7 Real Things That Help Me During My Period (That Might Help You Too)
Rise and shine buttercups and welcome back to Morning Coffee with me, Zion. Kindly grab a cuppa and let’s talk Periods! Mwahahahaaaa!
Right, I’m officially on my period today and ugh! Started yesterday, and babes, let me tell you, I’ve had to learn over time what actually works for me so that I’m not completely down and out every single month. If you’re anything like me… tired, sore, and craving all the wrong things then keep reading.
Now I’m not going to tell you a bunch of nonsense because what would be the point of that, right? Yeah I know, a waste of time! These things genuinely help me during PMS and my period days, and I’m sharing them in case they help you too. Because sharing is caring I believe. So let’s go!
1. Pickle Juice, Sis.
Yes, I said what I said. It sounds mad, but drinking a bit of pickle juice actually helps ease cramps for some women (I don’t really get cramps, just soreness, but I’ve noticed it gives me a little relief and reduces bloating). because I really don’t want to look like a blow fish or 4 months pregnant over my period. So take just a small 50ml shot, but don’t go necking the whole jar Ha! Trust me on this one.
2. Ginger Tea Is That Girl.
I can’t stand ginger tea… like, I really hate it but my Caribbean mum (God bless her) is always telling me and my sister to drink it like it’s medicine. And you know what? She’s right. As much as I complain, ginger tea is that girl when it comes to bloating, digestion, and calming your body from the inside out. I sip on it on the first few days every morning during my period (with a little honey and cinnamon if I’m feeling fancy), and it genuinely helps me feel lighter and less sluggish.
3. Take Slow Walks (Especially in Peaceful Spots).
Now I’m not saying go run a marathon, but taking slow walks really helps me clear my mind and ease the soreness in my lower stomach and back. I love heading to the local athletic track or a quiet park, places that are peaceful and usually empty in the mornings or early afternoons. Sometimes I’ll walk with my headphones in, sometimes I just breathe and let nature calm me down. It’s extra therapy, honestly.
4. Download the Flo App.
Now, I’ve never been a fan of these apps that love to know your whole pum pum business BUT this app has been a real life-changer for me. It helps track your cycle, mood changes, PMS symptoms everything. And gives you advice about what it could be which is pretty cool. I’d say it’s about 8/10 accurate but only if you remember to log your period each month. What I love most is that it helps me plan things like swimming days with my daughter (she’s a Pisces baby, so naturally a water lover). It’s such a blessing knowing when I’ll be due, especially because I try not to let my period get in the way of creating memories with her. That’s very important to me.
Here's an example of what mine looks like today:
5. Belly Rubs With Coconut Oil.
Now this might sound random, but hear me out. I don’t get cramps like that, but my lower tummy gets sore. So what I do is warm up some coconut oil in my hands and rub it gently on my lower stomach in circles. You can even add a few drops of lavender or peppermint essential oil. It really does soothe the area and help you relax. Small habit, big impact.
6. My Go-To Iron-Rich Salad Recipe
When I hit age 34, I started getting so fatigued during my period. And babes, the first few days? I'm wiped out like a bald headed baby after a full bottle of milk. I found that eating iron-rich meals really helps. So here’s one of my fave salads I make during this time:
Ingredients:
- Tuna (or salmon if you fancy)
- Spinach
- Kidney or black beans (skip chickpeas if you hate them like me)
- Onions
- 2 boiled eggs
- Bell peppers
- Cherry tomatoes
- Beetroot
- Pumpkin seeds
My salad sauce:
Mix together mayonnaise, parsley, lazy garlic (get it from Tesco!), black pepper, olive or rapeseed oil, honey and sriracha. Pour over your salad and enjoy. It’s super duper delicious, filling, and packed with goodness your body needs. Come back and thank me when you’re finished stuffing your face though okay!
7. Book A Back Massage (Or Get Bae to Do It 😏)
Lower back pain hits different on your period, especially in the early days. If you can afford it, go to a massage therapist and request a chair massage trust me, it’s more comfortable when you’re bleeding and don’t want to lie flat. If that’s not an option, ask your partner to rub your back for you for 20 minutes (bonus if they’re actually good at it HA!). You deserve comfort.
8. Brain-Calming Music
Sometimes I just need the mood to be calm and nothing does it like smooth jazz or a calming playlist. I’ll light a candle, sip tea, and play soft background music while doing absolutely nothing. Mood regulation is part of period care too.
9. Protect Your Peace… Avoid Arguments.
Listen, when I’m on my period, I don’t have the emotional bandwidth for conflict. I like to avoid anyone who even smells like negative energy because absolutely NOT! Hahaha! If I sense someone’s trying to argue or drain my energy, I remove myself quickly. A simple, “Can we revisit this another time? I’m not feeling well,” will save you from unnecessary stress and high blood pressure okay! Protect your energy, sis.
In Closing…
Your period is a sacred time, babes. Your body’s working overtime, so be gentle with yourself. Seriously, you don’t have to power through like nothing’s happening. Try a few of the things I’ve shared and see what feels right for your body. Small changes really do make a big difference over time.
Thanks so much for reading! I hope my little period hacks help you feel a bit more human and less vampire during that time of the month.
Ciao for now, my loves! 🧡
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