Experimenstruate: tips and tricks to try on your period

PeriodSoc Secretary Pip Sears shares her tips and tricks for anyone who menstruates!

We Period Society are very much for celebrating all things menstrual but we all have to admit that sometimes having periods sucks! We’ve all had those days when dealing with horrible cramps, bloating, mood swings or just the plain discomfort of having to wear period products becomes a bit much and we end up cursing our uteruses for doing this to us. On those days when your period is being difficult self-care becomes vital in order to help keep you comfortable and able to get on with your life. For this reason, we at period soc have compiled a list of some period self-care tips that you can try to help you manage your menstrual cycle:

Painkillers

I know that this one is completely obvious and you’ll all have used pain killers if you had cramps on your period but it’s worth just mentioning them in a little more detail

because we are often not directed to ones that will actually help our

menstrual cramps. Studies have shown that ibuprofen is much more effective

at reducing period pain than paracetamol so aim to use this drug (or drugs that use ibuprofen as their active ingredient) to elevate your cramps. There are also stronger drugs that your doctor can prescribe if your cramps are severe so don’t suffer in silence, see your GP because you shouldn’t have to live your life in pain.

Eating right

I know how much your period makes you crave comforting carbs and sugary snacks but try to resist, they will only cause your energy levels to crash (which won’t help the mood swings) and increase your bloating. Instead try and keep your diet high in protein and healthy

fats to stabilise your blood sugar levels and decrease inflammation and high in fibre

to maintain good digestion and reduce bloating. Also, don’t forget to drink plenty of

water!

Exercise

Exercising is sometimes the last thing you want to be doing when your period is being difficult but it can be really useful to help you feel comfortable. Listen to your body and do the exercises that feel good whether it’s something lighter like yoga because you’re feeling tired or something high intensity (sometimes you may have more energy at the start of your period than normal due to the drop in your oestrogen and progesterone levels). Exercise is great for reducing cramps and bloating and boosting endorphins so give it a go!

Heat

Another obvious one that I’m sure most of you have tried but again worth mentioning just because it can really help relieve period pain. A hot bath, shower or hot water bottle is great for reducing muscle cramps and relaxing you so should never be underestimated as a period self-care tip.

Stress management

I get that as a student managing your stress can be tough and is something we’re all still learning how to do, however high levels of stress can make periods worse. Try to learn some techniques or tricks to lower your stress, that can be something like meditation or yoga or it can be as simple as watching your favourite movie or talking to your friends. Whatever works for you give yourself a break and de-stress because you’re a super star who is doing everything everyone else is doing while you’re bleeding so you deserve some time to relax!

Embracing your period

This can be tough especially on those days where you’re cursing your body for making you go through all the discomfort and inconvenience that can come with

periods, but it really is the ultimate act

of self-care. The process your body is

going through is amazing.

You are shedding the lining of your uterus that your body has built up in preparation for pregnancy and you do this every single month. That is an incredible feat of biology and just another reminder that your body is awesome. Embrace your period as something to be celebrated and let the world know just how wonderful your body is and what a total rock star you are for doing everything you do despite the social stigma and the discomfort that surrounds periods. This is the best self-care tip I can offer. Bleed proudly because you are bloody amazing!