Just like you, periods are not my favorite time of the month, for obvious reasons. It comes with a lot of discomfort and may hinder your ability to go about daily activities normally. Wearing the right pads and tampons is important, but what can be more troubling than having to find the right pads and tampons? MENSTRUAL CRAMPS!
I’m guessing you battle with menstrual cramps (otherwise you probably wouldn’t be reading this). You are at the right place! I have put together five of the best ways you can deal with your menstrual cramps to make your periods less painful and frustrating.
1. Take a Painkiller
I know lots of people who find relief when they take painkillers. Most people reach for aspirin, ibuprofen or naproxen, but as basic as they seem, you need to know what is safe for you and works for your body.
Speak to your pharmacist or gynecologist on your options. If you identify what works for you, stick to it and do not stuff your body with different chemicals every month.
Painful periods are no joke but you must not ingest something which will provide temporary relief and give you a bigger problem in the long run. If you experience cramps every month. You can take painkillers before or as soon as your period begins, for efficient relief.
2. Apply Heat
Heat works well to relieve menstrual cramps. It helps to provide some relief especially for your lower abdomen, hip and back.
Place a warm water bottle on your lower tummy or lower back. Make sure the water is not burning hot so not to cause any burns on your skin (last thing you want is to aggravate your situation).
Alternatively, put a towel in warm water, squeeze out the excess water, and place the damp towel on your lower tummy or lower back (you can use a microwave to heat the towel, it’s easier). This is proven to relieve discomfort which comes alongside menstrual cramps.
You can also purchase a heat pad to help deal with your period pains, stomach cramps and back pains. Some heat pads work instantly, are comfortable and can last up to eight hours. Read instructions on the packaging carefully (some manufacturers advice you not to place heat pads directly on the skin to prevent burns).
Taking a warm bath is certainly not out of the question and will definitely provide you with some relief.
3. Exercise
You are probably thinking WHAT?! Well, hold your horses.
You do not have to engage in vigorous exercise while in your period, but developing a habit of exercising can help prevent your painful monthly cramps in the first place.
Exercising helps your body release endorphins, which are feel-good chemicals/neuropeptides which help your body respond to sources of pain or stress. In most cases, endorphins have been described to have a lot in common with anti-anxiety drugs and painkillers. Exercising boosts the level of endorphin released by your body and this can help lessen your discomfort.
Henceforth, include exercising in your self-care regimen and you will see a difference. This easy 10-minute workout is all you need to begin.
Depending on your comfort level, you can engage in mild exercise or even take a walk during your period. This can help you deal with your menstrual pains and helps to keep you fit as well (double benefits, ha!).
4. Massage with essential oils
During your period, your uterus contracts to help expel its lining. Severe contractions may narrow the blood vessels which feed the uterus, leading to the pain felt around the abdomen.
Gently massage the abdominal area with your fingers for a few minutes to help relieve your abdominal pains. This helps relax the muscles and encourages blood flow.
Massaging even gets better when done with essential oils. Essential oils are made from plants believed to have healing properties. Some essential oils are therapeutic and have sweet scents which also contribute to the relief process. Lavender, clary sage and cypress essential oils are some options which can be used in this process.
Massage the abdominal area or your lower back gently in circular motion as your rub the essential oils and soothe your body and mind with the rejuvenating scent of the oils. Plus, some essential oils (such as cypress essential oil) have antiseptic properties which inhibit the growth of bacteria. Wouldn’t you love that!
5. Watch your diet
As much as they may not seem related, your diet plays a role in helping to manage your cramps or otherwise. One of the feelings which could make cramps worsen is bloating in your stomach, and drinking lots of water can help you deal with this.
Most importantly, if you pass urine or stool frequently during your period, drink a lot of water to keep you hydrated. Water can also help deal with migraines that come alongside your period.
Another means is to sip on fresh ginger tea. Ginger tea is easy to make by simply boiling about a cup of grated ginger in one and half cup of water for 5-10 minutes. Strain the ginger tea (separate the liquid from the ginger chunks) and drink. You can add honey as a sweetener and drink it warm. Consuming herbal tea, such as cinnamon tea can help in dealing with your cramps.
At this time of the month, it is good to eliminate foods which contain caffeine, especially coffee because it could lead to painful cramps and bloating.
Eat lots of fruits and veggies, fish, grains, nuts and seeds to help the body undergo an efficient metabolism process.
Alcohol may seem like a solution, but do not get it wrong. Avoid alcohol during this period, because alcohol is a depressant and can make you fatigued and depressed (which are already symptoms of menstrual cramps).
What Next?
If you constantly experience painful periods, it is important to note that you can manage your condition.
You can take a painkiller, apply heat to your lower abdomen or lower back, add exercise to your daily routines, massage your lower abdomen with essential oils and refine your diet during your period.
Do the above and say goodbye to painful periods. If we cannot completely stop menstrual cramps from occurring, we can manage the pain.
How do you manage your period pains? Share your tips in the comments section and I would be glad to hear them.
