If you are one of the people who get their menstruation every single month, then you know what I am talking about when I say period pains. And everyone is different and experiences periods differently, but the most common symptoms are mood swings, fatigue, cramps, and back pain. I also experience these things. Luckily, after many years of menstruations, I also know what can help. And I really prefer to use natural ways to relieve those pains instead of using painkillers.
Comfortable clothing
I like to wear something comfy and baggy when I am on my period. Unfortunately, I also have to work sometimes and I can’t do that in my jogging pants. So at those moments, I have to wear my tight jeans, but as soon as I get home, I will change clothes. I love to wear jogging pants or leggings combined with an oversized sweater.
Drink enough water
I am not an expert but I heard that drinking enough water can help with feeling less pain in your body. And this includes period pains. And if you don’t like to drink water all day long, you can always switch to a hot cup of tea, which is also very nice when you have cramps.
Hot water bottle
This is my favorite because it always helps. And not only for cramps but also for my ‘bad’ moods and back pain. You can also use a heating pad, which is maybe a little safer than using a hot water bottle. Because I got hot water on my legs when my hot water bottle was leaking. And that did hurt a lot!
Take a nap
There is one symptom I always get when I am on my period and that is feeling tired. And not just feeling a little bit tired, but the I-can-sleep-for-hours-tired. So when it is possible (on the weekends for example) I love to take extra naps. I try to listen to my body and what it needs during my period. And sometimes a nap is all I need. And even when I have bad cramps before I fall asleep, after an hour when I wake up again I don’t have any cramps anymore.
Exercise
Not a big fan of this tip but it works sometimes. Especially when I just got my period. So the moment I get my period, I try to exercise a little bit. Riding my bike is my favorite but it really relieves those pains. And after 30 minutes, I am feeling so much better.
Distract yourself
This is probably one of my favorite tips. I love to read books about how powerful your brain can be. You can make yourself sick just by thinking. That means you can also ‘heal’ yourself with a great mindset. So when I am in a lot of pain, I try to distract myself. I prefer to watch a movie because that is just an easy distraction. I also love to read, but it can be hard to focus on a book when you are in a lot of pain. And just try not to think about the pain you are feeling, that will make it worse.
What is your best tip for period pains?