How To Keep Period Pains From Messing With Your Summer Plans
via Giphy
As fellow menstruators, we get how challenging your period can be. It can range from three to ten days of bleeding, cramping, sweating, sleepless nights, and heightened emotions, but that doesn’t mean it should ruin your summer plans. Don’t get us wrong, we’re all for taking the time to listen to your body and slow down, but if you want to be out playin’ all summer long, your period shouldn’t stop you.
To help ease any unwanted PMS and help you feel empowered on your period, we’ve got a couple of HB-approved tips and hacks. You know you want to keep on scrolling…
1. Regulate Your Body Temperature
It’s a fact that you’re more likely to sweat on your period. Period tracking app Flo explains that “due to fluctuations in the levels of progesterone and estrogen during your cycle, you’ll have a slightly higher body temperature (up to 99.5 °F/37.5 °C).” Not exactly what you to hear during a global heat wave, right?
Whenever you feel a hot flash coming on, try dabbing your upper body (face, neck, and chest) with a chilled washcloth for a quick cool-down. Or better yet, pop your feet in a bath of ice-cold water as your feet contain tons of blood vessels, which can open up to allow for better blood flow and help regulate your body temperature. Also, make sure you stay hydrated (find our fave hydration hacks here), as dehydration can worsen other PMS symptoms, like headaches and cramps.
2. Try Yoga
If you’re subject to aggressive cramps, gentle movement can help ease the pain. While we realize it may be the last thing you want to do, studies confirm that yoga can help relieve painful cramps. Your uterus contracts and presses against nearby blood vessels during your period, which could cause a temporary oxygen cut-off to your lower abdomen. Simple yoga stretches (like these) increase the oxygen and blood flow headed to these areas, which may ease cramps. Plus, they deliver those feel-good endorphins we all need.
3. Try Period Patches
Source: HUMMINGWAY
Although periods serve as monthly reminders of our feminine power, we’d be lying if we said we love those gut-wrenching cramps. Turns out HUMMINGWAYS’s The Cycle Soother, $29, has you covered – it’s a period patch made with essential oils and hemp-derived CBD that help curbs minor to severe menstrual discomfort. We love them as you literally just slap them on and continue with your day wherever you are, from a festival to a summer picnic. Apply onto your lower abdomen whenever you need relief, and keep on for 24 hours.
Posts You'll Love:
4. Try Using Menstrual Cups
If you’re vacaying, the last thing you need to worry about is stashing up on your menstrual products. Our solution? Menstrual cups. They can hold roughly twice the amount of blood compared to your regular tampon while saving you some luggage space. Plus, they’re reusable, making them more sustainable and budget-friendly in the long run. If you’re skeptical about the application process, here’s the Founder of feminine health brand, KETISH, giving you the full rundown:
View this post on Instagram
5. Period-Proof Swimwear
Being on your period when you want to hit the beach can be a bit of a bummer, especially if you don’t like using tampons or just CBA to worry about leakage or exposed strings. But remember, it doesn’t have to be: if you do have a leak or exposed string, it’s totally natural. Literally, half the world menstruates, and we’ve all been there.
However, there is a solution. Introducing: ModiBodi’s Swimwear Recycled Hi-Waist Bikini Brief, $38, pool-friendly period panties that hold two tampons worth of blood and are made with recyclable fabric. They have a fast-drying absorbent lining that keeps you leak-proof and dry, so you never have to cancel your swim plans.
6. Eating Healthy
via Giphy
Did you know certain foods can help reduce PMS symptoms? For example, bananas? They’re rich in vitamin B6 and potassium, which help reduce signs of water retention (bloating) and muscle cramping. Another great natural painkiller for cramps is cinnamon, which has antispasmodic, anti-clotting, and anti-inflammatory properties, which are the key properties you need during your period. For more forms of natural pain relief, check out this post.
7. Period Supplements & Targeted Pain Relievers
Dealing with period cramps can be extremely challenging, especially when you can’t cancel your plans in favor of a nap and Netflix session. In these moments, stay prepared from the get-go with HUM Nutrition’s Moody Bird™ PMS Support Supplement, $26. The period supplement helps to replenish your nutrient needs while balancing your hormones to help alleviate any period cramps.
If the pain really kicks in, you can look to over-the-counter pain relievers, like Ponstan that are specifically targetted for period cramps. Sometimes, you gotta do what you gotta do.
Definitely check out these nine menstruating myths that need to be debunked.
Disclaimer: Every product we review has been independently selected and tested without bias by our editorial team. Although some brands allow affiliate links, we never take payment to review products, so we may earn a commission if you purchase a product by clicking on one of our links.
Leave a comment