Hello everyone, I hope you’re having a lovely morning, afternoon, or evening! As I’m writing this, I’m not on my period, but when this goes up, I’m predicted to be on it, so it’s rather fitting. Also, most (if not, all) of my followers are girls, so I thought I’d lend some potential help!
My periods have been becoming more painful (and, sometimes, crippling), so I’ve been navigating ways to remedy the pain completely or just make it easier to cope with. I know balancing your hormones is a big one, but I have yet to do more research about that. So, for now, here are some simple remedies I’ve found that can make the pain not so bad!
1 || Thermacare Back Pain Therapy Pads
I actually heard about this from my manager at work, and she actually got some for me when she had to run a few errands! You could also use a regular heating pad, but for those of us who are on the go or are working during our period, these are great. You just wrap them around your waist (heated part on your back or your abdomen) and you’re good to go! Honestly, if your cramps and backaches are equally awful, you could probably wear two at once, one on each side 😅
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2 || Water
It’s vital to drink water all the time, but when our body is going through something hard like this, it’s just as important to stay hydrated. Also, during your period, you’re losing blood, which means you’re losing nutrients as well. Drinking water can help your energy levels, too!
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3 || Cosy (but nourishing) Foods
You’re in pain, discomfort, or feeling tired and bleh, so make yourself some comforting foods! Not only can help you feel a little better mentally/emotionally, but, again, you’re losing nutrients through the blood being lost, so it’s important to be nourishing your body and eating to maintain your energy. Feel free to do some research on foods that are best to eat while on your period and choose what’s best for you and your body. Some great & simple options are…
>> Soup <<
I’m not much of a soup-eater (mainly because most of them have gluten), but pick your favorite soup, heat it up, and enjoy in your favorite bowl or mug!
>> Oatmeal <<
I do LOVE oatmeal, though. I like to make mine from scratch with oats, oat milk, a banana, chia seeds, and honey!
>> Fruit <<
Make some fruit salad, fruit popsicles, or even little shish kebabs. Have fun with it!
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4 || Essential Oils
Whether it’s for aromatherapy or topical use, essential oils have many benefits for you during this time! I like using Plant Therapy oils and reading their blog; they have tons of great resources as well. Aromatherapy can help calm you, lift your mood, or simply give you something nice to smell while you chill. Using oils topically can help relieve pain, relax you, and help your energy levels. Pretty much all of these listed can be used aromatically and topically; do some research on which method would work best for you and your body’s needs. Some great oils to invest in are…
>> Frankincense Serrata <<
For relaxing muscles and joints. I also just like the smell of it.
>> Peppermint <<
For mental clarity & alertness. Also helps relax muscles & joints. If you’re nauseated, using this topically or aromatically can help.
>> Clary Sage <<
For grounding and calming. Also can help with PMS, hormone balance, etc.
>> Clove <<
For soothing discomfort. Encourages alertness. I also just like the smell of this one.
>> Ginger <<
For nausea & digestive discomfort. Also warms and relaxes tight muscles.
>> Sweet Orange <<
For mood lifting. Also brightens and tones skin if you struggle with flare-ups/breakouts/etc. during your period.
>> Lavender <<
For relaxation, aromatically & topically. Also good for your mental health.
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5 || Devotions/Articles
These won’t relieve pain or discomfort, but they can help you with acceptance and even empowerment during this time. I became a lot more grateful for my periods after focusing on what this time means for me, my body, and the purpose God has for all of us as women. Here are some articles that I think are pretty great reads:
>> Her Blood As Power: A Viewpoint on Christian Menstruation <<
>> Review: A Brief Theology of Periods (Yes, Really) by Rachel Jones <<
>> PMS: Spiritually Weathering The Storm <<
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6 || Get Moving (if/when you can)
Getting exercise and moving your body can lift your mood and give you energy! It can be anything from a 15-minute pilates workout, to a neighborhood walk, or even just a spontaneous dance party around your room. I get joint pain in my legs during the first few days of my period; it feels like I just walked around for eight hours, even though I just woke up or even if I’ve been sitting all day. So, I understand that it may seem counterintuitive to be moving around if you have pain like that. However, moving can help you take your mind off of that pain for a moment and, your legs are already hurting, so why not go out and do something anyway?
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7 || Scripture
I read Psalm 139 about a year ago which was one of the things that triggered my whole journey to loving womanhood and all things that come with it. I read a commentary on The Study Bible App that mentioned this about Psalm 139:13-18:
“God’s power is magnified in the development of human life before birth.”
I took that and ran with it. How great is it that we get to be the vessels through which God’s power is magnified?
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8 || Pain Medication
I try to avoid pain medication as much as possible, especially because of the medication I’m on for my depression/anxiety/OCD. However, despite all these remedies being more natural, there is nothing wrong with needing/taking medication. I only try to avoid it because of my own health risks and personal preference. There is nothing wrong with going straight to Ibuprofen or Advil if you need it. God granted people the wisdom to create those things. Medication is a way that God heals us; it’s one of the mediums through which God works, just like people, Scripture, etc.
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9 || REST (and acceptance)
Accept it. You are a woman. And this comes with womanhood. God created you a woman because He knew He wanted to bless you with that gift. Yet, with the struggles that come with this, God promises that He will sustain you. He will not let you be tempted beyond your abilities, and I believe that also goes along with trials, suffering, and even minor inconveniences. God will sustain you through this. But also, when you are feeling weak, uncomfortable, etc. it is okay to rest. Rest your body. It is going through a lot. One of the ways God will sustain you through this is by having you rest your body so that it’s not overworked or ignored. Sometimes fighting looks like letting go and resting. If you can, spend the harder days of your period in bed, with a heating pad, eating cosy food, and practicing a hobby. Don’t push yourself to do things. Let yourself rest if you need it. Pray that you may have grace on yourself and your body as it functions.
There you go! I hope you found this post helpful and/or beneficial. If you have any other remedies or resources feel free to drop them in the comments below!
How do you seek empowerment during your period?
What are some ways you remain grateful for womanhood during your period?
I hope you have a wonderful rest of your day or night. Keep on loving others and seeking the Lord!
Callie's Corner 