Shark week. That scene from "The Shining." Aunt Flow. A period.
Whatever you call it, it sucks. Regardless if you've been dealing with it for a few months or a few decades, they're not that great to look forward to. So let's celebrate the fact that you're not pregnant by indulging in a few remedies to lessen those annoying symptoms.
1. Heating pads
I know it's stereotypical, but there's a reason why so many people swear by it. The heat just melts away cramps and the tightness in your muscles. I shouldn't do this because it's a fire hazard, but I sleep with mine on. But hey, desperate times call for desperate measures.2. Microwave booties
My feet tend to get colder around my period due to reduced blood flow, so I pop these super-soft booties in the microwave, and voila, I'm all warm and cozy! If you want a microwavable version of a heating pad, they sell that as well.
3. Yoga
Most health professionals recommend exercise to cope with cramps, but I find that I don't have the energy for a typical workout. Yoga still lets me be active without putting excess strain on my joints. It's always nice to give my muscles a good stretch during that time of the month, too!
4. Tea
I'm not much of a coffee person, as it makes me jittery and dehydrated. Drinking tea soothes my muscles while upping my fluid intake, which can do a body nothing but good.
5. Heat wraps
If you want a portable version of a heating pad, the drugstore sells sticky heating pads that last up to eight hours! They're undetectable under clothing and they make the day not as rough to get through.
6. Hot baths
Baths are my go-to choice for helping period pain. If you don't have a tub, a shower works just as well. The steam calms me and the hot water relaxes my muscles on impact.
7. Iron
We tend to lose a bit more iron during our period than during any other time of our cycle, so it's important to replenish the nutrients we lose. Foods like meat, beans, legumes, and tofu are great sources of iron. Chipotle run, anyone?
8. Natural products
Nothing's better than peace of mind, right? What if I told you that big-brand feminine products on the shelves are filled with harmful dyes and chemicals that are absorbed into your body every time you use them?
I recently ordered products from Sustain and they are so incredible— their tampons, pads and liners are all made of 100% organic cotton and they are free of chemicals, dyes, perfumes and animal by-products. They're VEGAN, too! I honestly notice a difference in the way my body feels when I'm not subjecting it to unnecessary toxins. I don't feel as sluggish and I don't feel guilty about the products I'm using. Seriously, go check them out.
9. Cannabis
If you live in a legalized state, products with THC and CBD have been shown to effectively reduce period pain. Whoopi Goldberg and Maya Elisabeth's company Whoopi & Maya creates products infused with cannabis to help relax the nerves and the muscles that are causing the cramps. They carry tinctures, bath soaks, rubs, and more.
10. Switch off the pain
Livia is a T.E.N.S (transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) product for your ovaries. It blocks your pain receptors in your nerves so you can say goodbye to cramps. While the bundle is on sale for a steep $152, it may be worth it if you deal with severe cramping and pain.
11. Eat healthily
As much as we want to eat fried chicken, Oreos, milkshakes, and burgers 24/7, our body would love to get some vitamins and minerals so it can work more efficiently. The best things we can consume during our moon cycle are calcium, antioxidants, healthy fats/oils, and protein. Your body will thank you and your mood will improve as well.
12. Hydrate
When everything is hydrated, the body just works better. An example of how to calculate how much water you should drink daily, take your body weight an multiply it by 2/3. For example, if you weigh 150 pounds, take 150 * 2/3 = 100. Therefore, you should be drinking 100 ounces of water a day.
Constantly peeing in the beginning is annoying but trust me, it is SO worth it. Not only do I feel better altogether, but my skin has cleared up immensely since I upped my water intake.
13. Breathe
Break down if you need to. Journal your heart out. Bawl uncontrollably at that movies. Whatever you need to do to make yourself feel better, it's valid and perfectly normal. We're human, life happens. Just take life one day at a time and you'll survive anything, even mother nature.
