THE NUMBER ONE THING YOU CAN DO TO IMPROVE YOUR PERIOD

​COMMON DOESN’T EQUAL NORMAL

Since I started learning more about menstrual health and participating in women’s circles where people open up about their lives, I have realized how much of a problem menstrual cramps are for many women. Most women tend to think of this pain as an annoying, yet normal occurrence. Some women will have cramps so bad that they can’t leave bed, and when they approach the medical establishment, many will be put on birth control and treated like the problem is all on their head.
 
There is a lot of advice on the Internet about this subject. A quick search on “how to make my cramps go away” will come up with tons of solutions that vary from holistic solutions like hormone balancing diets, hot baths, essential oils, acupuncture and orgasms to more mainstream remedies like drugs and birth control pills. A while ago I wrote a guest blog post for Bebo Mia about vaginal steams and dance movements that can help prevent and lessen cramps.

In truth, all of these solutions will work in different ways for different people and they are all valid. However, in most of the cases they fail to address the root of the problem, becoming mere quick relief, but no permanent solution.

Our bodies are not our enemies. Our uteri are not, like some cartoons portrayed them, evil organs waiting to make our lives hell once a month. If you’re suffering from menstrual cramps, your body is trying to tell you something, and the more you try to silence its voice, the louder it will have to be.

“Our bodies are not our enemies. Our uteri are not, like some cartoons portrayed them, evil organs waiting to make our lives hell once a month.”

So what’s the number one thing you can do to improve your period?

TAKING TIME FOR YOURSELF 

Does it sound crazy? It shouldn’t.
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There are many reasons why we don’t make time for self-care: our lives are so full, some of us are mothers, we have busy jobs, we don’t want to seem weak, etc.

​But as women, our hormones go through a cyclical fluctuation through the month and require us to slow down the pace when our periods are approaching. If we deny ourselves this, our bodies will start speaking louder through pain and other unpleasant symptoms. The message: Sit down, be with yourself, be gentle with your heart, your body and your spirit.

“Our hormones go through a cyclical fluctuation through the month and require us to slow down the pace when our periods are approaching. If we deny ourselves this, our bodies will start speaking louder through pain and other symptoms.”

Interestingly, women’s cycles closely resemble the moon cycle. The typical menstrual cycle last about 29 days, as long as the moon cycle, and just like the light that shines on the surface of the moon, our energy, creativity and emotions wax and wane through the cycle.
 
I know many people who suffer from excruciating, painful cramps have no other option than to rest, but the attitude we have about the rest is also important. If we feel forced into slowing down and we do it reluctantly, we won’t get much benefit from it.
 
Instead, try being gentle with yourself, doing the things that allow you to relax the most and not allowing any guilt about the period of rest and pampering. Remember the lack of energy and need for introspection won’t last forever, and very soon, once your period is over, you will be able to catch up with work and responsibilities more effectively if you’re well rested.
 
Does this mean that we’re disadvantaged against men? Not really. It’s just that our bodies work in a different way, and in a society that has been dominated by patriarchy for such a long time, it’s our job to make space for ourselves and our cyclical nature.
 
There might be some tasks that you do even better during your period. For me, editing video or photos is easier and flows beautifully the week of my blood. For some other people, writing, reading, playing music, drawing, painting and knitting are the perfect activities to do during menstruation.
 
If you want to learn to track your cycle’s levels of energy and creativity and observe its relationship with the moon and nature, check out our upcoming Intro to Menstrual Wellbeing class. The registration is open and there is limited space, so reserve your spot now!

So, next time you know your period is approaching, slow down your pace a little bit. On the first day of blood try to take a nap, read a book, drink your favorite tea, eat some chocolate, and do whatever you can to take special care of yourself. 
Remember: you can’t be the full moon everyday.