Periods are painful. Every woman has to live to deal with them despite the great discomfort and pain they bring. We have to travel to work, attend meetings, do household chores among other things, and it is never easy when you are in your initial couple of days when the pain escalates. From dealing with surges of menstrual blood, to keeping oneself clean and dry, those 4-5 days of the month are a rather difficult one.
While you cannot help avoid them, there are, however, a few things you can do so that the pain does not aggravate. Simply ditch these habits during your periods.
1. Do not exercise
Yes, you love to keep yourself fit. But please give your body a break. Stop doing all those strenuous exercises during your periods as they will only make you feel worse.
2. Do not go on a diet
Chuck your diet regime during your periods. You are anyway losing a lot of blood, your body’s energy levels are quite low at this time of the month, do not further bring it down by skipping meals. Have all three meals and even a snack if you can. This food will only do you good.
3. Milk or Cappuccino may not be a very good idea
Have you been drinking milk or milk-based drinks during your menses? Simple stop doing that. This is one habit you need to get rid of pronto because milk contains a component called arachidonic acid that only makes the menstrual cramps unbearable.
4. Change pad frequently. Old pad makes you stink
How often do you change your tampon? By continuing to wear the same pad for the whole day you might end up getting vaginal infections and it can emit foul odour. You need to change your tampons every 4-5 hours regardless the frequency of bleeding. Maintain your hygiene standards even during your periods.
5. Say ‘no’ to midnight cravings
Those prone to midnight cravings should hold back during their periods. Try to sleep on time and sleep undisturbed. By eating junk food at odd hours you can cause your body more harm as all the greasy food shall never get digested.
6. Postpone sex to a better day
Stay away from unprotected sex during periods. The chances of getting a vaginal infection are relatively higher, and it can even cause more stomach cramps. Its best to avoid intercourse during these few days.
7. Do not compromise on sleep
It is important to give your body rest, a goodnight’s sleep because you will recover better from the period pain only then. Sleep straight seven hours at least.
8. Stay away from sad movies or books
Your psychological health has a hand in keeping you pain free during periods. By watching tear-jerkers, listening to sad songs or reading depressing novels, you will end up feeling even worse.
9. Never go for body hair removal
Do not expose your body to more physical pain than the one you are already enduring. Avoid trips to the salon for a waxing session, or such thing as going for a root canal. Give your body rest and enough time to recuperate during periods.
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