Making it easier. Period.

Periods are, for most of us, a tough business. Almost everyone has their own ways of dealing with this monthly predicament. The ways may vary, but are usually highly adaptable.

One of the most common indulgences that helps many with the lingering discomfort is gorging on comfort foods. The sense of familiarity and warmth that one gets from their favourite food is undeniable. However, most comfort foods are junks, and contain high amounts of sugar or fat.

Whilst sugar intake definitely causes momentary bliss, giving into such cravings can cause imbalance in natural blood sugar levels. This disruption very often leads to mood swings and tension in our bodies. Whilst a high level of progesterone right before periods justify the cravings, a healthier diet has proved more efficient when it comes to providing the body the strength to cope with the continual hormonal imbalance (food rich in iron, water-rich fruits, green-leafy vegetables, ginger, dark chocolate).

Many have also reported needing space in order to cope with the discomfort. Usually during the earlier days of our menstrual cycle, our estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, which equates to lower energy. Thus, many enjoy watching movies, especially those that provide a dose of nostalgia, in solitary. Many have also expressed their tendency to sleep a tad more than usual during the earlier days of their menstrual cycle, therefore slightly compensating for the lack of energy. Thus, it's wrong for us to assume we are merely being lazy when we are actually operating on little energy.

The other very sought-out option is hot water-bags. During periods, prostaglandins help the shedding of uterus linings by contracting the uterus. Strong contraction in combination with less blood flow causes a decrease in oxygen supply to the muscle tissue. Heating pads help ease the muscle tension and open up the blood vessels, promoting blood flow and eventually remedying the pain. Avoiding caffeine, carbonated drinks, and fried food sets a strong precedent against impending menstrual cramps or bodily discomforts.

Many resort to yoga to help ease the aforementioned uterine tensions. The easiest exercise to do is the child's pose. With knees on the floor we fold forward, extending our arms and bending down as far as possible. Another one that is helpful is the reclined bound angle pose. We lie on our backs and draw our heels toward our pelvis, letting our knees fall to the sides as we press the soles of our feet together. We can place our hands either on our belly or alongside our body as our palms face above. We place a cushion or pillow behind our sacrum, before slowly lowering upon it.

These are a variety of ways one can help ease their menstrual distresses. All of these are healthy and entail no side-effects, thus can be tried out at one's convenience.

References

1. Healthline.com (July 16, 2019). 16 Foods to Eat (and Some to Avoid) During Your Period.

2. Helloclue.com (December 12, 2018). The menstrual cycle: more than just your period.

3. Sofy.com (August 19, 2019). Benefits of using a hot water bottle during period cramps.

4. Lunette.com (February 8, 2018) 7 Yoga Poses to Help Ease Menstrual Pain.

Aysha thinks good things take time, at least a year and a half. Tell her all about how your good things took time, too, at [email protected]