How to be prepared for your period
PMS, NO THANK YOU!
You know your period is on its way when you start feeling rotten.
Cramps, breast tenderness, headaches, backaches, bloating, angry outbursts, mild depression or breakouts… the list goes on.
To help you be prepared here’s a more exhaustive checklist of period symptoms and some advice to help you get through it:
First of all eat well: eat little and often (6 small meals a day instead of 3 large ones), cut down on fat, sugar and salt, avoid caffeine and alcohol and eat complex carbohydrates such as foods with whole grains, or beans, brown rice, or lentils. Calcium-rich foods such as cabbage, milk and cheese are good, too.
Experiment with supplements suggested by your doctor or chemist: calcium, magnesium supplements or even vitamin E can really help.
Exercise and stretch to lift your mood and sleep better.
Get a full eight hours of sleep a night, every night, avoid stress and take time out for yourself.
BE READY
If you don’t want your period to catch you by surprise, anticipate the date a few days before your period by keeping a monthly calendar of your menstrual cycle. Check our tips on how to keep track of your cycle
If your period is irregular, especially around the time of the menopause, panty liners can be a great help. Learn all about how to deal with unusual bleeding by charting your cycle
HAVE A BACK UP
Always have protection with you, in your bag, at home or at work. If you want to feel 100% safer, use panty liners as a back-up when wearing a tampon. Panty liners such as Always Dailies are so thin and comfortable they can be used any time. You may even want to pop them in a decorative purse so you know you’re always covered.
Be active
Don’t put your life on hold just because your period is coming! Carry on as normal, play sports or go swimming. You can stay active, fresh and confident
YOU’RE NOT ALONE
If you still feel stressed out by your period, you might want to consider seeking help or joining a self-help or support group.