Tips to help you make your period better

I know I’m not the only one who gets unbearable period pains. Over the years I have learnt a thing or two in just making the week (especially the first two days) more bearable, and I hope these tips help you make your period better.

1. Have a warm bath

This one is an essential during the first day of my period when my cramps are the worst.

If I have the time, I will try and take the day off and have a bath. It’s not always possible for everyone to take the day off, so if you can carve some time to have a bath or even a shower, I definitely would recommend that!

Do you get back pain and cramps in your lower belly? Nothing helps more to relieve the back pain and lower belly cramps than a warm bath.

it will relax your muscles, which helps with back pain and cramps, and it’s just overall relaxing. Keep in mind that your body needs rest during this time, so allow yourself to have it.

Plus, it will leave you feeling clean, because I always feel disgusting on my period!

2. Get into comfy clothes

I couldn’t think of anything worse than being in uncomfortable clothes.

For those lucky enough to get the day off (because theres only so many sick days you can take, and my work definitely doesn’t cover all of my period days) then I would jump straight into pyjamas.

But if you have to leave the house, I would put on clothes you know are going to be super comfy in, and are comfortable when sitting down. Something that is loose around the belly!

When you’re on your period, comfort really is key. Having cramps AND having a pair of jeans digging into you? No thank you!

P.s. I usually like to cover my bum just in case, but I struggle to find outfits that I feel good in. I think I just need to invest in some good jackets that cover my bum!

3. Hot water bottles

I couldn’t go without hot water bottles on my period.

Similar to a hot bath, the warmth relaxes the muscles in the uterus, therefore easing cramps.

Also does anyone else tuck their hot water bottle into their pants like this?

As well as the warmth, the light pressure on my lower belly from the hot water bottle also helps to ease the cramps.

It also adds to the overall comfort! Even if you have to go out and you bring a hot water bottle with you, that could bring you a lot of comfort and really help you, even if you are out.

There are heat pads that you can stick to clothing that are easily hidden if you are unable to bring a hot water bottle with you, so that’s a great option to have! (https://amzn.to/3Op1C6d)

4. Eat what you can

During my period, sometimes my cramps are so bad I get very nauseas and can’t keep any food down.

That’s why I am not hard on myself, and I only eat what I can.

Usually this looks like a lot of toast and butter, warming soups and cheese and ham toasties.

When having the warm soup, I can almost feel the warmth going down and comforting my belly.

It’s easy to keep down, and it’s packed with nutrients that you could be lacking, due to not being able to keep any of your food down.

5. Cuddles from your pet

For those lucky enough to have a cuddly pet, I would highly recommend getting cuddles from them.

I feel like my dog can always sense when I’m not feeling 100% my best, and so she gets extra cuddly.

Of course if you don’t have a pet, you can opt for a cuddly toy, or a human who is willing to cuddle you lol.

6. Do tasks that don’t require a lot of brain power

If you’re a student like me, and still have work to be doing, but don’t feel like doing anything, here’s what you can do.

All of those little tasks that you’ve been putting off:

• Replying to emails
• Planning out your week
• Maybe make a plan for your essay with bullet points
• Anything that you can still stay in bed for (depending on the difficulty)
• You could even (if you’re up for it) continue writing your essay, or dissertation. I mean you don’t need to have that pressure of getting out of bed and going into the library. Just do what you can.

7. I also rang in sick to work

Look, if you’re like me and you are a uni student, working a part time job to save some money. Ring in sick.

If it’s anything like where I work, most retail companies will not give you an easier shift if you tell them you’re not feeling well because of your period.

I would still have to do the same things. Even just leaving my house, especially on the first day of my period is painful and barely manageable.

Put your health first and ring in sick.

I know that’s not an option for everyone, but if you can, I definitely would.

If you can’t and you have to go into work, make sure you bring anything that could help you, such as:

• Warm drinks
• Heat pads
• Hot water bottle
• Pain medicine
• Take regular toilet breaks
• Sit down if you need
• Bring water

8. Warm beverages and water

Staying hydrated on your period is really important!

Some of the important benefits of drinking water on your period:

• It reduces cramps and bloating
• It reduces headaches. Not drinking enough water during any time can give you a headache, so it’s just as important, if not more, during your period to stay hydrated, so you can feel the best you can.
• Drinking more water will mean you flush everything out more frequently, and feel less discomfort throughout the day.
• It prevents your blood from thickening, which could cause more cramps.

Warm beverages are just a comforting added bonus. I like to drink peppermint tea, or just regular tea too, so I can always have a comforting drink, alongside my water.

9. Take your mind off it

Sometimes, you’ve just got to let yourself relax, and enjoy some rest time.

My favourite ways to do that:

• Read – I absolutely love getting lost in a good book! I have a book recommendations page if you want to check out all of my favourite books! (http://bigsisterera.com/book-recommendations/)
• Watch a movie or tv show – sometimes I don’t have the attention span to sit and read a book, so watching a movie or a tv show that I know I love is the ultimate comfort!!
• Chocolate of course – chocolate gives you endorphins, which make you happy. Having some chocolate isn’t going to kill you!
• Nap – I always try and sleep when my cramps are the most painful. Yes it does take a while to get to sleep sometimes because of the pain, but when I do get to sleep, I know I’m going to wake up with lighter cramps!

10. Get outside

Getting some fresh air could really help you feel better.

You’ve probably heard it from your parents, but the fresh air will do you good!

Staying cooped up inside all day could make you feel even more tired, and groggy than you already are. Getting outside for even 10-15 minutes will make you feel more refreshed, as well as give you some happy endorphins.

Movement.

Now it really depends on how bad your cramps are and what you think you can handle. But here are some gentle movements you could do to help you feel better:

• stretching – whenever I stretch my legs on my period, I instantly feel some relief in my cramps and my aching body. Stretching increases blood flow, thereby relieving muscle tension wherever you have cramps.
• Yoga – again, with the stretching, it could help relieve cramps and any muscle pain you may be feeling.

That being said. The first day of my period is usually spent in bed, only moving to the toilet, or to get some food, and a little bit of fresh air (either next to my house or in my back garden).

Don’t put pressure on yourself. Your body is hurting. If you were recovering from surgery or an injury, you wouldn’t be hard on yourself for resting. So don’t be hard on yourself now.

Listen to your body. Make sure to not do anything too strenuous that could leave you feeling worse. Treat your body very gently, and be kind to yourself.

Thank you for reading <3

I know how awful periods can be sometimes, and if you are also going through really painful periods, I feel you, and I’m here for you.

I hope this post helped, even if only in small ways, to help make your period better. I know there’s not much for us to do other than get on with it, so I hope implementing these things helped!