8 Menstruation / Period Survival Tips

Picture this: an assortment of snacks, perfectly positioned pillows, a Saturday, and a new Netflix series ✨ If surfing the crimson wave is making you feel blue, this might be the best medicine there is. I know firsthand how unwelcome the visit of Auntie Flo can be, having had terrible period pains my whole life… bloating, mood swings, spotty skin, terrible stomach pains oh, and not to mention the blood waterfall coming out of you. I think many of us can universally agree: Mother Nature’s monthly gift comes with it’s own set of baggage. But besides curling into a ball and binge-watching the next series on your list, there are some other things you could be doing to improve your monthly moon experience and prevent yourself from becoming a PMS fire-breathing dragon 🙂

1. Keep Track

Knowing when the enemy plans to attack is the best way to make sure that your troops are prepared. Plus, it prevents you from the panic that I know we’ve all experienced: wondering if you’re late. It’s simple, but it can make such a big difference. I usually just make an event series in my phone called “My Moon” on the first day of my cycle, but there are also apps designed specifically for this purpose. Be mindful and aware of how regular your periods are.

2. Do Yoga

The menstrual cycle is something beautiful – it is a way to connect with one’s own body and truly listen to its needs. And embracing your cycle is the most natural way to experience what it means to go through the process of menstruation and really own it. One way to do that? Yoga. During a recent workshop, FEMNA co-founder Emily showed us some simple yoga poses geared towards menstruation, ones you can try out (or easily incorporate into your existing yoga flow) if your period cramps have got you feeling all out of whack.

3. Avoid Sugar & Salt

You’re probably shaking your head in disbelief right now and I totally get it – those are the things you’re probably craving the most. No sugar, no salt? Wait – that’s all, right? Unfortunately, these things will only aggravate your symptoms, making you grumpier and sadder in the long run. Sugar, obviously, makes your blood sugar spike and then inevitably, crash. Sugar crashes & period irritability are a recipe for disaster. (Can anyone say, “DON’T TALK TO ME?”)

Salt, on the other hand, leads to greater water retention, which then – that’s right – makes you even more bloated. You’ll be rolling around like a beach ball soon if you keep munching on those chippies. So, what I would recommend is that you really monitor your intake of these two bad boys – not that you need to eliminate them completely (because Lord knows how damn near impossible that is).

Related Article: Top 5 Ways To Curb Your Sugar Cravings

4. Indulge in a Chocolate Binge

That’s right, now it’s time to give into your cravings. Chocolate with over 70% cacao is actually really rich in antioxidants and it also triggers endorphin production – double bingo! It’s also high in magnesium, which has long been associated with easing cramps. So stock up & snack up.

5. Avoid Painful Activities

I learned this lesson the hard way. Trust me: do not, I repeat, DO NOT go get a wax while on your period. You will regret it sorely – and your sore pubic area will too. During your period, your sensitivity to pain increases greatly, making even ordinary activities such as eye brow plucking 10x more painful. This goes especially for the breast region, with your twin peaks becoming so tender that it would probably hurt to bump into a cloud. So wear the right bra, plan your beauty routines around your monthly menstruation, and keep yourself lookin’ & feelin’ fine ♥

6. Eat Smaller Meals (But More of Them)

Grazing is the way our bodies were designed to consume food. Huge meals are a huge burden on the digestive system, leading to bloating and lowered energy as we struggle to process them. The bigger the meal, the bigger the energy crash. Eating smaller meals keeps your metabolism at attention and your energy up all day long. The pros: you can basically justify continuously eating (within reason). The cons: no more binge-ing on a whole pizza pie.

7. Exercise in Moderation

I know, I never feel like going to the gym, but on my period? No. Way. That being said, there are many benefits to exercising on diminishing period-related pain (but also, exercise is good for pretty much everything, duh). So try to move yourself around and get your heart rate up at least once per day. That could mean jogging through the aisles of your grocery store picking out your next snacks, riding your bike to work, or even having sex. Stay active, but avoid extreme sports such as BMX-ing, skydiving, or hiking Mount Everest. Everything, even healthy things, in moderation.

8. Have an Orgasm

There is very little an orgasm doesn’t do – it pretty much makes everything better, even your skin! But yes, there is a specific reason why this helps with period cramps. The release of endorphins after an orgasm soothes all kinds of pain and makes you feel instantly happier. Beyond that, right before an orgasm, the uterus is more relaxed, and at the moment of release, blood flow increases which creates lasting relief from cramps.

I hope these tips help you to get through your uncomfortable monthly rerun of the “Red Wedding” (yup, I’m a Game of Thrones fan). You can find yourself feeling at your lowest low – but hey, there are concrete ways you can make yourself feel better. All that being said, make sure to leave aside some quality time for just you, a tub of ice cream (yes, you can still sugar-binge just once if it’s for your emotional health), and Netflix. And remember to never be ashamed or embarrassed of your menses. Having your period is actually a gorgeously natural thing; a symbol of fertility and of female power. So become your own period advocate, and learn to find the beauty amongst the blood ♥


Do you guys have any specific
period-relieving tricks?

Let us know in the comments below!


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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in August 2016 and was updated in November 2019 for accuracy.
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Alanna
9 years ago

Hot. Water. Bottle. Great tips, such accurate timing for me (currently dying)

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