Period for a Smoother Cycle

  • Fried Foods: While they may be tempting, fried foods can contribute to inflammation and bloating, making period symptoms feel worse.
  • Sugary Treats: Excessive sugar intake can lead to energy crashes and mood swings, exacerbating hormonal fluctuations already present during menstruation.
  • Caffeine: While a small amount of caffeine may be okay for some, excessive caffeine intake can disrupt sleep patterns and increase anxiety, worsening period-related stress.
  • Processed Foods: Processed foods often contain high levels of salt and unhealthy fats, which can contribute to water retention and bloating.
  • Dairy Products: Some individuals find that dairy products can worsen period cramps and bloating due to their high fat content and potential hormonal influences.

Self Care №2

Rest and Relaxation

Listen up, sis — it’s okay to hit the pause button and give yourself some extra TLC (Tender Loving Care) during your period. Curl up with a cozy blanket, binge-watch your favorite Netflix series, or treat yourself to a well-deserved nap. Your body will thank you for the extra Zzz’s.

Because during our period our body’s working extra hard, and that can leave you feeling more tired than usual. Those pesky hormones that come along with your period can disrupt your sleep patterns, making you feel groggy and fatigued during the day.

That’s where some extra shut-eye comes in clutch. Getting enough sleep not only helps you feel more energized but also gives your body the time it needs to repair and recharge.

So, don’t feel guilty about hitting that snooze button a few extra times or sneaking in an afternoon nap. Your body’s working hard during your period, and it deserves all the rest and relaxation it can get.

Self Care №3

Gentle Movement

We know exercising might not be at the top of your to-do list right now, but a little movement can go a long way in easing period woes. Take a leisurely stroll in the park, stretch it out with some gentle yoga, or put on your favorite playlist and dance like nobody’s watching. Trust me, those endorphins are worth it!

While hard workouts might not be the best idea during our period (they can actually make cramps worse), Staying Sedentary isn’t ideal either. as this can lead to stiffness and worsen menstrual cramps. By engaging in gentle activities, you promote blood flow and relaxation, which can ultimately help ease your symptoms.

Self Care №4

Comfy Period Products

Finding the right period products can make all the difference, Sis. Whether you’re Team Tampon, Team Pad, or rocking a menstrual cup, choose products that make you feel comfortable and confident— Remember, since our periods come every month, let’s make sure we feel our best each time. Try! You might just find your period soulmate!

Find out more about — Choosing the Right Menstrual Product: Tampon, Pad, or Cup

Self Care №5

Fresh and Clean

Keeping things fresh down there is a must, Sister. Change your period products regularly to maintain cleanliness and prevent odor.

  • Pads and tampons, aim to change them every 4–6 hours, or more frequently if needed.
  • Menstrual cups can usually be worn for up to 12 hours, but it’s essential to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • Opt for breathable fabrics to allow airflow and reduce moisture, which can help prevent discomfort and irritation. When washing your intimate area, choose a gentle, pH-balanced cleanser to maintain its natural balance. And remember, scented products are a no-go — let’s keep it au natural.

Regularly changing your period products ensures that you stay comfortable and fresh throughout the day. It helps prevent bacterial growth and reduces the risk of infections.

Self Care №6

Natural Pain Relief

Period cramps can get you down, Sis, but we’ve got your back! Along with using a heating pad or hot water bottle to soothe those pesky cramps, there are other natural remedies you can try for relief.

  1. Ginger Tea: Sip on some warm ginger tea throughout the day. Ginger is known for its anti-inflammatory properties, which can help alleviate menstrual pain.
  2. Chamomile Tea: Another herbal option is chamomile tea, which has calming effects on the body and can help relax tense muscles.
  3. Magnesium: Incorporate magnesium-rich foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and whole grains. Magnesium helps relax muscles and may reduce the severity of cramps.
  4. Essential Oils: Certain essential oils, like lavender or peppermint, can be diluted and applied to the abdomen for relief. Just be sure to patch test first and use them sparingly.
  5. Light Exercise: Gentle exercises like walking or yoga can help increase blood flow and ease muscle tension, providing relief from cramps.

Remember to listen to your body and find what works best for you. Experiment with different methods and combinations to discover your personalized pain relief routine.

It’s also important to pay attention to the level of pain you’re experiencing during our period. While some discomfort is normal, severe or debilitating pain could be a sign of an underlying issue like endometriosis or pelvic inflammatory disease. Don’t hesitate to reach out to your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing persistent or unusually severe pain. Our period pain might be trying to tell us something, and it’s essential to listen to our body and advocate for our health.

Read more about Period Cramps Levels

Self Care №6

Self-Love and Compassion

Last but not least, be kind to yourself. Our period is a natural part of being a woman, so don’t be too hard on yourself. Treat yourself to some self-love rituals — whether it’s a bubble bath, a slice of chocolate cake, or simply basking in your own awesomeness. You’ve got this, sis!

Remember, during this time, mood swings might happen, but they’re just temporary. Focus on the good and happy moments, and give yourself the love and compassion you deserve. You are the Queen.

Conclusion: So there you have it, — our sisterly guide to conquering your period like a boss. Remember to listen to your body, honor your needs, and embrace the beautiful, powerful woman that you are — period and all. We’re in this together, sis!

And I would suggest leveraging the technology at your fingertips. Consider using period tracking apps like Apple Health on iPhone or Google Fit on Android to monitor your menstrual cycle. Knowing when your flow is due can help you prepare and manage your symptoms more effectively. Maybe when you feel down or sad, your mood swing signals your flow is coming. Here’s to a happier, healthier period experience!

My Period Experience

I always have cramps during my period, and if you’re in the same boat, I totally feel you. The key is to stay positive and acknowledge our situation. For me, dark chocolate and a hot pad are like magic. I’ve also found that avoiding fried, oily foods can help alleviate some of the discomfort. After reading this blog, I hope you have a great time of the month!

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