How to Stay Grounded During Your Period

Periods… We all have them (well, at least half of the entire world does). Whether we love them or we hate them, we know that usually we have to deal with them every month or so. Rather than hating them and dreading them every second we have them, why not do something to empower ourselves during them?

Understand Your Cycle

When you learn the different phases during your menstrual cycle, the easier it can become to understand what your body is going through during your period. Our menstrual cycle is split into 4 different cycles, known as follicular, ovulation, luteal, and menstruation. Whether you can feel it or not, your body goes through many different changes as you go through your cycle. The biggest changes are your hormones! We have a blog that goes in depth about the physical and emotional changes you go through during each phase (which you can read here), but the fluctuation of your hormones directly relates to your energy levels. You may notice that the week before and during your period, you can feel really low and tired most days. The weeks following your period, you may feel more pep to your step. Your cycle tells you information you need to know; such as what exercises to do, what kinds of food to eat, and how much rest you may need.

Find a Creative Outlet

During our period, the hormones responsible for creating serotonin tend to take a step back. This is why you can feel depressed, anxious, or overwhelmed while also bleeding. It’s important to do something that 1. Can release those negative feelings and 2. Create dopamine to replace those low serotonin levels. According to MCI Institute, finding a creative outlet can decrease depressive and anxious feelings by over 70%! The best part is that there are SO many creative outlets to choose from: cooking, drawing, painting (with period blood, perhaps?), sculpting, playing an instrument, writing, etc. Choose whatever helps you come back to the present moment and increase those happy feelings!

Create a Routine Around Your Period

Another great way to have an intentional period, is to create habits or a routine that you only do during your period. This can look different to everyone! For example, you know that your period is coming in the next couple of days - so rather than dreading it and bringing out the old stained period panties, take some time to prepare! Boil your period cup, clean your bathtub (for all of the baths you’ll take), make a healthy dessert for all of the sweet cravings you’ll have, and so much more! This can help cultivate a positive experience of working with your period, rather than against it!

Some other forms of self-care during our periods can look like:

• Meditating
• Going to the gym/lightly exercising
• Spending time in nature
• Binge-watching your favorite TV show
• Ordering your fav takeout
• Reading books about menstruation
• Calling a friend
• Cooking a healthy meal
• Resting (the most important)
• Taking time to breathe and set intentions