Periods often bring physical symptoms like bloating, cramps, and cravings, but they can also affect self-esteem. Many women experience a dip in confidence, with 89% feeling less ambitious and 70% dressing differently during their period. This is due to hormonal changes; estrogen levels drop, leading to lower serotonin levels, which can impact mood and body image. As a result, you may feel more critical of yourself than usual. The good news is that small self-care habits can help. Prioritizing rest, eating nutritious foods, staying active, and practicing self-compassion can support both physical and mental well-being, helping you feel like your best self even during your period.
7 Tips to Help You Feel Best During Your Period
Your estrogen levels drop during your period, causing a drop in serotonin, a chemical that helps control mood. This can impact how you feel mentally, leading to increased emotional sensitivity, a loss of self-confidence, a negative body image, and other undesirable emotions. So, here are a few tips to help you feel your best during periods.
Set Your Objectives
Menstruation is the time of your cycle when you let go and lose your skin. Your uterine lining is shedding, which your body built up in preparation for pregnancy. Instead of focusing on doing more, consider your period a monthly reminder and opportunity to reflect on what is working in your life and what you need to let go of during this menstrual cycle.
Additionally, take advantage of this free time to set your objectives and goals for this menstrual cycle. What do you want to achieve in the next few weeks, and how do you feel? Make a list of everything.
Allow Yourself To Relax
Energy levels tend to drop during your period, leaving you feeling like you're doing nothing, which is perfectly fine and also reduces stress or anxiety during periods. Pay attention to your body. Set aside time to relax and watch movies. Schedule or postpone high-energy activities for the following week if possible.
Monitor Your Cycle
Tracking your period and menstrual cycle, whether you’ve been menstruating for a few years or decades, can be immensely empowering. Low self-esteem might creep up on you every month if you don’t keep track. When you follow your cycle, you become more conscious of the changes in your self-perception throughout the month. So, you’re less surprised when you’re sad and more likely to exercise self-compassion. Your estrogen levels drop during your period, causing a drop in serotonin, a chemical that helps control mood.
Cycle tracking can also help you feel more in control by allowing you to adapt your schedule according to your feelings. If you know you’ll have to deliver a large presentation at work, for example, you can arrange it after your period when you’ll be more confident.
Ensure That Your Skin is in Good Condition.
Hormonal changes during the menstrual cycle can alter how our skin appears and feels, affecting our self-esteem. This is why, besides maintaining your skin’s health, you should improve your skincare routine.
Use Products That are Appropriate for the Period
When it comes to periods, comfort reigns supreme. You need period products that are not only effective and healthy for your body but also make your period as pleasant as possible if you want to feel your best. For each person, the optimal period product will be different. Tampons will be a go-to for some menstruation, while others may prefer the comfort of bliss sanitary pads or period panties. Stick to the period products that you enjoy and make you feel good in your body.
Include Gentle Exercise in The Process
Although your energy levels may be lower than usual during your period, moving your body will dramatically improve your mood. Instead of opting for high-intensity workouts (we’re looking at you, spin class), integrate slower, softer, low-intensity movements like brisk walking, doing yoga during periods, or Pilates into your routine. Any slower-paced exercise that focuses on relaxation is the way to go. Your body will appreciate it.
Get Creative With Your Fashion
While you may not feel comfortable wearing some of your regular wardrobe staples during your period (perhaps you’re too bloated for your beloved thin jeans), use them to experiment with your look. If you look nice, you feel good, as the adage goes. So, while you’re bleeding, wearing clothes that make you feel good and comfortable in your body will give you that extra boost when you’re feeling down. Yes, to flowy dresses, other bloat-friendly clothes, darker colors, and incredibly stretchy leggings that hug you perfectly.
Conclusion
Ensuring comfort for your body and skin during your period is essential for overall well-being. Choosing breathable, skin-friendly products like organic pads, menstrual cups, or the right adult diaper can help prevent irritation and discomfort. Staying hydrated, eating nutrient-rich foods, and practicing self-care can ease bloating, menstrual cramps, and mood swings. Additionally, wearing soft, loose-fitting clothes can enhance comfort and boost confidence. Since hormonal shifts can impact physical and mental health, listening to your body and prioritizing rest is key. By adopting healthy habits and using the right menstrual care products, you can easily navigate your period, feeling comfortable, fresh, and confident throughout your cycle.
