Go with the flow…

The menstrual cycle has meant different things to different cultures over the span of history. It’s been feared, it’s been honoured, it’s been revered and sadly in many cases a topic of shame.

In some historical cultures, women were (and still are) shut away from the world during the bleeding phase of their cycles as they were seen as unclean. In others, a menstruating woman was seen as sacred and powerful. They were even thought to have psychic abilities and have the power to heal the sick.

“I have come to believe that caring for myself is not self indulgent. Caring for myself is an act of survival.”

Audre Lorde

Thankfully, these days it seems that most people are openly talking about their periods, we are paying attention to it and even celebrating it. Some women even learn to structure their lives around their cycle – pushing back against the common misconception that ‘that time of the month’ is an isolated time, instead of one of the multiple steps in a constant regeneration rotation.

Throughout their menstrual cycles, many women experience a range and varying degrees of emotional and physical changes. And so we should – considering the intense fluctuation of hormones powering the ovulation process and the preparation of the uterus for possible fertilisation. But for some women, the hormone changes can lead to an extreme version of these mood changes, called dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a severe, often disabling extension of PMS, which can have symptoms of sadness or hopelessness, anxiety, extreme moodiness and marked irritability or anger.

“As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself, the other for helping others.”

Maya Angelou

Coping with anything from mid-cycle low energy levels to severe PMDD can have a profound effect on our work life. Maintaining a professional demeanour when you are experiencing mood swings, anxiety or even a bit of fatigue can be a real challenge. 

So what can we do to help us honour the menstrual cycle, our minds and our bodies? Here’s a few ideas:

Track your cycle

Using a calendar or an app like Clue, we can record when in our cycles we feel certain feelings or emotions. Knowing how you are going to feel before you feel it can let you plan an ‘easy’ few days, or make sure you have everything you need to get you through any tough times. 

Tracking your cycle can be useful for some as an aid to contraception, conception, or just knowing when to expect your bleeding phase.

Have a PMS/period survival kit

Put together a kit of beautiful self-care items that you keep especially for when you need it. 

Your favourite essential oil, a cycle journal so you can keep a more detailed account of any emotions or thoughts that come up during these times, a lovely candle, some dark chocolate…you get the gist!

Plan a treat meal

I don’t know about you but when I am about to get my period, I want all of my favourite foods. Why not plan a delicious meal, change it up as and when you need to and make sure you have all the ingredients ready to go and when you really need it. Don’t forget the chocolate!

Yoga

It is said that regular yoga practice can actually help prevent PMS symptoms. It releases endorphins, the body’s natural mood-elevating compounds, helps you practice mindfulness and helps you relax your mind and body.

There has been a long-standing debate on whether or not women should practice yoga during actual menstruation but the common belief seems to be that there are certain yoga sequences that women can safely practice during each phase of the menstrual cycle and some that are even recommended for the bleeding phase.

Here are some yoga poses we can use to help relieve cramps during our period.

Give yourself a break

Our bodies are going through a lot so why not practice some ultimate self-care and stop trying to function as if nothing is going on?

Have a long lunch, go for a walk outside, be honest about needing some extra time and space. And if it’s really necessary, have a day off. We should absolutely prioritise our mental and physical health over everything so having if one day to cozy up on the sofa, watch some Netflix and have day naps is what you need – go for it!