1. Invest in reusable period products
Call us biased (ok, admittedly, we are a bit), but if you haven’t switched to reusable period products yet, now’s the time! As well as being much better for the plaent, they’re also gentler on your body. Fri Period underwear does the work of 2-3 tampons or pads, but without the harmful chemicals. Plus, you'll save money in the long run. What's not to love?2. Track your cycle
Did you know that your menstrual cycle is considered the fifth vital sign? Just like your heart rate, temperature, and blood pressure, your cycle provides important insights into your overall health. Irregular periods, heavy bleeding, or severe symptoms could be signs of underlying health issues like hormonal imbalances, stress, or nutritional deficiencies. By tuning in and paying attention to changes in your cycle, you can catch early signs of potential concerns and take action to maintain better overall health.
Use a period tracking app (or check out our handy printed version here - it's free!) or journal to keep tabs on your flow, cycle length and daily symptoms and emotional feelings. Knowing when your period is due helps you prepare, but it also gives insight into other phases of your cycle. Tracking can help you spot patterns, anticipate PMS, and make proactive decisions about how to manage your commitments.
3. Stay hydrated
Hydration plays a big role in managing menstrual side-effects. Drinking plenty of water can help reduce some of the classic PMS symptoms like bloating, fatigue, and headaches. Try to aim for at least eight glasses of water a day.4. Nourish your body with good food
What you eat during throughout your menstrual cycle can affect how you feel. Lean into nutrient-rich foods like dark leafy greens, nuts, and fatty fish to help replenish lost iron and balance your hormones. Craving something sweet? Go for dark chocolate! It’s packed with magnesium, which can help relax muscles and ease period pain. For a more detailed overview of the right foods to eat in the different phases of your cycle, check out this handy article.5. Get those ZZZs in
Sleep is essential for overall health, but it's especially important during your period, where plummeting hormone levels can cause major fatigue. Make sure you’re getting 7-9 hours of rest each night. It will make you feel better - quality sleep helps regulate hormones, reduce stress, and can even lessen cramps. If you have trouble sleeping due to discomfort, try using a heating pad or sleeping with extra pillows to ease aches and pains.6. Move your body
While it might be tempting to curl up on the couch all day, light exercise can actually help alleviate period pain. Activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can increase circulation, release endorphins, and reduce bloating. If you don’t feel like doing anything too strenuous, simply going for a short walk or practicing gentle stretches can make a big difference in how you feel.7. Relax, baby
Just before and during our period can be a time where our stress levels go a bit haywire. Our hormones are to blame (aren't they always?!). Making time to relax is key and really should be something that's a priority (easier said than done, I know). Whether it’s through mindfulness, meditation, or simply zoning out with your favorite show, taking a few moments to de-stress can help reduce anxiety and calm your nervous system. Mindfulness practices, in particular, have been shown to help with menstrual pain by improving how your body responds to stress.
Embrace these 7 practices into your life and feel more in control of your period, reduce discomfort, and improve your overall well-being. Let us know which of these you already incorporate into your daily life or if there are some you want to try focus on more - you can always reach out to us at hello@friperiod.com, we'd love to hear from you!
