5 Effective Period Hacks For a Healthy, Less Miserable Menstrual Cycle

Most women have come to dread their menstrual cycle for the cramps and bloating, mood swings, and of course, the period itself.

Ladies, there are so many wonderful, beautiful things to celebrate about our femininity. Menstruation might not be the first thing you feel inclined to celebrate . . .

While menstruating may not be the most enjoyable time in the world, the good news is it doesn’t have to be! There are ways to help alleviate the discomfort and make your time of the month as happy, healthy, and easy-breezy as possible.

Period Pain Is NOT Normal – This Holistic Hormone Expert Shares Tips to Get Relief

Read on for five simple and helpful period hacks!
 
 

Try These 5 Period Hacks for a Healthier, Happier, and Easier Menstrual Cycle:

1. Get Your Heartrate Up

While you may not have the energy or mental motivation for a full-on workout, increasing your heart rate releases endorphins, feel-good chemicals that improve your mood and also help you relax (physically decreasing the spasms that cause cramping).

Boosting your circulation will also increase bloodflow to your pelvic region, which in turn helps alleviate cramps. Practicing certain gentle yoga poses can soothe and relieve period-related pain and tension.

Psst! Want to learn about more yoga poses that are perfect to practice on your period? Here are 6 Yoga Poses You Can Do During Menstruation for a Healthier, Happier Period.
 

2. Indulge in Lavender Epsom Salt Baths

Heat helps soothe tight muscles and ease cramps. Baths in general are an enjoyable way to relax, unwind, and calm mind and body. Epsom salt baths work wonders for your physical well being – they are incredibly therapeutic.

Adding lavender essential oil will create a calming sensory experience. Lavender is magical for reducing stress, and studies have shown that lavender reduces pain and menstrual cramps.

Here Are 5 DIY Bath Soak Recipes You’ve Gotta Try
 

3. Choose Non-Toxic Period Products

As surprising at it may be, tampons and other period products are full of artificial fragrances and harmful chemicals. Since our vaginas are highly absorbent, it makes sense to avoid inserting anything with harmful or dangerous ingredients.

Tampons can lead to TSS (toxic shock syndrome), yeast infections, and BV (bacterial vaginosis). Yikes! Using an alternative period product like FLEX will remove the risk for a safer, healthier period.
 

 

4. You Are What You Eat (and Drink)!

Aside from being downright bad for you, processed foods are packed with sodium, which makes you retain water – counterproductive to alleviating menstrual bloating.

Alternately, seek out calcium (Greek yogurt, almonds, leafy greens, etc.) to help naturally combat muscle spasms that lead to cramps.

Another great period hack? Cut the caffeine. It is not your friend either during your menstrual cycle – caffeine can actually increase your cramps and stomach acidity.

Instead, hydrate yourself with plenty of water. Drinking enough water daily speeds up your digestion and contrary to what you might think, reduces bloating (another helpful period hack!).
 

5. Get Quality Rest

Being well-rested drastically reduces stress levels, and that’s just the beginning of how better rest eases period problems . . . Quality rest also equates to a higher level of melatonin production in the body.

Make sure you’re getting solid, undisturbed sleep by minimizing light exposure, which is one way to stabilize your circadian rhythm. Melatonin is a hormone that helps regulate your menstrual cycle, and getting consistent, quality rest will boost the level of melatonin that your body produces.
 

Try Guided Breathwork for Better Sleep
This short video on YA Classes by YouAligned offers guided breathwork that helps you relax, fall asleep quicker, and sleep better.

Try These Period Hacks Your Next Menstrual Cycle

There you have it! Five easy-to-implement period hacks for a better menstruation cycle every month. These hacks are realistic and simple to incorporate into your daily lifestyle for a healthier, happier, and more manageable period.

Take control of your menstruation and celebrate your femininity!

All included information is not intended to treat or diagnose. The views expressed are those of the author and should be attributed solely to the author. For medical questions, please consult your healthcare provider.