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Every girl knows the struggle of having their period. The pain, the anxiety and maybe worst of all, the mess. In college, whether it be a surprise attack in your three-hour English discussion class or an unnecessarily agonizing bowl of cramps it is important to be prepared and try to manage your period. And let’s face it, ladies, getting your period is much better than the alternative… So here are 10 tips and tricks on surviving your period.
1. Download a period tracker app!
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bd2djeNFM6b/?tagged=periodtracker
Most people’s periods are regular and can be easily tracked and monitored. Some apps come with advice columns and monitor your period symptoms that can be really useful for your next visit to the GYNO, also when dealing with your period.
2. Be the snack you want to eat.
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What you eat when you are on your period can affect the intensity of your cramps, mood and just how your body feels. Greasy foods do not help your body during your period so you should avoid it. I always carry a slab of dark chocolate and an almond butter sandwich with me for emergency cravings. The chocolate keeps me preppy for my classes and the almond butter stabilizes my blood sugar, and the bread because everyone loves bread. A lot of people eat salty foods when they are on their periods because it can reduce cramp pain, but be careful because it can make you feel bloated. Instead, try foods with high iron like spinach or kale! I like to go for a feta-spinach and kale dip.
3. Prepare for the purge
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When you are on your period or just before you are, your skin tends to flare up with some pimples and some other irritations. The best way to deal with this is to understand your skin and work with it before your period. By keeping your skin healthy and well nourished the chances of your hormones messing with your complexion goes down. Find a toner and moisturizer that works best for you and use it! I personally use some lightly diluted apple cider vinegar (with mother) for my toner and some vitamin E oil with a few drops of lemon essential oil as my moisturizer.
4. WATER, WATER, WATER!
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Being hydrated is incredibly important during your period. It helps with migraines, cramps and just your flow.
5. Relax your muscles.
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CBD is a great tool for calming down your uterus. CBD has inflammatory effects that help with cramps and it helps to calm you down. In addition to this, some light stretching either during or before your period can be helpful. I personally opt for some relaxing yoga.
6. Heat
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Your muscles relax when you have some heat against it. If you don’t have a heating pad you can make your own with an old sock and some rice. Or, if you are on your way to class, try carrying a hot water bottle and just sitting through class with it on your lap.
7. Wear comfy clothes
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Do not wear those super cute skinny jeans you own because it’ll make you feel so much worse. Wear something soft and comfy that allows your body to contract and expand. Don’t worry, nobody cares what you wear to class.
8. Store everywhere
https://www.instagram.com/p/BnE1ZgeHYgc/?tagged=tampons
Just keep some tampons, pads, diva cup, whatever does your fancy in your bag or bags. It’ll be a lifesaver for you or some other damsel in distress in the future.
9. Your sacred space
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Women on their periods tend to be more sensitive to light and sound. That’s why it is important to have your space comfortable for you. Have a low light option for your room, or have a super comfy sleeping mask. Download a mediation or a soothing noise app. I use Calm or Relax melodies. This will help you get a good night of sleep as women tend to have issues sleeping when on their period.
10. Know your body.
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A lot of women have conditions like PCOS or Endometriosis that go undiagnosed until they are much older. These conditions cause several side effects and intensify your period symptoms. If you feel that your cramps or other effects of your period are unbearable you should probably talk to a specialist. Finding out if you have PCOS or another syndrome like it could make a huge difference in how you treat your body and manage your period symptoms. Be aware of your body and don’t be afraid to talk about it to other people—especially other women.
