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Is the concept of a happy period a myth? Wrong- menstruation or periods need not be only terrible, painful and uncomfortable. The myth is in the currency because of the various symptoms or PMS signs you have to endure like cramps, acne, breast tenderness, mood swings, heavy flow, migraines, etc.

But you can always keep such symptoms at bay with right actions and practices. Here are some of the top ten period day tips to enjoy a happy period:

1. Detoxification

Menstruation is a time for heightened detox. Painful and heavy periods which come with typical symptoms are a big sign that your lymph and liver are overload with toxins.

Basic tips for liver healing include consumption of dandelion root tea, castor oil packs, proper sleep, and clean, balanced diet (no sugar/ corn syrup/ GMO’s/ dairy, etc.).

Lymph healing tips include nettle infusions, castor oil packs, massage, yoga and moderate walks.

2. Be Positive

You may feel that the ‘positive’ and ‘period’ do not match. But there are many positive sides to a period. First, it indicates that you are healthy, and you must not take this to be granted. Regular periods are a sign that signals from your brain are coordinating successfully with your ovaries for releasing a series of vital female sex hormones.

Secondly, a period indicates you are ovulating in a normal fashion, which implies you can be successful in getting pregnant. Missing a period is also the natural way to detect if you are pregnant. 

Thirdly, menstrual cramps are a dampener, but in the majority of women, they are mild and minimal. They serve as a useful warning sign that you are going to get a period, so you are not caught unawares.

Finally, don’t feel self-conscious; no one can guess you are having a period and so go out there and have a good time. 

3. Listen to Symptoms

Menstruation comes with several symptoms and expert’s advice that you should pay heed to such symptoms- they could indicate something deeper. The first step to managing them could be to understand why they are happening.

For instance, the majority of symptoms could be due to hormone imbalance. For instance, the dominance of Oestrogen could cause PMS symptoms like heavy, painful periods, irritability, mood swings, bloating and sore breasts. As for Progesterone dominance, it could give rise to irregular, light periods that can let down your self-confidence. 

4. Choose Best Sanitary Product

There are so many options for sanitary products such that you can find the right choice for you. Options include sanitary pads, tampons and moon cups. Mama’s cloth is an eco-friendly and affordable option as it can be reused many times. But all this boils down to an issue of personal choice.

5. Eat Properly

Diet has a crucial impact on your general health and is also true of menstruation. A diet rich in fresh ingredients is chockfull of essential minerals and vitamins which help to make your period less painful. Go in for fresh vegetables and fruits, seeds and nuts for good magnesium content that keeps in check menstrual cramps.

Whole grains are rich in Vitamin B, which offers a sustainable source of energy and boosts your mood. Also, you must have a minimum intake of salt to keep bloating and water retention in check.

Also, another major cause of period pain is inflammation in the body. So, you must reduce the intake of refined sugars, processed foods and heavy animal products. You can even consume anti-inflammatory products like walnuts, flaxseed oil and oily fish. A proper diet will help you have a happy period day.

6. Ensure Proper Bowel Movement

You will feel more bloated and uncomfortable when your gut is congested. So, you must keep your bowels moving well to ease pressure on your poor uterus. Adopt a regime of 8 glasses of water daily and to incorporate healthy fats and fibre in your diet. Fats promote the release of bile which aids in the peristalsis of the small intestine. This will help move all the waste in your gut like a conveyor belt.

7. Ensure Proper Hydration

Water consumption helps not only in bowel movement but also the general health of body, impacted by a period. Cramps experienced in PMS is caused by reduced blood flow to the pelvic region. So, staying hydrated eases such pain by keeping your blood flowing.

8. Avoid Unhealthy Drinks

Period pain can be reduced by lowering the intake of alcohol and caffeine around this time, which may cause dehydration and potentially make worse the pesky cramps.

9. Manage the Pain

Many women put up with PMS cramps and other symptoms, being reconciled to these as normal suffering. But experts agree that staying silent about these is not the way and you must adopt steps to help manage the pain.

For instance, application of heat like using hot water bottles, can ease the pain. So also, a warm bath. Try out a new sleeping position like the foetal position of sleeping on a side with legs tucked up.

You can also consume Magnesium supplements which serve as muscle relaxants and can aid in calming erratic contractions. Take care to keep up a symptom’s diary and track symptoms every month. You must consult a doctor in case any symptom manifests frequently.

10. Get Moving

When you are going through this time of the month, you may be tempted to skip on your gym and your regular morning walks. You may feel very tired or maybe in too much pain. But you must go in for exercise for the very same reasons.

By stretching and exercising, you are helping to make loose the tight muscles and get your blood pumping. When you work out, the body will release more of feel-good chemicals called endorphins, which can enhance your mood and impact your perception of pain.

In sum, all the tips for surviving your menstrual period comes to improving your mood. Your mood has a big impact on your perception of pain and how uncomfortable you are. So, do engage in much-loved activities where you can lighten up and have fun. Activities may range from pampering yourself with spa treatments to catching up with friends over dinner. Keep your mood in a good state with andMe Period Chocolate !

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