How I Get Through That “Time Of The Month”

Everyones experience during their period is different. Some of us are more prone to cramping, appetite increase, appetite decrease, exhaustion, back pain, breast pain, brain fog, etc. during our periods. This past year I have embarked on the journey of trying to balance my hormones. A lot of the process has been changing up how I eat, how I workout and even my lifestyle choices. Although my period symptoms have decreased, I still feel… for lack of a better term, CRAP.

During your period, aside from the “typical symptoms” like moodiness and cramping, you are most likely going to experience some of the following:
-Decrease in energy
-Feeling sluggish
-A need and want to turn inward
-Less creative
-Low sex drive
-Less social
and more

These symptoms are normal. Our bodies are working hard during our menstrual cycle. It is normal to want to stay in and read a book or take a nap. I used to fight through my periods. I would go for a run, force myself to go out and have fun, force myself to eat foods that I didn’t have the appetite for like cold salads, etc. After learning about balancing hormones, I decided to change up my ways. Below are a few things that I do during my period.

REST

Exercise has so many benefits, but it can actually have reverse effects if done during your menstrual phase. During your period, cortisol is naturally higher. When we exercise, cortisol increases and doesn’t come back down for a while after. When exercising during your period, you are raising your cortisol levels even higher than normal which can turn on fat storage mode. Energy during the menstrual phase is also naturally lower. I have learned to listen to what my body needs and that is to just rest. This involves skipping my workouts altogether, taking naps and hanging out on the couch and reading.

Slow down with work

I plan my work schedule around my period. I try to get all of the big things done during the days leading up to my period. Once my period hits, I just focus on the lighter things for the first two days. Towards the end of my period I will start to pick up speed and pick up bigger tasks.

Stay in

I generally never go out during my period. During my period I feel less social and low energy. This is the time of the month when I say no to plans. Self care is really important during your menstrual cycle, and sometimes saying no and choosing to stay in and chill is the self care that we need.

Eat warm bowls

During my period I stay away from cold foods. Typically I stick to warm grain bowls for lunch and dinner. I love having a warm quinoa and brown rice bowl with roasted brussel sprouts and sweet potato. For breakfast, I usually do a smoothie, but if I am not in the mood for it I will whip up a warm chia seed pudding.

Eat when I feel like it

My appetite goes out the window during the first two days of my period. Sometimes eating actually makes me feel worse! Instead of forcing myself to eat with my regular schedule on my period, I choose to eat when I feel like it. A lot of times I end up skipping breakfast, have a snack for lunch and eat a warm grain bowl for dinner. Some period days I just want to eat avocado toast for breakfast and lunch. Instead of forcing myself to eat like I would on the other days of the month, I listen to what my body feels like it needs and wants. This makes my period days SO much more doable!

Journal

I love using this time to write. During my period I love to light a candle, sip on a warm matcha latte and journal. I personally love to free write using prompts like these ones here, or I like to journal about where I am at right now in my journey and if there is anything that needs tweaking.

Ask for help

I never prepare dinner when I have my period. I always have my husband cook. I used to ask, but over time he has learned that it is his job that time of the month! Don’t be afraid to ask for help with household chores and even work related tasks. This doesn’t mean rely on others to do work for you, but sometimes there are small things that someone can do to help you out to make the days of your period a little easier! Just make sure you return the favor at some point!

Self care

Some of my favorite things to do during this time of the month are take a bath, do a mini facial, read, write, nap, stretch, paint, make to do lists, Netflix and chill, hang out on Pinterest, etc. I try to save things like household chores and grocery shopping for either the days leading up to my period or post period when I have more energy.

How do you care for your menstrual cycle? Let me know in the comments below!