The crimson curse. The monthly guest. Aunt Flo. The monthly "gift". The dot. Whatever ways you call it, one thing's for sure. It is NOT fun. Cramped over, feeling gross and nasty, the aches, the overall sense of uselessness and boredom. Yeah, we've all been there. But it doesn't have to be that way. Pick yourself up and feel better with these tips! Heck, maybe you'll forget that Aunt Flo just happens to be at your door.
1) Get up! Yeah, yeah, you're probably saying, "Girl, you crazy? Why would I even want to move?!" It doesn't seem like it, but light exercise or even some stretching will make you feel better and relieve your cramps. Nothing too intense, just something to make you feel healthy and soothe cramps. You're getting rid of cramps and staying healthy at the same time. Just because Aunt Flo is there doesn't mean that you can't go out and have fun.
2) Yum, food! Chocolate is on your mind 24/7. The two simple words of ice cream resonates through your head. Craving, cravings, cravings. Eating right during Aunt Flo's visit can make you feel a lot better. Bananas are a good choice (potassium), and dark, minimally processed chocolate packs antioxidants as well as great flavor. Make sure to eat lots of leafy greens, dairy, and fruits high in vitamins. You can even eat foods whose high content in a specific vitamin or nutrient zaps cramps, PMS, etc. However, stay away from a lot of salty foods (They retain water, which is SO not helping with the bloating!) and too much sugar. They will make you feel worse. As for the cravings? You can indulge in moderation, but never too much.
3) Pamper yourself. I'm serious. That walk around the house to pick up is NOT pampering. I'm talking about a shopping spree with your best friends (lipgloss, anyone?), going to a restaurant and ordering your favorite dish or trying something new, or lying back in a bubble bath. (For the bubble bath, make sure you can hog the bathroom for at least 30 minutes without any disruptions.) These can all make you feel better. When you're already going through so many things, Aunt Flo just adds on. Girl, you deserve to spoil yourself. (For awhile, at least. :) )
4) Get comfy or get dressy. Make yourself comfortable! If you feel like a day of total softness, feel free to wear sweats all day! On the contrary, if dressing up makes you feel good, then by all means go for it! Dress dressy, it makes even the most normal things feel new and invigorating.
5) Hunchback of Notre Dame has nothin' on me. Period cramps have got to be one of the worst things about this time of month, but there are things you can do about it, besides tips 1 and 2. If they're really bad, try heating up a heating pad, lying down on a couch or bed, and placing it across your stomach (wherever it's needed!) and just close your eyes and relax. The bubble bath really helps too. If Aunt Flo makes you achy as well, add some epsom salt into your bath, it helps. (For an extra spa-like flare, try a few drops of lavender essential oil which is calming, or try something citrusy or tangerine for a wakeup call!)
6) Fresh as a daisy. But what if I like roses? It's always irritating to feel gross and nasty during Aunt Flo's visit, and sometimes feeling fresh seems nearly impossible. But it's really not that hard. First things first, shower. Shower daily (even twice if you need to), and use a good body wash that makes you feel good, with your favorite shampoo and conditioner. Never douche, because this can upset the natural pH balance of "down there", unless a doctor tells you to. Also, never use scented products or scented wipes because these can be irritating to "down there".
Then, change your feminine hygiene products more often if needed. This is pretty obvious. But still. I'm serious. No joke. No kidding around here.
Next, body mist is your friend! Don't spray "down there" (eww), but you can spray it externally and on your clothes. Choose a scent that picks you up and smells fresh, but isn't too overwhelming.
7) Finally, smile! As much as you don't feel like smiling at this time of month, it'll help! It's best to stay positive and help you forget about your troubles.
Stay positive! Even as annoying as it is, Aunt Flo is a good thing. It means that you're healthy! And it means that your a girl, which is pretty darn amazingly awesome, because girls just rock! So enjoy being a girl! Your period is not something that should hold you back, ever.
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