Rest on Repeat
Disclaimer: even if you are not a female yourself but have a mother, a grandmother, an aunt, a sister, a cousin, a friend, a teacher, a coworker, a classmate, or know anyone else who is female, the information contained in this article applies to you.
Every single month, my body sends me a signal that I need to slow down. Yes, I’m referring to my menstrual cycle. This cycle is biologically necessary in the bodies of mature females if life as we know it is going to continue. And even though this cycle has existed in women’s bodies since the dawn of time, even though it is taking place all around you even as we speak, even though it is the very reason you are here, we don’t talk about it. We don’t act like it’s normal. Instead, we treat the menstrual cycle like it’s gross or weird or a shameful secret. Why is that? I’m not sure, but I do know that it’s ridiculous. There is nothing shameful or gross about the ways our bodies naturally function, and there’s certainly nothing shameful or gross about the ancient rhythm that creates new life. If anything, I’d think it would be revered, treated as sacred or holy.
What I do know is that this cycle often asks us women to provide extra care for our bodies at that time. When a woman begins to have regular cycles, they can be accompanied by troubling physical symptoms such as hormonal headaches, cramps, bloating, mood swings, trouble sleeping, water retention, pain in other areas of the body (the chest, abdomen, back, joints, muscles, or pelvis), acne, trouble concentrating, or depression (Mayo Clinic, 2022). Think about it, every single month without fail (if the cycle is regular, for some women it’s not), a woman’s body fully prepares to create life. Then assuming an egg hasn’t been fertilized, the body scraps all that preparation and starts over from scratch. That’s hard work! And in many places, a woman is expected to carry on the same regardless of the physical condition she’s in.
We need to be more compassionate to ourselves when actively menstruating, and we need to be more supportive and understanding of others when they are. Here are some ways women can better care for their bodies and rest when on their cycle (Women’s Health Connecticut, n.d.).
Sleep more. Stick to a set sleep schedule or let yourself nap. Follow your body’s lead.
Use a hot water bottle, heating pad, or tiger balm on any tight or achy muscles.
Consider supplements. Primrose oil is known to help ease PMS symptoms.
Cut out caffeine completely. Studies have shown caffeine can contribute to cramping.
Exercise. Movement helps keep muscles from tightening up and can release endorphins in your body. Yoga, walking, running, or swimming are all good options.
Eat healthier and stay hydrated. Increasing your fiber intake will help cut back on bloating.
Above all, listen to your own body, and respect a woman when she chooses to listen to hers.
References:
Practicing self-care to feel your best during your period. (n.d.). Women's Health Connecticut. Retrieved from https://www.womenshealthct.com/resources-and-faq/resources/practicing-self-care-to-feel-your-best-during-your-period/.
Premenstrual syndrome. (2022). Mayo Clinic. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/premenstrual-syndrome/symptoms-causes/syc-20376780.
Challenges/Points:
It’s normal for a woman to need to rest more when she’s on her cycle.
We need to normalize talking about menstruation and how it affects women.
Ways to support your own body through a cycle include sleeping more, using heat for cramps, cutting out caffeine (permanently, not just when on your cycle), and staying active.
Questions:
Do you feel that your menstrual cycle affects your ability to participate in different activities?
If you are not female, how familiar are you with how the menstrual cycle can impact women?
Are you comfortable talking about your cycle with others and practicing body positivity by relating to it as a normal part of life? If not, where did you learn how to treat it?
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