Photo by Imma Ibanez (stock photo)

Heating Bag

Heating bags are my saviour.  I often keep one on my stomach and a second on my back.  The heat is an obvious way to help the cramps because as you may know, cramps are caused by your muscles flexing a bit too much for our liking.  If you apply heat to the area, it will help to relax those muscles.


Chocolate

I had to put this one in.  For all you, normal people, who enjoy chocolate. (Yes I do think that people who dislike chocolate are aliens), don't be afraid to treat yourself a little bit.  Chocolate is well known to be able to lift up a persons mood.  I know I personally get less than pleasant at this time and so my boyfriend will often give me a chocolate bar to make me less cranky. (I can't complain.  I know I can be a bit of a cranky monster and well he is giving me chocolate. Yum).

Midol

Medication that is specifically made for periods.  In Canada, the product is called Midol.  This is the absolute best thing that was invented after chocolate.  Often times, cramps are associated with back pain.  I find regular pain medications do not help for the widespread pains.  Also, the product has caffeine which is known to help.

Hot Tea

In the same category as the heating bag.  It feels great to have the warmth of a drink sit in your stomach.  It is also relaxing.


Epson Salt bath

Epson salts are salts that you add to a hot bath.  These salts will modify the rate of osmosis in your cells.  Yes, it's a bit sciency, but let me tell you that it works.  As an athlete, I often took these baths to reduce the swelling of my muscles as well as to reduce the pain.  As the water is drawn out of your cells at a quicker rate, it allows your body to replenish itself.  Yes: epson salts are SAFE.  Try to take an epson salt bath when the cramps are really bothering you, and trust me, you will notice a difference.



Periods are unpleasant, but at least there's a few things that we can do to make things a little bit better.