5 Self-Care Tips During Your Period

Uh oh. You’ve got your period and there’s blood on your ride-or-die knickers, your skin is DIABOLICAL and you’re tossing up attending a Pilates session or surrendering to a long siesta. *Takes deep breath*. The latter is about 596% more likely, let’s be real.

When your body goes into this slumpy, moody, messy state of distress and you feel as if the Big Period Energy is literally radiating from you, some self-cultivation rituals are non-negotiable. We’re mandating them. 

Luckily, the Libra squad has dutifully tried and tested some of the most popular ‘me time’ tricks to nourish that all-important trifecta of mind, body and soul when you’re making lots of internal groaning sounds on the bathroom floor. (Because we’ve all been there). 

Wrap yourself extra tight in a blanket burrito and take a scroll through 5 of our favourite feel-good period survival tips for some sweet, sweet relief and that-time-of-the-month TLC. Or, flick it over to the friend that’s in the throes of period woes. 

Tip #1 - Good nutrition!

As with a lotta things in life, balance is EVERYTHING. So this goes with a huge disclaimer that if you’re hankering for a hamburger and some hot chippies on a really heavy flow day, go for your life. BUT, nutritionists do suggest we should be filling up on lots of magnesium and iron-rich eats while on our period. Stock your kitchen full with things like dark-green, leafy veggies, nuts, seeds, bananas and - thank goodness - dark choccy. Fatty acid foods (ahem, looking at you, smashed avos) and hydration on high rotation are also very important. 

Tip #2 - Try an at-home spa.

It may feel like the last thing you want to do right now. Logistically, the whole bleeding-meets-bathing idea can be fraught with fears of ‘ew, that’s gross’. But hear us out. Light a candle and start running a hot bath. Take a tour through LUSH (a trove of good-smelling stuff), or give it a DIY crack by whipping up a super cinch coffee scrub. Warm water helps to soothe and ease period pains for full body relaxation. It’s like floating on a little dreamy cloud. Extra points here if you can balance your laptop nearby for simultaneous Netflix viewing (and not drop it in the tub). 

Tip #3 - Ease cramps with a menstrual massage

Morph yourself into a masseuse for some seriously simple cramp relief. When it feels like your insides are tangled up in knots and about to explode, a gentle, soft-touch, slow massage can offer a hiatus from the ouch. All you need: a pair of hands. And, they can be yours or somebody else’s! Think less poking and prodding, more Midas Touch. Step uno: place a hot water bottle or heat pack on the abdomen. It can be plain or have flaxseed and lavender oils added as an additional benefit. Then, press gently in a clockwise motion (with your fingers) on the abdomen to relieve cramping. It’s simple, but downright effective.

Tip #4 - Treat yourself with some self-pleasure 

Indulge in some self-loving aka masturbation. Whether on or off your period, embrace the benefits of self-pleasure and summon good vibes, natural pain relief, and instant relaxation. When you orgasm, your body releases chemicals like oxytocin and dopamine which can help to reduce period pain. So, press play on a sensual playlist, dim the lights, and try these solo sex positions – the One-handed Wonder, Solo Spoon, and Sexy Bath Time. 

Tip #5 - Get cosy and have a movie marathon. 

Think comfy clothes, freshly-brewed herbal teas, cheesy movies (and equally cheesy pizzas), for a seriously cosy night in the Soft Office - aka, bed. Why the teas? Well, it’s a superb idea to replenish and restore with some infusions or hot pours to help relieve symptoms of - you guessed it - cramps. We love a chamomile or lemongrass rich tea. Scroll through Netflix until you find your entertainment for the night. Whether that’s watching The Summer I Turned Pretty, or making your way through Gossip Girl rewatch.

Going through this list might be like playing a little game of period bingo. After all, everybody and every body is so bloody different. What totally calms and cools you down, might not be for the next person. But if you save this period survival bible for future (or present) period down-days and practise a few of the cheeky hacks, we have a hunch you’ll be feeling a bit more ‘you’ in no time. 

Love, Libra x

Anything else? Essity Australasia makes no warranties or representations regarding the completeness or accuracy of the information. This information should be used only as a guide and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional, medical or other health professional advice.