Let’s be honest, periods are never a fun time. Whether you are someone blessed with a relatively pain free cycle, to those who suffer with extreme discomfort and cramps. However, periods are a part of a life, for a very long time, so it’s good to know the best ways of taking care of yourself, mentally and physically during the rough time.
Period Kit Essentials
You want to make sure you are never caught by surprise with nothing on hand once your period starts, especially for those with an irregular cycle. So, always have your period kit stocked and ready to go.
Tampons
I find tampons are just the best for cleanliness and odour, as long as you are making sure to switch them out regularly. Yes, you can go to the toilet whilst they are in, but personally I always use that opportunity to refresh them. I recommend Tampax Compak Pearl in Super, as they have a very smooth insertion and work well with even the heaviest flows.
Pads
You don’t want to be using tampons at night and, the lady downstairs could do with some fresh air. Opt for long pads with secure wings whilst you sleep, so you don’t end up with some unfortunate staining if you toss and turn a lot. Try the Always Platinum Pads Secure Night for extra security or the Always Cotton Protection Ultra Night, if you want something comfy and breathable.
Wipes
Wipes are incredibly handy for a lot of things but, especially during your period if you need to freshen up. Let’s be honest, the time of the month can be a messy affair no matter how you choose to deal with it and toilet roll, just isn’t going to cut it. I always keep a pack of baby wipes in my bag and in my bathroom, so I am never without. I like the Huggies Pure Baby Wipes, as they are 99% water, so they are good for such a sensitive area. If you need flushables, try the Andrex Classic Clean Washlets.
Anti-Bacterial Hand Sanitiser
The last thing you want to be doing is touching your downstairs with dirty hands and, sometimes public toilets run out of the hand soap. I know, you are just as surprised as me. Alas, if you have wipes and hand sanitiser, problem solved. Though it’s a good idea to carry both in your bag these days anyway, given the recent climate.
Pain Relief
I’ll discuss different forms of pain relief in more detail later but, you want to make sure you have your chosen form available in your kit, if not several depending on your pain level.
Hygiene
Keeping yourself downstairs clean is important, even more so when you are on. You want to be cleaning daily to avoid a build up of blood and odour. So, at the end of your shower or bath, make sure to give her the attention she needs, delicately of course.
Feminine Washes
There are a lot of options for this but personally, I tend to stay away from feminine washes as I find them to be too drying. The best two options I have for you, that do a thorough job whilst not stripping you dry is the Baby Dove Calming Nights or the same brands Sensitive Moisture. These have never steered me wrong or, left me with irritation or discomfort.
Deodorant
Usually, I would never recommend using any form of deodorant or spray near or on your intimate parts. However, I understand there can still be that niggling worry in the back of your mind regarding unwanted odour, even if you are constantly freshening up. Personally, I keep a Femfresh Deodorant Spray in my bag for days I’ve been very physically active whilst on my cycle. I never spray on or inside (please don’t do this,) my actual intimate region. Infact, I cover it with my hand and spray around. It has a very light, fresh fragrance which can help cover an odour and feels great if you tend to sweat a lot downstairs. So far it has never caused me any problems but, please do be careful if you choose to do this.
Period Pain Relief
I think a lot of us would agree, that the worst thing about periods, is the pain. Everyone’s pain is different and in the most severe of cases, can even be debilitating. There are several things I can recommend for period pain relief, that have helped me immensely over the years.
Feminax Express
I get a lot of cramps. Sometimes the cramping is so bad, it set off my migraines, which as I’m sure you can imagine, is a horrible wild ride. So, to stop that domino effect, I use Feminax Express daily, during the roughest parts of my cycle. Although pricey compared to more generalised painkillers, it really does target period pain fast, and it usually last throughout the day.
CBD Oil
For those of you that may prefer a more natural, long-term method, CBD oil has documented anti-inflammatory effects and can be used to quell inflammation which is often the cause of menstrual pain. I began using CBD oil a while back, just two or three drops under my tongue at night to help relieve some pain before I slept and it really did a lot of wonders. It can also help to relieve tension and stress, which allows you to enjoy a more restful sleep. If you are interested, I used the Cannabi Premium Hemp Oil from Amazon, its inexpensive and designed for pain relief.
Hot Water Bottle | Warming Gel Packs
Heat can soothe the tense muscles associated with cramping, so a heated water bottle to use at home or, some warming gel packs you can slip into your bag and carry around are good idea to take the edge off. Any water bottle will do, but this one from The White Company feels lovely, and a little luxurious. Think of it as a little treat to yourself. As for gel packs, these Popmask Self-Heating patches off Asos are great for on the go.
Self-Care
Now let’s get into a little non-essential self-care. These are my recommendations to help ease mood swings, stress, anxiety or the pleather of other emotional twists and turns that being hormonal can bring. So, let’s get comfy.
Break Out Routine
Hormonal breakouts anyone? I always get a break out or two before I come on and I like to take care of them as soon they appear. No one wants to deal with acne on top of their cycle, after all.
+ Try a Blemish Control Cleanser, like this one from Cerave.
+ Use a face mask to keep your pores clear. My favourite is the Ole Henriksen Cold Plunge Pore Mask.
+ Make sure you are using a chemical exfoliator, atleast three times a week. My holy grail is the 2% BHA from Paula’s Choice and, it can be used during an active breakout aswell.
+ Apply a spot treatment. Whether you opt for a gel, cream or a pimple patch, use these as soon as the breakouts appear to lessen the damage and reduce their longevity. The Nip + Fab Salicylic Acid Fix Spot Patches are great if you often get hyperpigmentation from acne. This Acnecide Acne & Spot Treatment has 5% Benzoyl Peroxide, which is something often reserved to prescription. Benzoyl Peroxide can dry out your skin however, so make sure to use it with a moisturiser.
Hydration
Hydration is incredibly important during your cycle. As your estrogen and progesterone levels recede, your body retains more water. This can cause constipation, gas, and bloating (and I think we are bloated enough! Thank you, nature.) Try drinking at least two to three litres of water a day during your period, to fight bloating and keep yourself hydrated.
Mental Health
There are a lot of ways to stay on top of your mental health during this time, even when we feel at a loss. Remember, if you are experiencing a serious decline in your mental health, such as depression or severe anxiety, it may be best to seek professional help.
+ Engage in positive, fun activities you enjoy, such as your hobbies.
+ Give yourself a break. Perhaps this week, it’s the husbands turn to do the dishes?
+ Keep a journal or diary, an outlet for even your most personal emotions.
+ Keep up with your routines, so it doesn’t feel as though your period has thrown a wrench into your life.
+ Make sure you are getting enough sleep and not skipping out on meals.
Physical Health
Just because we’re on, doesn’t mean we should ignore our responsibilities to our body. However, you can definitely take it a little easier during this time, if that’s something you would like.
+ If your normal exercise routine is out of the question, try something a little easier on the body, like Yoga.
+ Meal prep is a great way to avoid cooking every day.
+ Certain supplements can help during your cycle. Magnesium relaxes the muscles, so it can ease general discomfort in the stomach. Omega 3 is an anti-inflammatory, so period symptoms such as cramps and headaches that are caused by an inflammation, can be eased by taking these.
Got any period tips or tricks of your own? Let me know in the comments.
Thanks for reading!
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