♀️ 1. Listen to your body - she’s not being dramatic
If your uterus were a person, she’d be that friend who says she’s “fine” but then texts you 14 paragraphs explaining why she’s absolutely not fine. The cramping, bloating, and fatigue aren’t signs of weakness - they’re your body literally working overtime.
During your period, your hormone levels (especially oestrogen and progesterone) drop, which can make you feel tired, emotional, and slightly allergic to other humans.
What to do:
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Cancel plans without guilt. “Sorry, my uterus has other ideas.”
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Swap high-intensity workouts for gentler movement - yoga, walking, or “lying on the floor and thinking about your life choices.”
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Nap like it’s your full-time job. Seriously.
This isn’t laziness. It’s listening. Your body is asking for TLC, not a spin class.
🍫 2. Nutrition: eat what you crave (with a side of common sense)
There’s a reason you suddenly need chocolate like it’s oxygen. Your body is craving magnesium and serotonin - both of which can help ease cramps and improve your mood. Unfortunately, that doesn’t mean “eat twelve bars of Dairy Milk,” but hey, balance is everything.
Pro tip:
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Dark chocolate = magnesium boost = goddess energy.
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Leafy greens, bananas, nuts = help with bloating and cramps.
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Avoid caffeine overload - your anxiety doesn’t need espresso wings.
Also, hydrate like you’re training for a marathon. You’re losing fluids (and sometimes the will to live), so keep a water bottle nearby. Bonus: hydration helps with bloating and fatigue.
🛀 3. Create your “Period Survival Ritual”
Forget productivity - your period week is about comfort.
Light a candle, put on your softest loungewear, and set up your personal “Do Not Disturb” zone. This might include:
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Hot water bottle (aka your emotional support pet)
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Herbal tea or a glass of wine (we don’t judge)
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Period pants that make you feel like a superhero, not a schoolkid with a secret
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A playlist called “Cramps & Chill”
Creating ritual around your period helps your brain shift from “ugh” to “okay, this is my time to recharge.”
🩸 4. Ditch the shame - it’s biology, not bad behaviour
Let’s be clear: periods aren’t gross, weird, or embarrassing. They’re literally the reason humanity exists. Yet so many people still feel the need to whisper about them like they’re talking about Voldemort.
We say: normalize it.
Talk about it. Joke about it. Carry your tampon to the bathroom like you’re holding a baton of female power.
If someone flinches when you mention cramps, remind them your uterus is shedding an entire lining while you’re still managing to show up to work, smile, and meet deadlines. That’s not gross — that’s heroic.
💻 5. The mental wellness part (a.k.a. why you cried at the cereal advert)
Hormones are wild. One day you’re fine, the next you’re sobbing because a dog in an advert found its ball.
If your mood drops before or during your period, it’s not “in your head.” It’s in your hormones. Low oestrogen affects serotonin levels, which means sadness, irritability, and general “don’t talk to me unless you have snacks” energy.
What helps:
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Journaling (or at least writing “ugh” 14 times - it counts)
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A short walk - movement really does help your mood
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Saying no - to extra work, to social plans, to anything that feels like “too much”
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Treating yourself kindly instead of calling yourself “lazy” for being tired
Mental wellness during your period is about compassion. You don’t have to be “productive.” You just have to survive, preferably while wearing stretchy pants.
🌕 6. Embrace the cycle - not fight it
Your period isn’t the enemy. It’s your body’s monthly check-in that everything’s working.
If you start tracking your cycle (using an app, journal, or just vibes), you’ll notice patterns:
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Week 1: tired, introspective, low energy
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Week 2: rising energy, creative spark
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Week 3: confident, powerful
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Week 4: mild chaos gremlin returning
When you know what’s coming, you can plan your life around your body - not against it.
Think of it like surfing waves instead of constantly fighting the tide.
🧴 7. The power of pampering
Pampering isn’t vanity - it’s survival.
Whether that’s a long bath, a face mask, or slathering your body in something that smells like “expensive spa in Bali,” the act of taking care of your body tells your brain: I’m worth looking after.
You don’t have to book a retreat in the Alps (though if you do, please adopt me). Just take small actions that make you feel cared for. Paint your nails. Watch your comfort show. Wash your hair if you have the energy. Moisturise like it’s a full-body hug.
💬 8. Laugh, even if it hurts a little
Humour is one of the best wellness tools around. Laughing at the absurdity of being human - bleeding once a month while trying to answer emails and function in polite society - is healing.
So yes, you can still be a radiant, empowered goddess and a slightly unhinged human eating crisps in bed with a heat pack. The two can coexist.
🌸 In summary
Your period isn’t just a nuisance - it’s an invitation to slow down, care for yourself, and listen to what your body needs.
You don’t owe anyone productivity when your hormones are on a rollercoaster. You owe yourself gentleness, rest, chocolate, and perhaps one dramatic nap.
So next time your period arrives, don’t groan. Light a candle, put on your comfiest FreeFlowa pants, and say,
“Welcome back, chaos queen. Let’s do this - gently.”
