My period is here today, in all of its first day glory. I figured, what better time than now to list out the things I cannot do without when this time of month comes around.
Periods weren’t always like this, though
Until a few months ago, I wouldn’t be seen smiling on my periods. No, seriously. A strictly ‘no smile’ zone.
I’d be clutching my tummy or arching my back in pain from the cramps, in a sullen mood. A lot has changed now. Maybe, I just don’t have enough time now to wallow in the misery of periods as I run after my (active) 15-month old. Or it could be something I’ve added to my routine. Read on to find out what I’m talking about.
I don’t quite know what exactly worked, but I’m sure that these 5 things definitely make my period experience a whole lot better.
Top 5 Period Must-Haves
#1: Menstrual Cup
A little over six years ago, I made a life-transforming decision. I switched to the menstrual cup.
At the time, I couldn’t be bothered with managing the pad disposal scenario. My heavy flow would make me go through 4 pads a day on my periods. And hey, a cup costed the same as a large pack of pads! I couldn’t resist.
The first cycle was tough. When it was time to remove the menstrual cup, I was convinced that I had to live the rest of my life with a cup inside me. But things got A LOT BETTER over the next 3 cycles.
Related: My Menstrual Cup is LOST!
I’ve used pads just two cycles this entire time. And that’s only because I chose to indulge in the impulse decision of getting nail extensions done!
This is surely the most important thing I need for flow management during my periods.
#2: Menstrual Cup Microwave Sterilizer
In the discussion of sterilizing a menstrual cup, if we’re considering just convenience, nothing quite compares to a microwave sterilizer! I purchased this not long ago and it frankly blew my mind. The cup is left clean and ready to use in a matter of minutes.
#3: Period Pain Relief Patches
Period cramps for me, pre-baby, were TERRIBLE. And back then, these period pain relief patches were my best friends.
I’d just stick one of these on, usually on the 1st and 2nd days of my period and go about my day as per usual. It’s so incredibly effective and discreet, I sometimes forget it’s even there! This is highly recommended to all period-havers who deal with painful cramps.
Related: Period Pain Relief: 5 Ways how a Partner can help
I’ve told a lot of my friends and family about this too and everyone shares my opinion!
#4: Period Stain Remover
I’ve never really leaked on my periods- thanks to #1 on this list!
But there are those days before a period where I’m caught off-guard. There are also those days when I think the period is all done and Aunt-Flo decides to revisit for a few hours.
Period stains are annoying- on sheets, on fabric, no matter where it is.
This Sirona Stain Remover helps get it all off- first time around, I couldn’t believe how powerful it was because all the stains were wiped clean! I then tried removing older stains on other sheets- and to my shock, it actually worked.
I couldn’t recommend this highly enough!
#5: PMS Gummies
I may have placed this last, but it’s surely one of my favourites on this list. This is something I added to my routine around the same time I started seed cycling.
Related: I Tried Seed Cycling.
I enjoyed the flavour and the individually wrapped gummies- and taking them everyday was a more than welcome addition to my routine! Was it seed cycling or the gummies or both of them together that helped, I can’t say for sure. But my cramps are far more bearable, my mood was a lot better and I didn’t feel like a potato any more. Agreed, I am forever shaped like a potato but I didn’t feel like one anymore.
What are the things you can’t do without during your periods?
