We bleed.
Every. Single. Month.
It’s natural. It’s normal. It’s healthy.
And it’s not blue dye. It’s red.
Sometimes it’s painful.
Annoying.
And just plain hard.
But not being scared to talk about it?
That’s bloody awesome.
#bloodnormal
LISTEN UP
Shameless: Blood Normal Episode
We want you to join the conversation. Share your period story, so together we can continue to speak up, speak more & speak freely about periods.
One of her most common questions is, “Is this normal?”
So ask away and trust us, there’s nothing she hasn’t heard before.
Nothing’s off limits.
Hey Gemmah,
My discharge is sometimes a bit smelly Is this normal?
Taking care of number #1, staying chill and kicking goals on your period can feel majorly overwhelming.
But girl, it happens. Periods are normal.
We've all woken up to a red-hued surprise on our fave pair of slouchy bed trackies (ugh). Then, we chuck them in the wash, pop on a fresh pad or tampon and we’re good to go. Here’s how to stay in check with yourself and remain #calm.
Do you for you.
Watch Netflix, eat a cheeky slab of chocolate, or go run a marathon. Just listen to your body and do what works for you. Comprendez? It’s oh-so important to tailor your period routines or rituals to what your body is yearning for. What might have worked for your Mum or your BFF or tips on a super helpful Insty post, might not be for you. Through trial and error, learning to stay in tune with YOUR current status is top priority.
#TreatYourself.
Don’t forget to practice a little (or a lot) of self care during that time of the month. Our hottest tips? Stockpiling a bunch of totally dreamy face masks, bath bombs, bath salts and other pamper-y bits to have you prepped for the ultimate Wild Night In. If your idea of the best indulgence is something that gets your blood-pumping, we’re obsessed with reformer pilates classes to give everything a stretch, or a hot yoga sesh to up the ante. Whatever it is, make sure it feels like a prezzie from you, to you. Agh, you shouldn’t have!
All about that beauty sleep.
Yawning? And cramping? Ugh. After your Netflix marathon sesh, achieving a good night’s #beautysleep is the no.1 way to fend off any unwanted period fatigue. Roll over into a pretzel position, with your limbs bent and drawn up to your torso. Trust us, this takes a whole lotta pressure off those angry abdominal muscles, so you can get your Zzzs. Sometimes, rest is the answer.
Get your comfies on.
Don your most gloriously comfortable clothes if you feel a bit bleh and bloated. While that sleek new leather jacket or oh-so perfectly hugging pair of skinny jeans seem like the most stylish choice right now, we give you permish to cocoon yourself in the most cosy, gaudy, incredibly fluffy attire you can find. Keep waistbands loose and hoods nearby.
Talk it out with your tribe.
Gathering and sharing period uh-oh moments with your girlfriends makes it ALL worth it. They’ll be your endless source of lols and entertainment, reminding you that there’s absolutely NADA to be upset or ashamed about when you see period blood. Fire up the group chat and convene a froyo date or shopping spree to get the period woes off your chest with the best.
Coffee date convos? Star signs, ultimate Euro destinations, baby names (ha, jk). But, periods?
Absolutely not. Or so you thought. While it might not FEEL 'normal' to whip out a pad in front of bae, we're here to tell you that it sure is. Step one is being confident, normal and enthusiastic about periods. When you set the tone, they’ll more than likely follow.
You’ve got nothin’ to hide.
If you make a big deal out of it, they probably will too. Chances are he will be more cool and calm about it than you think. You don’t need to feel like you have to hide it. Next time you’re calling it a night, going for a lunch date or embarking on a beach stint, DON’T do a crazy pad shuffle of shame to ‘hide the evidence’. Instead, just be casual about it. It’s totally normal and he probably won’t even bat an eyelid about it.
Shopping sprees, yes please.
Remember that nose-bleed scene in She’s The Man? Unless you’ve fallen victim to a serious soccer injury, everyone knows you’re wandering down the fem hygiene aisle for a gal. And there’s absolutely nothing weird about that. It’s normal. Encourage bae to brush up on the Libra pads and tampons range, chatting through which products you go for and when. It may be common knowledge for us gals, but explaining why pads are no-go for pool days and our Ultra Thin Goodnights pads are amaze for a good slumber is kinda important.
Let’s talk about (period) sex, baby.
We know this can be a wildly taboo topic of convo. But hear a gal out. Having sex during your period actually helps to reduce cramps. Wha? Uhuh, sex happens to be one of nature’s best pain relievers as it increases the production of oxytocin (often referred to as the ‘luuurv hormone’). The other thing: blood is just another form of lubricant. Your vagina is actually more open and receptive at this time, so if there was a position you were trying to do, but it didn’t work so well in the past due to technical difficulties, now is the time. Revolutionary? We think so.
Eyes on the compromise.
#Can’tEvenDeal with the thought of going out tonight? Suggest a chill one in. Chat it out. Make a compromise and get creative with some irresistibly cosy date ideas. It could be as simple as trading the uber-busy, crowded, swanky cinema and dinner date you were planning, to filling the car with duvets, blankets, pillows and (plenty of) snacks for a drive-in cinema viewing. Or, you could rain check that double date for an at-home Netflix marathon and pizza sesh. Margherita please.
Reminder: It’s the hormones talking.
Scared bae will run for the hills when your mood swings are more like mood roller coasters? Don’t stress it – we’ve all been there. Ever had that next-day realisation after an argument, disagreement or even just a ‘humph’ vibing date that it was simply some mad hormonal fluctuations talking? That’s totally norm. When we’re on our period, it’s important to realise that your #mood is influenced by some hectic hormones, and while we often make the ‘it must be that time of the month’ joke, it’s important to be patient and calm with one another when your bod is doing its thang.
Sad truth? Periods don’t take the day off for work (#devo) and they might even bring some cramps along to the desk. But, sharing the struggz with your work fam means you can feel more confident to take serious care of yourself on the most ‘meh’ days.
Sometimes, we call in sick and that’s okay.
If today doesn’t feel particularly fabulous, consider this your gentle reminder that you don’t need to be ‘on’ erry.single.day, espesh when you’re on your period. Just like you take days off for a killer sore throat, there’s absolutely zero shame in flagging some really major cramps with your boss. If there’s the option of taking the work home or typing away at a lappy in the comfort of your soft office (aka, bed), then you should totally suss your options!
Retreat for a nap.
A gal’s gotta nap. Did you know, there’s a legit reason for feeling #YAWN on your period? This is coz your hormones drop when the egg released during ovulation isn’t fertilised. You’ll want ALL of the Zzs, but periods don’t stop for the hustle. When the cramps hit hella strong mid Very Important Project, don’t struggle in silence. It’s easier than you think to touch base with your colleague or boss to let them know you need to retreat for a lil siesta (with the office dog, preferably).
Take a time out.
Sometimes, the ‘ick’ feeling on a bad period day can disappear after a solid regroup sesh. Take some time to get some fresh air, move your muscles with a brisk, round-the-block coffee walk or see if any errands need running. Some time out, movement, lunch or a change of scenery can get you feeling invigorated to keep kicking those work #goals.
Curate a totally #BOSS survival stash.
Cramps? Consider them handled. Have a super cute heat pack or extensive collection of tea in your desk drawer for emergencies. To take it up a notch, curate a communal period treat stash with your girlfriends to ensure there’s always backup pads ‘n tampons on standby, plenty of sweet treats to be gorged on and at least ONE office dog in at all times for cuddles.
The No Guilt Policy.
Some days, not even the BEST hot choc will soothe a bout of beastly cramps. When you’re contemplating whether to call in sick or ‘tough it out’, remind yourself that you’re allowed to have some off days. Even if you’ve made the trek in, painted on a face of makeup and are dreading the thought of wasting a sensational outfit, we’re here to tell you that knocking off early is a-okay. Whether it’s a quick phone call, email or “hey, do you have a sec?”, feel completely confident and empowered to speak up.
