Your period can be one of the most uncomfortable times of your life. It’s hard to find comfortable clothing, it’s hard to sleep well, and it’s hard to do anything without feeling like you’re bleeding out everywhere. But don’t worry! Here is a list of my favorite ways to manage my periods that will help make this time in your life just a little bit easier.
Wear soft fabrics
While you might not be able to control other aspects of your period, there are still some things you can do to make it more comfortable. For example, wearing soft fabrics will help reduce irritation and chafing while also keeping you dry and cool. You can choose cotton or silk as your fabric of choice — both are popular options for menstrual pads thanks to their absorbent properties. Polyester and wool are not ideal choices because they don’t breathe well and tend not to wick moisture away from the body very efficiently.
Use soft tampons
Tampons are a great option for managing your periods, but they often come with some not-so-great side effects. Tampons with plastic applicators can cause irritation and infections, while bleached tampons release toxic chemicals into the environment that are bad for your health. To avoid these issues, consider using organic cotton tampons or those made from materials that will degrade after use, like paper or wood. In the case of postpartum women, Wuka’s experts recommend trying out postpartum pants as they offer overnight period protection.
Get comfortable sleepwear
As you can probably imagine, the menstrual cycle can be an uncomfortable time for women. It’s common to experience abdominal cramps and bloating during your period because of increased blood flow through your uterus. You may also have lower back pain or feel more tired than usual during this time.
To help manage these symptoms, it’s important to get plenty of restful sleep. Try wearing loose-fitting pajamas instead of tight pants or jeans that might irritate the skin on your hips and thighs. A heating pad or hot water bottle under your bedsheets can be soothing at night as well.
Lay down with a heating pad or hot water bottle
If your cramps are causing lower back pain, a heating pad or hot water bottle can help relieve the pain. The heat will help relax tense muscles and ease cramps and contractions. However, don’t leave anything on too long or put it directly on your skin: Heat applied to the skin for more than 15 minutes at a time can cause burns or plastic injuries (like burns). If you feel like you’re overheating, take off whatever’s putting heat on you and then put it back when you start feeling chilly again instead of leaving it on all day long.
Give yourself a spa day and incorporate self-care practices into it
You can use this time to treat yourself to a relaxing spa day. Try taking a bath and using a heating pad or hot water bottle to help with cramps. You can also get a massage, get your nails done, take a nap, and watch a movie.
You don’t have to suffer in silence! There are many ways to manage your period and make it more comfortable. If you’re looking for something more natural, try these suggestions: wear soft fabrics, use soft tampons and get yourself some cozy sleepwear. You can also give yourself a spa day with self-care practices like hot baths or massages (and of course, there are lots more). Whatever makes you feel better!