Ways to practice self-care during your period

Hello everyone!

Menstruation will always be an incredibly subjective experience, which no two individuals will share precisely. Because of this, self-care during your period has to be personal; not all tips will work for everyone. The menstrual cycle is split into four phases: the follicular, the ovulatory, the luteal and the menstrual phases. The menstrual phase is where self-care is most important. I’ve put together a list of tips that can help. So, without further ado, let’s get into it.

Apply heat
Heat, especially applied to the abdomen, works marvels. A warm bath helps soothe the cramps a little and allows the body to relax. If you are not in the mood for a bath, you can use a hot water bottle or heating pad. Holding one against your abdomen is surprisingly effective at easing pain. 

Related post: Managing menstrual pain naturally

Hydrate
Hydration is important all month round, not just in the week of menstruation. However, on your period it can be particularly useful. It serves many functions, like combating bloating and cramping as well as replenishing fluids. 

Eat well
Make sure you load up on nutrient-rich foods. While fruit and vegetables are a vital source of nutrients and fibre in anyone's diet, they are incredibly helpful during menstruation. Additionally, salty foods should be avoided during your period because they can make the bloating and water retention even worse.

Binge-watch
Having a movie marathon is such a simple yet effective way to practice self-care when you’re on your period. Sometimes, you may find that getting up and about actually makes your cramps worse. Giving yourself time on your own, watching TV and allowing yourself to rest can make a huge difference.

Get enough sleep
Much like hydration, rest is another thing that’s important all the time, but particularly so during your period; because that’s when you are more tired! When you are on your period you may find that you feel lethargic. So, it’s a good idea to try to get a few extra hours of sleep if possible, to make sure you are well-rested. 

Take notes
If you’re trying to indulge in self-care during your period, paying attention to your own body is the most practical thing you can do. Keep a journal and write down what works for you and what doesn't. For instance, if you notice a certain food worsens your cramps, take a note of it so you don’t make the same mistake twice!

Tell me, what’s your favourite form of self-care during your period?