For most women, menstruation is a painful situation, prone to stress and/or depression, or even embarrassing. You think so too? In fact, there are several things you can do to keep your body comfortable when your period arrives. Want to know the full tips? Read on for this article!
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Part 1 of 3: Making a Plan
Step 1. Know when your period comes
There's nothing more annoying than having your period when you're not ready. Although no one can know the exact time of menstruation, in fact every woman can estimate it. By knowing the estimated date of your period, you will undoubtedly be able to better prepare yourself and avoid embarrassing things that could potentially arise due to lack of preparation.
- In your calendar or agenda book, try marking the expected date of your period each month. Nowadays, you can even easily download apps to monitor your menstrual cycle like Period Tracker.
- Use thin pads or pantyliners before and after your period to catch any excess blood that may be coming out.
Step 2. Don't feel too self-conscious
Have you ever seen a woman buy a pad and think it 'smells like a woman on her period'? Most likely not. Trust me, your period is not a situation that should make you feel embarrassed and/or paranoid.
If you suddenly have your period but haven't worn a sanitary pad, don't hesitate to ask other women around you. Believe me, all women experience menstruation and have most likely been trapped in a similar situation. In other words, no one will laugh or ridicule you after
Step 3. Build a positive mindset about menstruation
Even though it feels annoying, actually regular menstruation shows that your body's condition and functions are really healthy. In a healthy cycle, the brain will send chemical messages to the ovaries to produce hormones such as estrogen and androgens that are very important for your body. By having such a mindset, you will undoubtedly find it easier to appreciate the things that are happening in your body and focus more on other positive things outside of your period.
Step 4. Use the best products for your body
Today, there are various options that women have during menstruation such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups, sponges, etc. Use any product that makes your body feel good! Don't use one product just because your friends use it. If your body feels comfortable, automatically the situation during menstruation will not bother you too much.
Step 5. Cope with irregular periods
Having an irregular menstrual cycle (not always coming every month) will make it difficult for you to plan to keep your body comfortable during menstruation every month. For some people, the irregularity actually refers to the volume of menstrual blood. In other words, there are times when their menstrual blood volume is much higher than usual. If you also have irregular cycles or menstrual volume, try to see your obstetrician to deal with it and help you plan better each month.
- For teenagers who have just had their period, it is normal for their periods to be irregular in the first few years. In addition, menstrual irregularities can also be rooted in various health problems such as ovarian cysts, pelvic swelling, and a poor lifestyle such as irregular exercise patterns and drastic weight loss. If your period is irregular, it's time to get to the root of the problem to get rid of your worries. By doing so, surely you can more easily enjoy menstruation every month.
- Most likely, your obstetrician can help make your periods more regular. For example, your doctor will prescribe a birth control medication that will automatically control your period at a later date. If irregular periods bother you a lot, try asking your doctor to prescribe medication to control pregnancy.
Part 2 of 3: Reducing PMS (Premenstrual Syndrome) Symptoms
Step 1. Observe the food you eat
Obeying the temptation to eat sweet foods that are less healthy can be done occasionally. However, if you continue to eat milk chocolate bars while on your period, you are actually making your body worse! Salt, sugar, and coffee can trigger and even worsen PMS symptoms. Therefore, try to avoid all three before and during menstruation.
- Why should sugar, salt, and coffee be avoided during menstruation? Consuming sugar can increase blood sugar levels. As a result, your emotional state will worsen. Meanwhile, salt has the potential to make the body feel more bloated, and caffeine is effective at increasing estrogen production which is at risk of worsening PMS symptoms.
- Expand the consumption of green leafy vegetables, salmon, whole grains and grains, bananas, and yogurt. All these foods are very rich in nutrients that the body needs to feel more relaxed and comfortable during menstruation.
Step 2. Get active
No matter how big the temptation to laze around all day on the couch, your body will actually feel healthier and happier if you move it regularly. Besides being effective in relieving unpleasant physical symptoms such as cramps and bloating, exercising is also able to release endorphins that can improve your mood. Since your body temperature drops during your period, do whatever it takes to keep your body cool.
- You don't need to do strenuous exercise. Simply walk your dog around the compound, do some light yoga, or take a less extreme fitness class with the people closest to you. Do whatever can move your body so that your mood can improve in an instant.
- Sometimes, menstrual blood can leak during exercise. Therefore, try using pads and tampons for double protection, especially if your period volume is larger than usual. If you want, you can also wear dark colored clothes so that menstrual blood leaks are not caught by the naked eye.
Step 3. Use essential oils
Essential oils or aromatherapy are natural aids to improve the condition of the body. Pour a few drops of the oil into a bath of warm water, or apply a small amount of the oil to your wrist and massage it gently. The aroma that wafts is also powerful enough to make you feel happier and relaxed.
Of the many types and variants of aromas available, bergamot and clary sage oils are recommended to stabilize your mood. Meanwhile, geranium oil is recommended for those of you who constantly feel grumpy, and lavender oil is proven to be effective in making the body more relaxed. For those of you who experience excessive headaches, try using white peppermint oil. Meanwhile, grapefruit and lemon oil work very effectively to reduce bloating due to menstruation
Step 4. Deal with stress
In fact, stress can make your PMS symptoms worse! Therefore, always take the time to analyze the situations that trigger your stress. If the situation can be easily resolved, then immediately address it and get it out of your mind. If the situation is difficult for you to control, always remember that you won't be able to control anything and relax by doing yoga, meditation, or a warm bath.
Step 5. Take pain medication
If your breast pain, back pain, headaches, or cramps don't go away with natural remedies, try taking a pain reliever like ibuprofen (Advil) or naproxen (Aleve). You can also take medications specifically designed to relieve PMS symptoms, such as Pamprin and Midol.
Always follow the dosage instructions listed on the package and contact your doctor if you have questions regarding the pattern of drug consumption
Step 6. Use a warm pad
Another tool commonly used to relieve PMS symptoms is a warm pad. Because warm pads are effective in helping to relieve the cramps you are experiencing, their presence is also able to make the body feel comfortable when you are on your period. Don't hesitate to pamper yourself with these luxuries while you're on your period!
- You can buy special warm pads at most pharmacies. Always follow the instructions on the package as some of the warm pads must be wrapped in a towel or thick cloth before applying to the skin.
- Do not charge the pads overnight or unattended.
Part 3 of 3: Have fun
Step 1. Have a comedy watching ritual
Generally, the first day of menstruation is the most frustrating moment for women. In addition to experiencing physical symptoms that make the body feel uncomfortable, your emotional state will be very unstable at that time. So try having a monthly ritual of watching comedy movies on the first day of your period to improve your mood! Watch funny videos on Youtube, dig through your collection of comedy DVDs, or search for some tummy tidbits on Netflix. Comedy movies or videos are effective at entertaining and at the same time helping you forget the PMS symptoms that make the body feel uncomfortable. If you want, you can always watch a favorite movie or television series on the first day of your period.
Step 2. Pamper yourself
For some women, menstruation is a very tiring period and makes the body feel uncomfortable. Therefore, do not hesitate to pamper yourself to relieve PMS symptoms that appear. Chances are, after that you are actually able to enjoy your period more! If your whole body feels sore, try to make a reservation at the nearest massage place. If you want, you can do a manicure too! Choose a light nail color so that your lips always smile when you see it. Also, don't hesitate to take the time to take a warm bath while reading your favorite book. Do whatever makes you happy, relaxed, and feeling refreshed!
Step 3. Dress up and wear attractive clothes
Most women feel their bodies are getting fuller and look unattractive during menstruation. So do you? Try to fight those feelings by dressing up and wearing interesting clothes! Avoid wearing loose-fitting sweatpants throughout the day. Dress yourself up and go on a trip with your closest friends! If necessary, turn these actions into your monthly routine. Trust me, your mood will improve drastically if you always wear comfortable and attractive clothes and straighten your hair every time you go out.
Don't be afraid to wear cute patterned panties when you're on your period. Chances are, you'll naturally be tempted to wear the ugliest panties when you're on your period. From now on, try to resist the urge! Trust me, boring underwear will actually make your mood worse. Therefore, always wear clothes that make you feel better and confident! If you're afraid to leave stains on your underwear, try wearing light pantyliners
Step 4. Relax
Being active is indeed effective in relieving the PMS symptoms that you are experiencing. Even so, still take time to relax! For some women, menstruation can be a very tiring time. In addition, the physical symptoms of PMS may worsen on certain days of your cycle. Therefore, do not hesitate to rest whenever your body feels too tired or uncomfortable. Spend time watching interesting television shows, eating your favorite snacks, and lounging on the couch all day. There's no need to feel guilty because sometimes, rest is the best gift your body can give.
Tips
- When your stomach feels cramped, try placing a warm pad or bottle filled with warm water on your stomach.
- Epsom salt has powerful components to relieve cramps and pain that plague your body. If you have time, there's nothing wrong with relaxing by soaking in warm water that has been spiked with Epsom salt to taste.
- If your PMS symptoms are so severe that they make it difficult for you to attend school, work, or other important activities, see your doctor immediately. Chances are, you have a medical condition that requires medical treatment.
- For some people, PMS can be a very painful period. Always listen to your body's needs and don't let other people simplify your situation.
- If you don't have a physical calendar, try using an online calendar, which is commonly available on every computer, laptop, tablet, and cell phone.
- Have a positive attitude towards menstruation! At the very least, be thankful that you didn't get pregnant at an inopportune time.
- Use a menstrual calendar. These days, you can easily download various applications to monitor your menstrual period and its symptoms on your cellphone and/or laptop.
- Try wearing red accessories when you're on your period. Feel free to show respect for your body, but there's no need to explain the meaning behind wearing these accessories to other people if you don't want to.
- Make sure you always carry spare underwear, pads, and tampons in your bag.
- Listen to your favorite songs while on your period! Doing so is effective in relaxing the body while helping you forget the pain that arises.
