5 Ways To Beat The Period Blues
Today we're talking about the Red Sea, Aunt Flo, Bloody Mary herself - periods.
She comes once a month, kicks your menstruation into high gear and informs you that no screaming, crying, spitting wee offspring will be arriving any time soon.
Before we get into the meat and potatoes of today’s post, I think it's important to point out that periods are TOTALLY NORMAL. The average woman will experience 500 periods in her lifetime and will spend 10 straight years of her life menstruating (*grumble* grumble *grumble*).
Despite what is often portrayed in comedy and in movies (thanks Superbad), periods aren't messy, they aren't dirty and they are certainly not something women should feel ashamed about, or shamed for having. Women are shamed enough about their bodies in society as is.
As it happens, last week I got my period - cue Ode to Joy, doves fly, I feel majestic like a gazelle ... if the gazelle is actually 3 sloths wearing an oversized gazelle costume.
It's a time when I really need to take extra care of myself because I feel all the feels and it makes things which are on my mind to begin with seem one hundred times worse (which is also generally how life works for me, thanks overthinking - just faaaab).
I also look pale - paler than my usual white girl self (“NO I'M NOT SICK THIS IS JUST WHAT I LOOK LIKE” - white girls everywhere).
So today I'm sharing 5 Ways to Beat the Period Blues and what to do when you just feel blech.
#1. Catch Up on Sleep
A lack of iron from blood loss may result in feeling more tired than normal and a need to curl up and get cozy.
Making sure you hit the hay within a decent hour while on your period, can help your mood to bounce back. I typically turn off the TV earlier than usual, start my night-time routine, then crawl into bed with a book.
I also choose a piece of music to help me fall asleep from the app Insight Timer, a free meditation app featuring millions of meditations, music tracks, and talks from meditation and health experts. If this sounds like something you may be interested in trying. O suggest looking for music tracks with binaural beats - studies have shown that the frequency and tone of binaural beats has the potential to ward off anxiety, stress and unhealthy mental states.
#2. Take Care of Your Skin
I am very diligent when it comes to skincare (we’re talking like SPF slathered on every 2 hours every day, double cleansing extravaganza in the evening). BUT ... once a month, when my period rolls around, it can be expected that one, sometimes two, Mt. Everest sized zits pop up on the surface of my face and some level of melodrama erupts from within me.
Aside from the Kilimanjaro sized mound on my face (Oh the horror! Oh the humani- it's actually not that bad - told you, melodrama), I take care of my skin as a form of self-care - it makes me feel good and boosts my mood, especially when I'm not feeling great mentally and/or physically to begin with.
The next time you're feeling blue because of PMS, I suggest trying a face or sheet mask, or go for a facial if you’re wanting a splurge.
#3. No-Brainer - Take Care of Your Body, Too
Before going on birth control, I used to get CRIPPLING period cramps. Like, getting sent home from work while my uterus re-enacted the murder scenes from American Psycho so bad.
Birth control has since made my period fairly calm - I am fortunate to afford it and that it is available to me! However, there'll be the occasional aches, pains and nausea. I know that my body is cranky, but she's just doing her job, so I try to help her out however I can.
Regardless of if you are on birth control, I recommend trying out peppermint oil for it's soothing effects when on your period (unless you’re allergic!). My personal favorite is the Saje Peppermint Halo roll-on. I've used this for headaches, lower back pain, and in general as a way to relax.
I also love using my Magic Bag - it's a hot cold compress filled with oat grains. You throw it in the microwave to warm it up and voila - instant comfort! I'll often lay it on my stomach, over my shoulders or on my lower back area when I'm feeling a bit stiff or nauseous.
Of course, there is always Midol (bless her for getting me through my high school days), but some people would rather stick to more natural remedies than taking a pill to combat menstruation pains, which I understand.
#4. Make Time For Happiness & Joy
This one sounds cliché, but it’s especially important when your mood and mental health are in the dumps thanks to your period, to surround yourself with things that bring you joy and happiness.
I like to read, online shop for decor for my home ( a source of great creative inspiration when i'm feeling meh), create itineraries for future travel destinations (half the fun is planning!), play my piano, drink wine, and water my plants.
I also watch YouTube videos - my general playlist rotation consists of skincare and makeup reaction videos, Jenna Marbles and Joana Ceddia (she's like a Canadian teenage version of Jenna Marbles).
#5. Feel All the Feels ... and Write About Them
Aspects of life which I find extra concerning around that time of the month, usually serve as an indicator that they're something I need to pay extra attention to and/or I need to work past. Sometimes, you just can't beat the period blues, but that doesn’t mean you should punish yourself for feeling what you feel, or for experiencing the full spectrum of emotions for something that bothers you.
When nothing seems to cheer you up, sit with how you feel. It can be a hard concept to grasp - why would anyone want to sit with feeling miserable? However, it may reveal a bigger picture as to what is concerning you or how you are feeling.
You can also give space for what's bothering you by taking the time to sit down and write about it. I write about my mood in the moment, I write about the situation, and I go in-depth about the alternate outcomes my mind seems to be coming up with and replaying.
Lastly, I come up with solutions to solve whatever I find myself concerned about. This helps me to better address it, and attempt to move past it.
If it continues to take up space in my mind, I'll continue to work through it, during my period and beyond.
