5 Ways To Actually Look Forward To Your Period Instead Of Dreading It
Do you feel apprehensive about your approaching period? Maybe you dread the cramps and fatigue that make you want to bury yourself under a blanket. As a woman though, you’re stuck with your feminine cycle for decades, so isn't it time to start making the most of it?
The average American woman experiences around 450 periods in her lifetime, which equals to approximately 10 years of her life spent on her period! However daunting that seems, there’s no reason why you shouldn’t take advantage of that time to recharge your system and give your body the pampered rest it’s craving.
Know What Lifestyle Changes Improve Your Period Experience
Did you know that you have the power to influence your period experience? What you eat and drink and how you exercise can all make your period feel better or worse! So do yourself a favor, and follow these tips to make Aunt Flo’s next visit not quite so miserable:
Stay hydrated to help the inflammation – use fruit-infused water and herbal tea for some variety.
Minimize coffee and processed sugar/sweets during your period to mitigate cramping.
Eat foods that naturally help fight bloating and that benefit your period hormones so you can feel stable and calm.
Prioritize proteins high in B vitamins, such as eggs, salmon, and shrimp, as well as water-rich foods high in vitamin C and potassium, such as watermelon, grapes, pineapple, cucumbers, and berries.
Stretching goes a long way to help reduce cramping and swelling, and of course, it helps increase sleep quality.
Treat Yourself to a Healthy Dose of Cacao
Your period starting means it’s time for your monthly dose of dark chocolate, of course! This treat alone is almost enough reason to look forward to your period. As you’ve probably heard (or read) at this point, dark chocolate is high in magnesium, which helps relax the muscles and halts the body’s signals to produce cramps. Take magnesium in the days leading up to and during your period (see an article here on magnesium benefits for menstruation).
Dark chocolate also contains high amounts of potassium and iron, and the cacao plant it’s made from contains high levels of minerals and antioxidants. Potassium helps to reduce bloating and cramps, and consuming dietary iron restores iron levels lost during bleeding (low iron is the reason for feeling lethargic during menstruation).