You and I both know that women are amazing - we are beautiful, intelligent, creative, and incredibly strong, inside and out.
But periods being amazing? Sorry, but I don't care how many new commercials try to glamorize the gore. I'm not buying it.
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Let's face it. Periods suck.
Anyone who's been suffering the monthly ordeal for long enough knows that there is nothing more unpleasant than having smelly slime oozing out of your body, not to mention all the side effects that feel just as gross.
Fortunately, as a seasoned sailor of these stormy seas, I've been building up some pretty good hacks for a couple of years.
These are the things I have found to help me a whole lot - and I hope that they can help you too! <3
Things you can do for yourself during your period
1. Body
*BEAT HER TO IT
One of my favorite tips, if you're lucky enough to know when your period is due, is to take a mild painkiller two or three times a day, 1-2 days in advance. That way, you can stop the cramps before they start (or at least lessen the severity). If you catch your period right as it's starting, don't wait till later to take that dose. Make sure you get it in you right away. The sooner it reaches your bloodstream, the sooner it starts working. (But make sure you have something in your stomach whenever you take it, and be sure to drink lots of water).
*Listen to your belly.
I know that you've all probably heard it time and time again: "Don't eat junk food during your period, it'll just make it worse, blah, blah, blah."
Here's what I say. Listen to what your body is telling you. Everyone's system works a little bit different. For me, sometimes those endorphins (feel good chemicals) that flood my brain whenever I have a bite of comfort food are totally worth it on my period. The key is not to over-indulge. Just be careful not to over-do it. Do what it takes to stay healthy, but don't totally stuff away your cravings, either. Otherwise, if you finally decide to cheat, you might go over the top.
STAY HYDRATED
I cannot emphasize this one more, except to say, it really is true, not just a myth. Your kidneys, the organs that flush out the toxins (all the yucky stuff) inside of your body, function through the intake of liquids. And although a flavored latte may be what you're craving, when you're on your period, with your body already full of toxins, the caffeine can make the bloating worse.
Try sipping a light tea (like green or herbal, less caffeine than black). Loose leaf is my favorite kind. It comes in all sorts of flavors, pretty much anything you can imagine.
Also, lemon water is GREAT for eliminating toxins, besides being totally yummy. Water is the best thing that you can do. If you don't specifically like lemons, try adding flavors with any fresh or frozen fruit of your choice! So delicious!
