Getting Your Period: Dos and Don’ts

DOS:

DO make sure you change your pads/tampons several times a day.

To keep everything #fresh down there, we’d recommending changing things up every 3-4 hours during the day. If you’re at school, recess and lunch breaks are awesome reminders to do a quick swap over!

DO remember to #treatyoself.

Fro-yo date, anyone? It’s SO important to take some time our for YOU during that time of the month. Some days, you might want to chill on the couch with some Netflix, while on others you’ll be craving hangouts with the girls. Whatever snack, activity or company might make you feel a little better, schedule it in ASAP!

DO try and get your beauty sleep. Yawning?

You might find yourself a little more tired than usual on your period. Do your best to get that extra hour or so of shut-eye and don’t fight drifting off to sleep a bit earlier than swap over.

DO wear a liner between periods.

Just like your swap over, our liners have always got your back. You might want to wear one to catch any discharge in between your periods and keep your undies fresh.

DO keep a ‘Just In Case’ kit in your bag for any SOS moments.

Whether it’s your school backpack or a handbag, always keep a little emergency bag full of pads, tampons or liners to keep you covered when you might not be expecting your period. If you forget it, you can always ask your besties for a hand! You’ll probably return the favour to them sooner or later anyway.

DO give exercise a go if you’re having period pains. It’s nature’s cramps remedy.

If it’s an option, go for a light jog or maybe schedule in a yoga class for some low-key movin’ and shakin’. These activities (and more) will all stimulate the production of endorphins – those magical, happy hormones that exercise promotes. If you’re not feelin’ it, that’s completely fine too!

DON’TS:

DON’T ever let your period stop you having fun!

Periods can seriously suck sometimes. We hear you. It’s all about managing them so that you can still #doyou as per normal. Try to keep track of your menstrual cycle to plan when your period is arriving each month. Drink plenty of water, nourish your insides and try to test out different pain management tactics to handle any cramping #struggles.

DON’T be embarrassed to talk about it.

We’re all in this together, girls. Every woman understands that periods can be a challenge. When you’re wondering whether to ask your fam, bestie or even School Nurse about something period-related, remind yourself that it’s a universal female experience. They get the sitch, so don’t be afraid to speak up.

DON’T freak out, those symptoms are totes normal!

Experiencing period symptoms for the first time can be weird. Like, really weird. Why are my boobs sore? Why did I just cry watching Riverdale? How much of this chocolate block can I eat? We feel you. All of these side effects are 100% normal, due to crazy hormone fluctuations going on inside your body. Take it easy and be sure to see your Doctor if a symptom is majorly impacting your daily routine.

DON’T wear a pad to the pool.

Whether it’s your Swimming Carnival or a weekend beach getaway, be sure to sub a pad for a tampon. They’re your go-to for when you don’t want to be held back by your period during swimming or any other activities that don’t mesh too well with pads.

DON’T flush pads or tampons down the toilet.

This one is a big #nope. The golden rule is to never, ever try to flush pads down the toilet as they’ll actually block it. Most Libra pads actually have Roll.Press.Go. wrappers, so you can simply take off your clean pad and use the wrapper to roll your used pad up before popping it in the bin. Sorted!

DON’T panic if your periods aren’t super regular. Everyone’s different!

The average menstrual cycle lasts 21 to 35 days. Normal vaginal bleeding (aka, your period) can happen for a few days to a week. Your friend might have a 5-day period, but yours could last for a solid 7 days. It’s simply luck of the draw!