Relationships June 18, 2018
Because life shouldn't have to stop when Aunt Flo comes to visit.
Riding the crimson wave. Menstruation. Shark week.
To most period-having people, these (very accurate) names can induce serious dread. Very few people look forward to having their period.
It’s not just the whole bleeding-in-your-pants thing. It’s the fact that you’re almost constantly uncomfortable, you’re likely to start crying or yelling at the drop of a hat (and most of the time you don’t even know why) and you know that these two to seven days are coming for you again next month, and the month after that.
These tips may not make you love and look forward to your period, but I can say they will make it better, as in, you might even feel more than halfway human during your time of the month.
This is a bold claim, I know, but you’d be surprised what introducing a few products and practices can do for your period.
So without further ado, I present ENTITY’s top 15 period hacks that will change your life, or at least, your period.
You may or may not have heard of this product that’s becoming bigger and bigger on the period scene. For the person who doesn’t love pads and always forgets about their tampons, this is the product for you.
A menstrual cup looks like a little silicone or latex rubber funnel. To use, you fold it and insert it into the vagina, similar to how you would insert a tampon without an applicator. The cup rests against the walls of the vagina, creating a seal that will not allow blood to get through.
The best part? You can leave it in for twelve hours. Say goodbye to those incessant bathroom trips you’ve become well acquainted with.
Most menstrual cups are also reusable. While they can be a bit trickier than a tampon and a require a bit more clean up (you have to boil the cup to sterilize it after each cycle), they’re a great option for the eco-conscious consumer and for the consumer who likes to save some cash. They run typically from $15-$30.
Maybe you want to try a menstrual cup or maybe you have, and it’s not quite your jam.
A menstrual disc is a similar concept to a menstrual cup — you insert it in your vagina without an applicator, you can wear it up to 12 hours and
But there any many differences. It’s more flexible, so it’s typically easier to insert than a menstrual cup. It also sits right behind vaginal fornix, propped up by your pubic bone. Menstrual cups sit in the vaginal canal. Because of this positioning, it can also remain in during sex, allowing you to have less messy sex while on your period. (Bonus fun fact: orgasms are said to help with period pain.)
They’re also a great alternative for someone who wants to go swimming on the period, but doesn’t like tampons or menstrual cups.
They are, however, not reusable.
Over-the-counter medicines are an essential for alleviating period pain. Everyone has their own preferences, but I personally cannot get through my period without popping some Midol. Tylenol or Advil can also work great for cramps and aches, but Midol is specifically formulated for menstrual symptoms. In addition to helping relieve cramps, Midol helps with headaches, backaches and bloating.
If the bane of your period existence is your cramps, invest in a heating pad right this instant. Using one of these bad boys in addition to Midol — changes the game.
The heat seems to help with the constricted blood flow that often causes the pain from cramps.
There are both portable and electric heating pads. While electric pads are more likely to provide more heat, and thus more relief, you can’t exactly wear them while you’re out and about, which makes the portable heating wraps a great option.
Your diet can really impact the course of your period. Bananas are rich in potassium, which can help with bloating and cramping.
Speaking of your diet…
I know, I love coffee as much as the next girl. Maybe not even love as much as need/completely rely on/probably couldn’t survive without, but for some people, extra caffeine during their period can make cramps so much worse.
While this isn’t the case for everyone, scientists suggest that for some people caffeine contributes to mildly restricting blood flow, making cramps more pronounced.
If you find that your morning cup of coffee and your period don’t exactly get along, you can try decaf coffee, to at least get that coffee taste. It’s not the same, but it’s only for a week.
If you’re really craving a hot beverage but refuse to go anywhere near decaf, try some ginger tea.
To make a cup, slice ginger root and add it to hot water. It’s easy, and totally caffeine-free. You can also purchase ginger tea bags. What’s more, ginger is often used for relieving inflammation and pain which means a cup of ginger tea can help with cramps and bloating.
The best part? It’s not even really an indulgence. At least in the way that it’s not bad for you.
Studies have shown that dark chocolate (meaning 70% cacao or higher) has positive effects on stress levels, inflammation and mood. Basically, it’s a period superfood.
Ever feel like you’re extra gassy on your period? Well, you’re certainly not alone.
Many people can feel extra gassy during their time of the month, so it’s a good idea to pick up some antigas meds to help you threw the week.
Exercise may sound like the last thing you want to do, but it is a great way to lessen cramp pain, backaches, bloating and headaches. A low-intensity workout, or some yoga or simple workout moves are great to do while on your period. Maybe you’ll even get an endorphin rush!
You probably already have a few designated pair of period underwear — big granny panty types. Who can blame you? Wearing anything resembling a thong on your period can be highly unappealing.
If you’re looking for some underwear that will provide comfort and protecting without showing insane panty lines, check out these UNIQLO Ultra Seamless Shorts.
Comfort and leggings essentially mean the same thing. Don’t torture yourself with your tightest pair of high waisted jeans. Throw on some leggings.
If you want to look a little nicer, you could also rock a pair of joggers or flowier printed pants to stay comfy without sacrificing your style.
In addition to all the other crap we have to put up with on our periods, there’s also hormonal acne.
If you’re prone to finding pimples popping up on your face every month, try acne pimple patches. These little hydrocolloid patches can be placed directly on breakouts (after you’ve cleaned your skin of course). They help provide a barrier from more bacteria getting to your breakout, and they absorb all the gunk from your breakouts, reducing inflammation and the life of your hormonal-related acne. They’re most effective when used on whiteheads or popped zits.
Studies have shown that right before and at the beginning of your period your pain sensitivity levels are high. Because of that, it’s best to avoid getting waxed during that time.
If it is urgent, many estheticians are fine with giving a bikini wax during your time of the month, just be aware, it could hurt even more than it already does.
Periods are an emotional time.
Take a nice night to yourself and add a few of your favorite rom-coms to your Netflix queue. Allowing yourself the time to laugh and cry is important to your mental well-being!
There are tons of great period tracker apps that remind you when your period is coming. For someone as unorganized as me, they can be real lifesavers. My personal favorite is Clue.
Next time shark week rolls around, check out this list to help make things a bit easier on yourself!
