How To Feel Your Best During Your Period
Being on your period and feeling your best (or even remotely okay) usually aren't synonymous.
What womxns bodies may go through each month is an undeniably amazing feat, and it can be a very rough week for some. Especially if your symptoms begin BEFORE your actual period, with premenstrual syndrome.
Pain, tears and a general 'FML' feeling may be normalized for women during their cycle but doesn't have to be normal for you with a bit of preparation.
Major Key: Know Where You Are In Your Cycle and When Your Period Is Coming
Have you ever had a roommate who continues to seem surprised that the rent is due at the beginning of the month? Its absolutely ridiculous.
You shouldn't be surprised about what time of the month your cycle begins, expecting your period rather than being caught off guard gives you a responsible advantage on the things you need to do or have on hand to make your period week more stress free.
Many doctors say using pain relief up to 48 hours before your first set of cramps can significantly decrease period pain throughout your cycle. If you're moody, bloated and tired and can't pinpoint the reason, knowing it isn't YOU its your upcoming period causing those feelings brings a bit of comfort, relief and some extra time to accommodate Aunt Flo.
Rest
Use your period as an excuse to do something nice for yourself each month.
Whether it's naps all day, massages, pedicures, online shopping, consuming cannabis in your favorite ways, anything that makes you feel like your body isn't about to take you out.
Have others cook for you or meal prep and grocery shop for all of your favorite snacks the week before.
Standing up to cook for any amount of time with period pains gets a "hell no" from me and likely isn't what your body needs during this time.
Your body's energy levels and defense systems are lower during your period, your body wants to rest as well. Snuggle up in bed and watch a good show or movie while your body does this amazing task.
P.S if you're tracking your cycle regularly, try to carve out off time from work on the days your period may be the worst for you. Fighting against the down time your body needs during your cycle may do more harm than good to your wellbeing.
Utilize heat
Heat can be just as effective in diminishing period cramps as pain relief medication.
Socks, heating pads, herbal teas such as ginger or red raspberry leaf, space heaters, soup!!
If you're at home and period pains are already trying to drag you to hell, a water bottle filled with hot water pressed against wherever the aches are can be great.
Curl up against your heat source, grab a comfy blanket and just be until you're ready to move again.
A warm bath filled with Epsom salts or our Bliss Bath Soaks, which contain Epsom and dead sea salts can work wonders as well.
Hot water can bring comforting relief and boost blood circulation as well, replacing the aches and pains with a bit of bliss.
Sun bathing with or without a joint is another way to get rid of pain and boost mood and energy levels while you're at it.
If you're not able to be home, firstly see if you can leave wherever you're at and reschedule.. If not, heat patches that can be inconspicuous and stick to the top layer of your underwear for cramps or back pain work very well.
Exercise
Okay don't leave, haha.
I am in no way asking you to exert too much physical energy during your period but the day before or when that first drop of blood makes it appearance is a great time to squeeze in some exercise before your energy levels get super low.
A few low energy exercises can be swimming, yoga, dancing in the mirror or going for a short semi brisk walk, if you have pets, perfect!
Exercise triggers your brain to release endorphins, which are your body's natural pain reliever.
Working out about an hour after consuming CBD edibles, cannabis or OTC pain relief, that's when the medicine is really starting to kick in, is a perfect time to get up and get moving.
Have An Orgasm
Having sex or masturbating will also release endorphins.
I'm very serious. The amount of scientific evidence tied to having an orgasm, pain relief, relaxing the uterus and cervix during your period and it's benefits are astounding.
During orgasm, the body releases a rush of dopamine and serotonin. These hormones act as natural pain relievers. Headaches, cramps, joint aches be gone.
It can help completely boost your mood, and if all else fails an orgasm will help you drift off to sleep instead of staying awake and being restless.
P.S: You can still get pregnant through intercourse on your period. Play it safe and use a reliable birth control method even while on your cycle — unless you want to get pregnant, of course.
Diet
During the week before your period, your brain experiences a dip in serotonin, the chemical that makes you feel happy.
Your body's natural response is to crave foods that trigger instant happiness, stock up on dark chocolate (full of magnesium and happiness), such as our hand crafted CBD Dark Chocolate and Mixed Berries and your favorite yummy snacks but also have nutrient rich meals prepared.
Iron-rich foods such as kiwis, sesame seeds, oats, lentils, beans, spinach, broccoli, kale and leafy greens are perfect.
If you notice yourself craving a steak at 10 a.m., feeling dizziness or cold feet your iron levels are probably low and trying to get your attention.
It’s important to keep your omega-3s up as well.
Add in avocado, flaxseeds, hemp seeds and chia seeds to your diet this week.
We promise that by eating right, you can beat those mood swings and get your energy levels up!
Try your best to avoid alcohol, caffeine and tobacco while on your period and begin to listen and communicate with your body.
Drink lots of water and stay hydrated.
However, if you're in agony each month with extreme cramps, monstrous mood swings or extreme fatigue contact your doctor. You are the only one that knows exactly how much is too much for your body. Working on the relationship with your body while listening to any signs it gives is important.