Self-care on your period
Naturopathy and herbal medicine student Olivia Murrell penned this wholesome piece to bring you some holistic relief on managing your period; my cramps went away just from reading it.
I remember sitting in Year 8 health class being completely mind blown, that I was going to have blood flowing out of me every month for a good chunk of my life. Diagrams of the vagina got pulled out, and cheeks flushed red as the teacher reminded everyone ‘tHiS iS nOrMaL, No nEEd tO gEt eMbaRaSSeD’. The class went pretty quick, and before I knew it we were sent off on our merry way with a few souvenir pads and tampons. Although we got familiar with what our insides looked like, I don’t remember being taught a lot about how we can manage any symptoms that arise from menstruating.
It is no secret that many women experience painful periods and uncomfortable symptoms around their time of flow, some more than others. It is such a complex bodily cycle, and completely unique for every woman. Therefore, it is important to find out what works for you, and hopefully some of these tips can help you along your journey of figuring out your cycle!
In terms of food, it really is medicine. One of the most common snacks the gal pals reach for at that time of the month is a block of chocolate, or a cheeky tub of ice cream. In moderation, these foods release a good little dose of serotonin to keep the feel good brain chemicals flowing. However, large intakes of sugar can inflame the body, and cause disruptions in hormone levels. To curb the sugary craving, a smoothie packed with fruit and veges could do the trick! The antioxidants will love your hormones much better than the sugar will. Drinking tea is also a great way to support your body. Calming teas with rose or chamomile will wrap your body in a hug, while other teas like peppermint or ginger will give love to stomach cramps.
Moving the body and stretching those muscles is another wholesome way to relieve menstrual tension! Gentle walks and yoga routines can do wonders for mood and muscles. Not only does yoga allow you to deeply stretch, it is also calming and allows your nervous system to go into relaxation mode. There are heaps of routines on Youtube if you need a place to start! Moving your body and generating heat from within is also a nice feeling for sore back, stomach, and leg muscles. Applying heat from warm showers/baths, and heat packs is also soothing. Listening to your body is key to supporting your cycle. The way your body feels will change throughout the days of your period, so tune in and do what physically feels good for you day by day.
If our periods were a character on Mean Girls, they would most likely be in the Burn Book. Unfortunately, the monthly flow doesn’t have the best reputation. However, finding a way to be grateful for our periods can be really beneficial for our mental and emotional wellbeing. I find that being grateful for the flow can uplift my mood, and over time has stopped me from an overwhelming feeling of dread when I notice I am due for my monthly moon. Saying self affirming statements and writing what you are grateful for can be really good for this.
For example, you could be grateful that you got your period because it is giving you an opportunity to get to know your body. Or you could be grateful you got your period because it means you aren’t pregnant. Whatever your circumstance is, whether you are managing a reproductive illness, or a hormone imbalance, try and find ways to show your body gratitude and love.
Something else really lovely you can do is take care of the nervous system. Guided meditations are really good for this. Focused, slow breathing tells your nervous system you are safe and calm, allowing your body to relax. Finding guided meditations that focus on gratitude and self love, (there are even specific ones relating to periods!) can really help to tune in to how you feel about your flow, and allow you to see it from a more loving perspective.
Other calming things you could do include taking a nice warm shower with a nice soap, colouring in, making Pinterest boards, listening to nature noises as you sleep, massaging essential oils into the stomach/ back area (lavender or rose oils are really nice!), doing some yoga, or cleaning your room!
Our cycles are so unique to each and every woman, and are influenced by so many factors. It is best to support them from a holistic, loving approach. Please take care of yourself, through the flow time, and always!
I am not a health professional (yet) so please do not take this as medical advice, these are simply general tips. Please consult your GP or a naturopath if you are concerned about your cycle or want professional advice.