Self Care Essentials During That Time Of The Month

One of the worst parts about being female is the regular monthly bleeding.

Listen — I love being a woman. Honestly, as challenging as it is to be female in our world, it is also so empowering in its own right. But the one thing I absolutely despise and would give up in a heartbeat? My damn period. But there are a few self care essentials that help make that time of the month easier to bear.

First, my feminine product of choice: Flex Cup.

There are many brands out there now that offer menstrual cups, and I cannot talk them up enough! I have never been a tampon girl — the thought of toxic shock syndrome was enough to deter me — so I was stuck with pads and not many other options over the years.

About six months prior to my second pregnancy, I decided to make the switch to a menstrual cup.

I chose Flex Cup because it was the one I stumbled on when I was searching options online. My cup also came with two Flex Discs to try out, which I used first. I was surprised at how much I liked the discs and the cup both.

Part of me was concerned it would feel awkward, or be difficult to insert or pull out. Honestly? Those concerns — though totally normal — were so unfounded!

I have loved using my Flex Cup for every period.

After giving birth, of course, I waited a few months before using my cup again. By then, my periods were actually much heavier — ugh. So on my heavy day, I would actually double up with a light, thin pad and my cup just to avoid any leaks if I didn’t have time to dump my cup frequently enough.

I also am a habitual wearer of panty liners in general, so I normally wear them during the day. I would also wear them while I had my cup in, just in case. And at night, I would give my body (and the cup) a break by using an overnight pad.

Overall, I would highly recommend them to anyone who wants to reduce feminine product costs — the cup basically pays for itself within 1-2 menstrual cycles! It is number one on my self care essentials because of how eco-friendly it is, and how much money it saves me.

My second must have for that time of the month: a good pair of sweat pants.

I have two pairs of sweats that I love wearing when I’m on my period and hanging around the house. One is from Victoria’s Secret PINK line, the other is a pair of joggers from Adeline Clothing.

They’re both super comfortable. Lightweight but warm, and cute enough to leave the house in if I need to make a quick run to the store or out to grab carryout from a local restaurant.

Another self care essential that I am obsessed with is vanilla hot chocolate.

It’s actually not as fancy as it sounds. Basically I just make some regular hot chocolate with my Keurig, and then fill up my mug the rest of the way with French vanilla creamer.

Okay, it’s actually a self care essential throughout winter in general, not just during menstruation. But man is it comforting! And it’s a great substitute if you don’t have actual chocolate in the house.

I can’t neglect to mention this non-negotiable during that time of the month…

Alone time. We all need it to some degree on a regular basis. Especially if you’re an introvert like me; time to yourself is how you recharge and prepare to be around people again the next day.

But when I’m on my period, alone time is an absolute must. I mean, if I don’t get enough personal space during that week each month, I lose my shit. I snap on people and am short tempered, and just plain mean. Seriously, ask my husband.

Thankfully my husband understands this about me, and is more than willing to give me an hour or more to myself in the evenings to unwind and relax. It truly makes a big difference in my mood, and is good for our relationship too.

What are some of your self care essentials during that time of the month? Tell me in the comments what you can’t survive without!