Period Hacks

For many women and girls, that special time of the month when Aunt Flo comes to visit can be a very trying time. Some women experience severe amounts of pain which can even interrupt their activities of daily living for those 3-7days (depending on each person’s cycle of course). Cramps come in varying degrees. and during unbearable cramps many women turn to medicines such as painkillers which do provide relief most times but there are also other ways by which you can limit period pain and get back to your regular routine, period or not.

1. Exercise regularly. Proper exercise is important for everyone. Now this doesn’t mean you should run to the gym and start pushing weights. You can pick any exercise really. Just ensure that you are comfortable doing whatever exercise you choose. Simple exercises like walking can also be very effective. When you’re active, the “happy” hormone, dopamine,gets released,which in turn increases the level of another hormone known as serotonin which helps combat stress and depression. Exercise also helps to maintain a healthy metabolism and can help reduce or stop period pains.

2. Avoid excessive exercise routines. As with most things in life, too much of a good thing can also be bad for you. While simple exercises are of benefit, rigorous exercise might bring opposite results.When you’re into extreme forms of activities,your body starts to produce less reproductive hormones and if this is combined with an improper diet and high levels of stress, you increase the chances of delayed period with possibilities of cramps. This is seen very commonly in female athletes. So exercise in moderation.

3. Get better sleep. Life can get hectic sometimes but No matter how engaged you are in your daily activities, your body requires sufficient amount of sleep. Sleep plays a vital role in our metabolism. Also, lack of sleep makes us tired, cranky, and demoralized. This, especially, happens during our period. With feelings of discomfort and worrying about staining, Women tend to sleep less. Try putting on some music and go to sleep. It is something that can help you avoid your cramps, too.

4. Do not stress. Too much stress puts unnecessary pressure on your mind and body. For Women who are trying to conceive, anxiety and depression can be very harmful.Stress is also directly related to infertility. So try as much as possible to avoid stressful situations and engage in practices like meditation and listening to calming music or whatever other activity that you find relaxing.

5. Hot water therapy. Once you start to feel period cramps, do not wait for it to worsen. Try hot water therapy. Pour some bearable hot water in a hot water bottle and apply on your lower abdomen. It’s usually a good idea to wrap the bottle in say a towel to prevent scalding and also ensure that the cork on the hot water bottle is properly tightened. The water will help the blood to run clot free and also cramp free.

6. Eat dark chocolate. dark chocolate helps increase magnesium levels which can be depleted by menstrual blood loss. It is also a mood lifter, so if you’re suffering from mood swings, help yourself to that stash leftover from valentine’s festivities and see the difference yourself. Notice the emphasis on DARK chocolate because this has lower sugar and more nutrients than milk/white chocolate.

7. Get some calcium. Women need calcium because as we grow older we have a higher chance of suffering from osteoporosis which is basically a condition in which the bones get thinner. Expecting mothers and breastfeeding mothers require more calcium to prevent weak bones and tooth decay. The recommended daily allowance of calcium is 1200mg per day.

8. Omega 3 supplementation. Fatty acids also help to prevent the frequency of period symptoms, so it is also a good idea to ensure sufficient intake of omega 3. This is found naturally in foods like fish, avocado and nuts and also available as supplements.

9. Birth control pills can affect your period too

10. Drink plenty of water. Water is essential for our metabolism. It also helps cut down food intake and keep the body clean. Staying hydrated goes a long way in easing cramps and also helps with the feelings of bloating and fatigue.

11. Keep your weight in check. Believe it or not, the amount of fat in your body is related to your reproductive health as a woman. If you are overweight there is risk of irregular period, heavy flow, pain and longer lasting periods. Increased body fats raises the estrogen levels which can affect the release of eggs from the ovaries.

12. Time your waxing appointment wisely. As women we all have our grooming preferences and some of us choose waxing. On a regular day getting waxed can feel like torture but when done in the few days leading up to your period the pain is even more intense, so you may wish to book your next waxing appointment with this in mind.

13. Track your dates. When you keep track of your dates using the Sofy period tracker app, you know exactly when to expect your period and so you have time to prepare yourself psychologically and also prevent surprises like getting stained by carrying pads in your bag.

14. Be happy