Tips for a Better Period
Periods can cause pain, fatigue, bloating and irritability, but they don’t necessarily have to be that way. Here are eight tips and tricks that could make your time of the month a little easier, more manageable and even enjoyable.
1. Eat dark chocolate
We certainly don’t need reminding that chocolate tastes even better when you’re on your period – but you need to make sure it’s 70% cacao to replace the nutrients that we naturally lose through bleeding. So this only applies to natural, dark chocolate and is not a free pass for a chocolate free-for-all… Apologies.
2. Have an orgasm
Having an orgasm while on your period contracts the uterus and increases the blood flow, which can reduce period pain. The pleasure also gives your brain a hit of natural, pain-reducing chemicals. Try our guide to female masturbation to get you started.
3. Track your cycle
Don’t let your period creep up on you and catch you unawares when you’re out and about and unprepared. There are lots of apps that can help you, or go old school with paper and a pen.
4. Avoid waxing
Being on your period makes the whole vaginal area more sensitive, so waxing is likely to hurt a lot more. The same goes for epilating.
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5. Don’t overdo the caffeine
Linked to increasing levels of oestrogen, caffeine can make your PMS symptoms worse, so opt for green tea instead. Alcohol has the same effect as it lowers blood sugar.
6. Fight cramps with acupressure
Apparently, rubbing a small ‘O’ shape on the palm of your left hand just below the thumb knuckle can help ease cramps – perfect for a public place when you’re out of painkillers.
7. Don’t let stains last
Use the Good Housekeeping Institute’s fool proof way to remove blood stains.
8. Organise yourself
Put your sanitary products into a small bag or tin in your handbag so they don’t fall around inside your bag.
Periods and feeling bleh (sometimes pronounced TERRIBLE) seem to go hand in hand. There’s a lot being thrown at your body – bloating, cramps, bleeding, and the all-too-familiar emotional ups and downs caused by hormones on the fritz. And maybe you begin feeling this way BEFORE your period even starts, say hello to premenstrual syndrome (PMS). We get it, this can ALL be rough – thankfully, we’ve got some period hacks to share that will help you know how to feel better on your period and put you at ease.
Reducing Period Pain
Feeling pressure in your lower abdomen, lower back, or thighs? If the answer is yes, you’re likely experiencing symptoms of primary dysmenorrhea – otherwise called menstrual cramps. Menstrual cramps are completely normal and can start a day or two before your period and last for a few days. They are caused by muscle contractions within the uterus due to the release of a hormone called prostaglandin – it’s a totally normal part of the menstrual cycle. While some women experience mild symptoms, others can experience severe symptoms like nausea, loose stool, headaches, and dizziness. If experiencing severe symptoms, it’s a good idea to consult your doctor as it may be a sign of something more severe.
If your symptoms are mild, there are some at home period hacks that may help alleviate period cramps and reduce period pain:
• Use a heating pad on your lower abdomen or lower back
• Take a warm bath
• Place a hot water bottle on lower abdomen or lower back
• Massage your abdomen
• Ask your doctor about using an over-the-counter pain reliever or anti-inflammatory drug
• Do an easy exercise like yoga, walking, or swimming to help increase blood flow
Check out this guide to learn more about menstrual cramps causes and treatments.
Alleviate Bloating
The period bloat – it’s a common symptom you can experience before and during your period, making you feel like you’ve gained weight or have a tight and swollen abdomen. Not cool period bloating, not cool. While there’s not a perfect cure, there are a few hacks you can do to help reduce bloating.
- Water: It might seem odd that you need to drink more water when you’re feeling the most bloated, puffy and full, but the more water you drink, the better. There’s no specific recommendation of how much water each unique person should drink but a common guideline is to drink eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water throughout the day. If you’re on-the-go, be sure to carry a water bottle with you and try to fill it up several times throughout the day.
2. Eat Healthy Foods: If you’re looking for what kind of food to eat on your period, then try reaching for healthier snacks like fruits and veggies or other low sodium foods that won’t make you balloon. Avoid eating processed foods and too much salt, your belly will thank you later. Processed foods can contain high amounts of salt and contribute to increased bloating, no thank you! Other safe bets for healthy eating are proteins like fish and chicken and healthy fats, like nuts and avocados. If you want (need) a little something sweet, consider dark chocolate – it’s a good source of magnesium, which can help regulate serotonin and elevate your mood.
3. Avoid Caffeine: Caffeine can also irritate your stomach and give you that achy, crampy, bloated feeling, so it’s best to limit your intake on your period. In addition to caffeine, it’s a good idea to avoid sweet and carbonated drinks that can also increase bloating. A good caffeine-free drink option is herbal tea. Get a cup of hot tea (i.e., ginger, green tea, peppermint, chamomile, raspberry leaf) to reduce bloating and feel better on your period.
4. Get in some exercise: Yes, this is probably the last thing you want to do. We get it. But, light exercise during your period can help increase your blood flow which can help alleviate period symptoms like bloating.
5. Catch plenty of ZZZs: Period fatigue is real and it can be further impacted by period pain. If you’re feeling tired during your period, getting good rest can help your body and mind repair. Aim to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night, especially while on your period.
6. Consider the Pill: Birth control pills and hormone treatments are often used to reduce the effect of prostaglandins, say hello to hormone stability and hopefully less menstrual cramps. As always, talk to your doctor about what’s best for you and your body.
How to Stop period leaking at night
Then are many suggestions on how to stop period leaking at night
1. Use pads with bodies
Not only do pads with bodies stay in place more during all your tossing and turning throughout the night, they also cover the sides of your knickers where the bodies wrap around in case your undies do shift
Yoricare Ultra with bodies are a great option because they turn liquid into gel – and gel can’t blunder!
2. Change your pad right before going to bed
Changing your pad right before you go to bed ensures you get the maximum quantum of immersion from your period protection.
For illustration, Yoricare Ultra pads give up to 8 hours of leakage protection. Putting on a new pad just before you hop under the covers means you get the full 8 hours of absorbency.
3. Use overnight pads
Yoricare Ultra overnight pads are longer and fuller in back for redundant content in the right places when you ’re lying down. It does n’t count what position you sleep in, Yoricare Overnight are likely to catch your period blood before it makes its way to your knickers.
Because Yoricare Ultra pads use special gel technology to lock down menstrual fluid in an uber thin spongy core, they do n’t feel big indeed though they give you full content.
4. Wear a tampon
Still, go ahead and wear a tampon, if you ’re sleeping for under 8 hours. Because tampons are worn inside your body, your wo n’t blunder while shifting around during your sleep.
Still, this is n’t the right option for you as wearing tampons for further than 8 hours increases your threat of getting infections, if you have a habit of oversleeping. So, if you’re likely to hit the snooze button a bunch, conclude for a pad rather.
5. Get out of bed sluggishly in the morning
Still, it may be a good idea to get up sluggishly, if you ’re wearing a pad to help period leaks at night. Because of graveness, your menstrual blood will have pooled in your vagina rather of coming out each at formerly.
