Surviving our Monthly Cycle

Do you ever notice that when it is about that time of the month we change? We start out as the nice, somewhat normal, loving, funny women who are the wives, girlfriends and mothers of those around the world. But as our time approaches each month we turn…. It can be difficult to describe, but imagine a Supervillan, with raging hormones, and can be crying one minute and tear you a new one the next.  We try to hide, we try to down play, but we have to eventually admit we are different from the nice women we try to portray.

We try to play cool! We medicate,meditate, exercise (if we can move) and drown our sorrows in a combination of sweet and salty. Cravings are not our friends during this time and many of us give in (myself included)! So why you are in bed with a heating blanket, and chocolate trying not to give in to the torture churning inside you I will give you a few secrets that I use….

Pain management: If you need medication for your pain use it. It is easier to function if you stay ahead of it than if you wait and try to tough it out. It doesn’t matter if you work outside of the home or if you are a “domestic engineer” we all have lives that go on even when we have pain. For those of you who are on our feet all day and still need the relief of a hot pack there are a few things you can try. Check your local drugstore and health section. There are often times hot packs which you can use and last for 8 to 10 hours.

Exercise: I know that working out is the last thing we want to think about. However, maintaining body movement can reduce your pain and can move along the process. Now I am not talking about trying to over do it. Listen to your body. If you need to take a day off it is ok, just work at exercising the next day.

Stay Hydrated: In general many of us do not drink enough water. We have incorporated caffeinated beverages, soda, and other sugary drinks.  These drinks can actually dehydrate you and make your cycle more uncomfortable. So if you have a beverage in hand try to make it water. Also, when you get in the habit of drinking more water your body will begin to crave it.

Get Sleep: When we are tired our emotions can take a bigger toll on us and we tend to make mountains out of mole hills. So be sure to get enough sleep! Make sure to take steps so that you can get enough rest. This may include going to bed earlier, and turning off the T.V.  You may need to read for a while before you can go to sleep or listen to soothing music to help you fall asleep. For me I have found that I need to wear my CPAP machine and that I am much more rested when I do.  If you are tired and cranky try not to make big decisions. Wait until morning when you head is clearer and you can make a logical decision and not one made solely from emotion.

Cravings: If you have one acknowledge it. But, try to take a small portion and not eat or drink the whole thing. Smaller, snack size portions throughout the day can be helpful. Also, if you want something sweet try dehydrated or fresh fruit to deal with the cravings. If it is a Cinnabon that you are aching for try the mini ones or cut it in quarters so you can have it over the next couple of days.  For some people No is an acceptable solution but not for everyone. Don’t limit yourself to just one thing, check out the types of foods that you like but see how you can make better choices. One way to do this is have a plan and have things prepared when your time comes. It can help when you are in need!

So to our loved ones that deal with us each month I thank you!

But remember the saying…