There’s really no point in skirting around the subject because periods are a natural part of human life. The menstrual cycle is what allowed the human race to procreate through the centuries, and it’s still very much relevant to most women today because it comes every month like clockwork.
The menstrual cycle heralds itself with a myriad of emotional and physical changes that are collectively known as premenstrual syndrome, and almost none of them are pleasant. From uncontrollable food cravings to painful stomach cramps and even weight fluctuations, all of this is a shared experience among those who experience it, but these are only shared in small groups and whispers.
Despite its integral role in human biology, society has somehow stigmatized it and surrounded the topic with shame and secrecy. For some reason, women aren’t allowed to outright talk about it in public because it might offend some people, but haven’t women earned the right to vocalize their thoughts after enduring the same pain and discomfort every month?
Undoubtedly, society is slowly progressing more towards a more tolerant and accepting attitude towards it, but until it reaches a further stage of normalizations, women and girls everywhere will still have to learn to fend through these symptoms alone. Luckily, there are definitely things that can be done to lessen the severity of these symptoms, and here are some of them!
Come Prepared with a Hot Compress
The notorious period cramp is one of the most common and uncomfortable signs that your period is coming, and it’s only going to get worse as your period arrives. Period cramps are throbbing pains around your lower abdomen that happen due to an accumulation of a certain hormone in your uterus.
Basically, period cramps are uncontrollable muscle contractions, and a good way to alleviate these contractions is by relaxing the muscle with a hot compress. The heat from the compress will improve the blood flow and circulation around the area and reduce muscle spasms and tightness. There are many different hot compresses and hot water bottles that you can choose from, all of which will be able to stay hot long enough to slowly take the pain away.
Do a Light Workout
As much as it might be the last thing you want to do when you’re on your period, studies have actually shown that doing a light workout during your period helps relieve several symptoms related to that time of the month. Light physical activity can help reduce the discomfort of stomach cramps, help regulate hormonal fluctuations, and just provide overall health benefits.
No one’s saying that you have to go running or participate in other intense sports to reap the benefits because studies actually show that the hormonal changes throughout your cycle also affect your endurance, stamina and strength. Rather than constantly opposing your natural biology, it’s better to just go with the flow and perform lighter workouts the closer you get to your period, or when you’re already on it.
A simple yoga workout or stretching session is more than enough to relax your body. These lighter activities can also help control your hormones, which in turn will reap other benefits like controlling food cravings, calming down acne flare ups, regulating weight fluctuations and bloating, and much more. When you’re on your period, it’s really just you and your yoga mat against the world!
Satisfy Your Sweet Tooth in a Healthy Way
It’s no secret that most women begin craving sweet foods and desserts the closer they get to their monthly periods. This is because hormonal changes cause blood sugar and serotonin levels to drop, both of which lead to a desire for sugar and sweets. This comes in things like chocolate, sugary donuts, sweet drinks and much more.
While you shouldn’t restrict yourself from indulging in something sweet during your period, what you can do to avoid all these unhealthy options is to swap them out for healthier alternatives. Instead of gorging on excessive amounts of sugar that can lead to more cravings, breakouts and weight gain, why not try making yourself a smoothie bowl?
With just a blender and your favorite combination of fruits and other add-ons, you can quickly whip yourself up a healthier dessert that will not only supply your body with some much needed vitamins and nutrients, but also allow you to save money that you would have otherwise spent outside. A smoothie bowl also gives you the freedom to choose what you put on as toppings as a finishing touch, which is always exciting too!
Steam Your Face to Ward Off Pimples
No one likes getting pimples, but they’re unfortunately an unavoidable part of the menstrual cycle for many women out there. Of course, this is all caused by the infamous hormonal changes that begin weeks before your period. With the many effects that these changing hormone levels bring, one of them is that they trigger your sebaceous glands to secrete more oil, with too much oil leading to clogged pores and breakouts.
One thing that you can do to mitigate these adverse effects as much as possible is by buying a facial steamer and steaming your face regularly. The heat from the steam enters your pores and loosen up anything inside, making them much easier to remove and less likely to cause breakouts. And apart from improving blood circulation to your face and giving you a nice youthful glow, they can also help your acne-fighting skin care products penetrate better.
Every woman knows how awful periods can be, but these tips can help make it a bit more bearable every month. If you’re looking for more items to help you survive that time of the month, then check out Temu! With over 29 categories and 250 subcategories of world-class items to choose from, you’ll definitely be able to find what you’re looking for.
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