#BLOODNORMALCONTRARY TO POPULAR
BELIEF, MENSTRUAL BLOOD IS
NOT BLUE.

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.

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.