Some girls breeze through their period without PMS or the pains associated with it. But for most, it can be a very magical time. The frequent trips to the rest room to check if your pad is still in place or isn’t full; hormones at the top of their game, making you sensitive and emotional about almost everything; the daily migraines that make you want to pound your head on the nearest wall; rubber legs that make you look drunk and standing up an impossibility; and let’s not forget about the notorious cramps and dysmenorrhoea. Yes, fun. But what’s even more fun is surviving your period without much fuss and pain. Consider these suggestions:
Keep Your Days Numbered
The best way to survive your period is to see when it’s coming. Take your grade school teacher’s advice and record your red days on a calendar. Familiarize yourself with how long your cycle lasts, as well. By doing this, you should be able to:
Be on the Move
Be a rebel and resist the urge to stay in and lounge around. Some women agree that doing a little workout or running while on your period (and having cramps) can be very fulfilling. Try it for yourself!
Food and Nutrition
What you eat can also help soothe the pains of going through your period.
- Among other benefits, B vitamins are important for heavy periods as the liver need it to convert excess estrogen into weaker and less dangerous forms.
- Especially if you have heavy periods, eliminate the risk of being anemic by eating foods that are rich in iron.
- Avoid coffee and some kinds of tea on your red days. Caffeine constricts your blood vessels, intensifying your cramps in effect.
- Herbal teas are caffeine-free and have been found to tame mood swings.
- Eat fresh fruits such as banana (vitamin B6 and potassium), pineapple (bromelain, or an enzyme known to relax muscles) and grapefruit (vitamins C and E, and anti-cramp minerals magnesium, calcium and manganese.
Period Survival Kit
Gathering and creating your period survival kit should be handy and fun! Here are some essentials that should be in your survival kit:
- Napkins
- Chocolates and other endorphin-inducing snacks
- Medication, especially for when cramps are getting too much to handle
- Heating Pad (or Pillow) for hot compress
