Every girl’s face fills with dread when they realize their menstrual cycle has begun. A week’s worth of constant bleeding, cramps and headaches is nothing to look forward to, especially while balancing rigorous schoolwork and time-consuming extracurriculars.
But fear not. There are many ways to make your period easier on you, no matter which symptoms you face. Here are a few ways you can do just that.
Menstrual Cramps
This is the most common and infamous period symptom. The feeling of a constant sharp, painful weight on your abdomen which can radiate down to your thighs or lower back is more than enough to steer your focus away from your tasks. There are a few ways to ease the pain of cramps.
You can use a heating pack or patch and place it where you are cramping. Applying heat or warmth can improve the blood flow of the uterus area, making cramps calmer.
Another important action you can take, which you should be taking even if you are not cramping, is drinking plenty of water. Staying hydrated reduces blood clots and bloating, and bloating can make cramps feel worse than they are.
If period cramps are severe, consider visiting a gynecologist.
Mood swings
You might be more sensitive, irritable, anxious, depressed or all four when you are on your period. Mood swings can lead to your mental health worsening and feelings of isolation or brain fog. I’ve been there. But mood swings are not the end of the word. They can be tackled in a few different ways.
First and foremost, get proper sleep. It might be hard to get good sleep while balancing everything in your life as a high schooler, but sleep gives your body energy and being well rested can significantly help your mood. Getting 7-9 hours of sleep is ideal.
Exercising is also a great way to better your mood. Exercising releases endorphins, hormones which better your mood and ease pain. It can also help you sleep better after your body gets exhausted from a good workout.
Next, relax. Do what makes you feel refreshed for at least 30 minutes each day. Whether it’s journaling, art, playing games or eating your favorite meal, being relaxed and taking a breather can help you regulate your emotions.
Finally, manage your stress. As a high school student, you might be balancing multiple AP classes, volunteering, clubs, job and college applications. That is a lot to deal with, so take a step back if need be. Take a week off from work, ask a peer to give you information you need for club activities, ask your teacher for an extension. Sometimes, taking it slow when you are emotionally more vulnerable and prone to anxiety can help a lot.
Everyone experiences mood swings differently, but these are a few universal ways to take care of them.
Staying prepared and what to do if you are not
Even if your cycle is irregular, keep period products on you. You never know when you could start your period, and even if you do not a friend might need it.
If you experience bad cramps or mood swings, keep a mini heating pad and snacks that make you happy. Anything that helps should stay in your bag in the case that you suddenly start your period during the school day.
In the case that you do start your period but do not have any products, do not be embarrassed to reach out and ask another fellow female. If you are closer to the nurse’s office and have the parental form signed, make your way there as the nurses have period products in hand as well.
If any of your symptoms seem severe or unbearable, tell a trusted adult and get professional medical help.
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