10 Ways to Practice Self-Care During Your Period
You may feel like your period slows you down, presenting challenges that separate you from your goals. Life’s demands don’t change, yet you face symptoms like cramps, low energy, or heightened sensitivity that can feel difficult to overcome. But instead of letting your cycle drag you down, what if you could see it as an opportunity for self-care? Here are ten ways to indulge in self-care during your period. By incorporating these ideas, you can begin to see your cycle as a time to rest, nurture yourself, and recharge for the month ahead.
1. Prioritize a healthy sleep schedule
Since hormone fluctuations can affect the quality of your sleep, you’re likely to feel more tired before and during your period. Instead of resisting it, consider honoring your body’s needs by going to bed earlier or permitting yourself to sleep in some days. Get creative by developing evening rituals during your cycle to promote healthy sleep. Dim the lights, do some gentle stretches while listening to soft music, or use calming essential oils like lavender. Ensuring your body receives proper rest is the ultimate act of self-care.
2. Enjoy a hot bath
Running a warm bubble bath is a classic self-care activity, and it works even more magic during your period. Applying heat to sore areas can release muscle tension, helping to ease cramps and other period-related soreness. Adding Epsom salts to a hot bath offers an extra dose of muscle relaxation. These salts contain magnesium, a mineral that can soothe aches and pains and reduce inflammation. Treat yourself to a luxurious Epsom salt bath with candles, music, and your favorite bath products, and repeat as often as you’d like during your cycle.
3. Choose natural period products
Plenty of menstrual products on the market contain chemicals that are harmful to your body and the planet. Your tampons and pads may include anything from pesticides and chlorine to fragrances and other allergens, and most companies aren’t upfront about these added ingredients. Choosing organic and sustainable period products can help you treat your body better during your cycle. Products like White Organics biodegradable pads are designed to be gentler on your skin, prevent irritation, and minimize your eco-footprint in the process.
4. Savor some dark chocolate
There’s a reason you crave dark chocolate before and during menstruation. Research suggests that this tasty treat may help ease menstrual pain. It also contains nutrients your body needs during this phase, like iron, magnesium, antioxidants, and potassium. It’s okay to embrace this craving and indulge a little during your period. Experts recommend high-quality dark chocolate of 70 percent cacao or more to receive the most health benefits.
5. Brew your favorite tea
If you experience cramps, pain, or tenderness during your period, heat may become your best friend. You can seek the tension-relieving benefits of heat through simple, soothing rituals, like brewing yourself a cup of tea. Some types of tea are said to offer additional benefits that could help during your cycle. For example, ginger tea has anti-inflammatory properties, and chamomile tea may improve your sleep quality. Try different options to discover your favorite warm beverage to savor during this time of the month.
6. Maintain a nourishing diet
A healthy diet is always essential for feeling your best. So, why not build your diet around your body’s needs during the different phases of your cycle? Your body loses vital nutrients like zinc and iron during menstruation, so you’ll want to ensure your diet replenishes them. Healthy proteins and fats are important to eat to help with this loss, so cook up dishes with your favorite meats, beans, or nuts to align your self-care with your body’s needs.
7. Try a new type of meditation
Meditation can improve your mood and help you maintain good mental health all month long, but it also offers specific benefits for your menstrual cycle. Women with higher stress levels are more likely to experience dysmenorrhoea, or period-related cramps and pain. Meditation has proven beneficial for stress management, so it may offer relief for both mental and physical challenges during your cycle. Introducing meditation as a self-care practice is easier than you think. You can try apps like Headspace or Calm, or practice walking meditation if you don’t feel like sitting still.
8. Find gentle movement
Even if your energy levels are low, a bit of gentle movement is worth the effort before and during your period. Regular exercise can alleviate symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) and even minimize fatigue before and during your cycle. Find time to care for your body with activities like yoga, low-intensity strength training, or any other gentle way that you love to move. If you don’t enjoy exercise, you can find movement in other ways as an intentional act of self-care. Try dancing to your favorite music at home, hiking your favorite trail, or adding a few simple stretches to your morning or evening routine.
9. Connect with the Earth
Breathing fresh air is always good for you, but time in nature can be especially healing during your cycle. Studies have found that the sights, smells, and sounds found in nature can lower stress hormones in the body, which can have a ripple effect on your mental state and physical relaxation. Even taking time to place your bare feet on the Earth can offer a sense of grounding. Apply this concept to connect with nature in your own way during your cycle, whether that’s digging in the garden, going for a walk, or reading a book outdoors.
10. Develop a journaling practice
Journaling is an excellent way to reconnect with yourself and improve self-esteem when you’re feeling negative. Studies have shown that writing about your thoughts and feelings can improve your mood and potentially accelerate the body’s natural healing processes as well. Enjoy these stress-relieving benefits during your cycle by building journaling into your self-care practice. Some journaling practices to consider are writing morning pages to start the day, taking breaks to jot down a few words of self-compassion, or reflecting with a gratitude journal before drifting off to sleep.
Final thoughts
Period self-care can significantly impact your well-being, and the great news is, it’s easy to start. Take the first step by adding sustainable period products to your menstrual care routine. Check out our biodegradable pads to find the products that work best for you.