Let's Talk Periods!
Oct 17
5 min read
Hey there! So, let’s dive into a topic that we all know and love (or not): periods! And for the guys reading this—yes, this is relevant to you too! It’s super important to understand what women go through each month. This isn’t just a “feminine rant”; I’m here to share my experiences in the hopes that someone out there can relate and maybe even pick up a few tips along the way.
When most people think about periods, they imagine we’re ‘allowed’ to feel a bit off for a few days before it starts, deal with the bleeding for a few days, and then it’s over. But honestly, that’s just not the whole story! Women are in a constant cycle, and those pesky hormones are always on the move, causing all sorts of symptoms at different times of the month. For instance, ovulation brings its own set of fun feelings well before that “permitted” week of discomfort. And let’s not forget the extra hormones we might be taking through contraception, which can add another layer of chaos to how we feel daily.
I’ve noticed that my symptoms have changed as I’ve gotten older—sometimes they feel more intense. But that might just be because I’ve learned more about my body over the years. I’ve realised that some days, I can handle stress way better than others, and I think it’s all tied to my hormones. Now, just to be clear, I’m not a medical expert here—I’m just sharing my personal journey!
I often deal with symptoms like a fuzzy head, backaches, headaches, tummy pains, and bloating. It’s a real mixed bag! Some days, I feel like a walking complaint, constantly talking about my physical or mental discomfort. But this is where yoga steps in—because yes, this is a yoga blog! Since I started practicing yoga, I’ve noticed a significant reduction in those annoying physical symptoms. My muscles feel looser, and I’m less likely to hold onto tension that leads to aches and pains. Plus, yoga has helped me sleep better, giving my body more time to recharge.
On the mental side of things, yoga has really helped me accept how I’m feeling. If I’m not having the best day, I’m learning to just roll with it. If I feel like curling up with a tub of ice cream and binge-watching Vampire Diaries, that’s perfectly okay! The negativity often comes when we fight against these natural feelings. I used to think, “Why can’t I go for a run today?” or “Why don’t I feel like hanging out with friends?” We expect our bodies and minds to function the same every day, but with all those hormonal ups and downs, that’s just not realistic. So, we need to find ways to manage it.
Instead of giving you a detailed rundown of my symptoms day by day (that might get boring), I’ll share some of my favourite tips for dealing with hormones every month:
Track Your Cycle: Seriously, use an app or your calendar to keep tabs on your symptoms. It might sound a bit extra, but even when you’re just feeling “off” and can’t quite figure out why, write it down. You’ll be surprised at how often you feel the same way at the same time each month. There have been so many times I’ve wondered why I cried at something silly, only to realise my period is about to start! Tracking helps you understand what’s going on in your body and lets you plan ahead so you’re at your best for events.
Prioritise Self-Care: Self-care is everything! We shouldn’t need a reason to pamper ourselves, but especially on those hormonal days, it should be a top priority. Listen to your body—whether it’s calling for an hike or a day on the sofa, both are perfect forms of self-care.
Communicate: Be real with your friends and family about how you’re feeling. Odds are, they’ve had days like that too! Sometimes, just sharing what you’re going through can lighten the load and make you feel less pressured to put on a brave face.
Move Your Body: Gentle movement can work wonders. Even just stretching a little in bed before getting up can help your body cope with hormonal changes. Try some simple yoga poses like cat-cow stretches or gentle twists to ease any tension.
Meditate: Even a few minutes of meditation can do wonders. It helps calm your mind and lets you sit with your feelings without judgement. You can focus on your breath or try a guided meditation aimed at balancing hormones. I find Spotify and YouTube great for this, you can search '5 Minute Guided Mediation' to find many options to choose from.
Sip Herbal Teas: Enjoying a nice cup of herbal tea can be comforting and soothing. Try ginger, chamomile, or the variety of Yogi teas —many of these have properties that may help with bloating or cramps. Plus, taking a moment to prepare and enjoy a warm drink is a lovely self-care ritual.
Eat Well: I understand that it can be challenging (trust me, I know!), but it’s important to pay attention to what you’re consuming during your cycle. Aim to incorporate more whole foods, healthy fats, and plenty of fiber into your meals. Maintaining stable blood sugar levels can help minimize mood swings and cravings.
And remember, it's completely okay to indulge in those tempting treats from time to time—don’t be too hard on yourself! Just take it as an opportunity to refocus and try again next time. It's a journey of progress, not perfection!
Journal It Out: Writing down your thoughts and feelings can be incredibly helpful. It gives you an outlet to process what you’re experiencing. You might even want to combine journaling with tracking your symptoms to spot patterns over time.
Breathe Deeply: Don’t underestimate the power of deep breathing. Simple breathwork techniques can help centre you on tough days. Try alternate nostril breathing or the inhale for three, exhale for five method to find some calm. Additionally, using mouth tape while sleeping has worked wonders for me! There are numerous benefits to sealing your mouth during sleep, and while I won’t bore you with all of them, the main advantage is that you’ll experience much better and deeper sleep.
Rest Up: Finally, don’t ever feel guilty for needing a break. Embrace those days when your body craves stillness and honour what it needs. Remember, rest is a crucial part of self-care!
I hope some of these tips resonate with you! Remember, you’re definitely not alone in this journey, and it’s perfectly okay to embrace the highs and lows of our cycles. After all, as women, we’re beautifully complex beings navigating this wild and wonderful ride together!