Being a woman comes with many blessings, one of which–unfortunately–is the gift of periods. While having your period can be a sign of good health, it can come with its own set of issues like cramps, pain, and mood swings. Knowing what to do and what not to do is essential when dealing with your period each month.
Here are 20 things you should avoid while on your period:
1. Avoid clothing that restricts the abdomen area
Wearing tight clothing during your menstrual cycle can worsen the pain caused by cramps. Try wearing free-flowing clothes instead to give more room around your stomach area.
2. Don’t skip meals
Skipping meals means that your body will not have enough nutrition and energy, both things which you need while on your period. Make sure to eat regular meals throughout the day even if you don’t feel like it.
3. Don’t exercise excessively or perform strenuous activities
Over-exercising during periods can make symptoms worse instead of better as it increases inflammation in the body and may aggravate existing discomfort from cramps or other premenstrual symptoms (PMS). Stick to lighter exercises such as yoga or swimming if possible
4. Avoid unhealthy eating
Eating unhealthy food during this time makes us more vulnerable to cravings and mindless snacking, which could affect our stomachs and add extra inches around our waistlines! Try to opt for healthier options instead like salads or fruit smoothies whenever cravings hit.
5. Don’t use hot water for bathing
Hot showers can increase abdominal pain if you suffer from PMS-related issues such as bloating or cramping so avoid using extremely hot water during your period months. Stick to lukewarm water for showering purposes as it helps bring temporary relief from these menstrual pains due to its soothing effect on nerve endings located in the intestines walls.
6. Avoid stressors
Stress is a common cause of PMS-related abdominal pains along with headaches and fatigue so try avoiding stressful situations through distraction techniques if possible (listening to music, reading books, etc). It’s also important to get enough sleep whenever possible too!
7. Don’t sit still for long periods of time
Sitting still too long may worsen any achy feelings resulting from hormonal levels changes during menstruation so try light walking around every hour or two!
8. Avoid caffeine
Caffeine is known to worsen cramps due to its effects on cortisol levels, so try avoiding caffeine while on your period if at all possible especially within four hours before bedtime (as caffeine prevents restful sleep). If necessary opt for decaf drinks in place of regular coffee ones – sometimes just having something warm is all we need anyway!
9. Don’t smoke
Inhaling tobacco smoke during this time will deprive crucial nutrients away from our bodies making us more weak & uncomfortable which could make symptoms worse overall and increase pain – so kick that habit now!
10. Avoid drinking alcohol
Alcohol expands blood vessels leading them to dilate which causes even more blood flow alongside other premenstrual symptoms resulting in heavier & longer-lasting cycles so best avoided altogether if possible during this time!
11. Don’t use pads/tampons for long periods
Prolonged usage of sanitary products may cause infections & discomfort due to their high-level humidity content; thus switching up between “traditional” ones & cups sooner than usual times should be a good practice where achievable!
12. Take naps when you can
To minimize bloating due to hormonal shifts taking naps between work shifts regardless of how small they are might real helpful relief!
13. Don’t self-medicate against menstrual pains
Treating amenorrhoea-related problems with only medications isn’t advisable unless medically prescribed; always try managing discomfort through non-pharmacological interventions prior to popping pills unnecessarily
14. Avoid greasy foods
Greasy foods slow down the digestion process adding extra pressure inside the intestines worsening underlying heaviness and feeling already present
15. Use aromatherapy oils
Whether massaging them into the skin/underneath the feet oils like Lavender is great at triggering relaxation
16. Avoid sugar
Sugar further triggers digestive system malfunction making molecules combined experience unnecessary difficulties
17. Wear comfortable underwear that supports an inactive lifestyle
Lightweight panties allow air circulation within intimate areas relieving any undesirable tightness
18. Take over-counter drugs sparingly
Over-counter drugs are ‘short fixes’ by highly reducing inhibition sensitivity without curing underlying problems
19. Drink lots of water
Drinking plenty of water helps flush out extra toxins hindering the absorption process
20. Limit salt consumption
Excessive salts stimulate hormone imbalances disrupting endogenous balance and potentially affecting delicate inner webs balance
