Self-Care for Your Cycle: Prepping for Your Period Like a Pro
Let’s face it, the days leading up to our periods can be just as challenging as the period itself. Whether it’s the bloating, the mood swings, or the overall exhaustion, taking care of ourselves during this time is essential. I’ve found that a little planning ahead and showing my body some love can make a huge difference in how I feel. So let’s dive into some tips for prepping for your period and how to take care of yourself during those tougher first few days.
1. Nutrition: Fuel Your Body Right
Your body is working overtime during your cycle, so what you eat in the days leading up to it matters. Here are some ways to fuel up:
Eat Magnesium-Rich Foods: Magnesium helps reduce bloating, cramping, and headaches. Foods like spinach, nuts, seeds, and dark chocolate (yes, you read that right!) are great sources.
Load Up on Complex Carbs: Eating whole grains, sweet potatoes, and fruits can help stabilize your blood sugar levels and improve mood. They also give you sustained energy to power through the pre-period fatigue.
Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate: Drinking water can help combat bloating and dehydration. Try sipping on herbal teas like chamomile or ginger for their calming and anti-inflammatory properties.
Limit Caffeine and Salt: Caffeine can worsen anxiety and irritability, while salty foods may cause more bloating. Try to reduce these in the days leading up to your period.
2. Gentle Exercise: Move to Feel Better
While you might not feel like running a marathon (and you don’t have to!), some light movement can help ease period discomfort and improve your mood:
Walking or Yoga: A 20-minute walk or a few gentle yoga poses can help reduce cramps and boost endorphins. Low-impact exercises like yoga can also help stretch out tense muscles and improve blood flow, making those painful days more bearable.
Strength Training: In the days leading up to your period, incorporating light strength training or Pilates can help maintain energy levels without over-exerting your body. Just keep it gentle—no need to go all out.
Rest When You Need To: If you’re exhausted, listen to your body. There’s no shame in resting or taking things easy during this time.
3. Emotional Self-Care: Mind Your Mood
The days leading up to your period can bring on the infamous mood swings, irritability, and stress. Managing these emotions is key to feeling your best:
Journaling: Take 10 minutes a day to write out your feelings. Sometimes just getting your thoughts on paper helps you process and release pent-up emotions.
Meditation: Even just a few minutes of deep breathing can calm your mind. Guided meditations or soothing sounds (like beach waves 🌊) can help reduce stress and anxiety.
Pamper Yourself: If you’re feeling down or emotional, set aside time for self-care. Whether it’s a bubble bath, skincare routine, or simply curling up with a good book, give yourself the space to relax.
4. First Few Days of Your Period: Take It Easy
Once your period arrives, the first couple of days are usually the hardest. Here's how to nurture yourself through the most uncomfortable part of your cycle:
Use Heat Therapy: A heating pad or warm bath can work wonders for cramps. Apply a heating pad to your lower abdomen or back to relieve muscle tension and pain.
Prioritize Rest: Don’t feel guilty for slowing down. Your body is working hard, so if you need a nap or a night in, take it.
Gentle Movement: Light stretching or a slow walk can help relieve cramping by encouraging blood flow. But again, don’t push yourself—listen to your body’s needs.
Essential Oils: Lavender, clary sage, and peppermint oils can help relax muscles, reduce cramping, and soothe headaches. Apply a few drops to your wrists or temples, or diffuse them for a calming effect.
5. Create a Comfort Kit for the First Days of Your Period
Having a go-to comfort kit can make all the difference when you’re not feeling your best. Here’s what to include:
Snacks: Keep some healthy (or indulgent) snacks on hand, like dark chocolate, trail mix, or fruit.
Comfy Clothes: Wear your softest, coziest clothes. Think oversized sweaters, leggings, and fuzzy socks.
Entertainment: Queue up your favorite feel-good shows, movies, or podcasts. Sometimes laughter really is the best medicine!
Skincare: Treat yourself to a hydrating face mask, a relaxing bath bomb, or whatever makes you feel pampered.
6. Don’t Forget to Tune Into Your Body
Every woman’s body is different, so it’s important to pay attention to what works best for you. Some months you may feel more energetic, while others you may need to rest more. Honor what your body needs and adjust your self-care routine accordingly. Remember, your period is a natural part of your body’s rhythm, so take it as a cue to nurture yourself.
Final Thoughts
Prepping for your period doesn’t have to be overwhelming. With a little planning and self-care, you can make it a lot more manageable. Take care of your body, honor your emotions, and embrace rest when you need it. You've got this, girl! 💖
Sound off in the comments if you agree with any of these tips or have additional to share with us!
Bonus: There is an amazing product I would love to put you all on game about. For the last two months (this is the third) I have been using a brand called Elix Healing. It uses Traditional Chinese Medicine to heal your hormones and ease your period. After taking an assessment, a special formula is prepared for you. It takes into account your pms and period symptoms, overall health as well as any other issues you may be dealing with such as PCOS, Endometriosis, etc. I can’t rant and rave about this product enough. A full blog post and review is coming soon but I love it so far. You can use my discount code 15TIAB to receive 15% off of your order here https://elixhealing.com/collections/shop-all?sscid=91k8_163gls&
Give it a try and let me know what your thoughts are.