10 things you didn’t think you could do on your period

MANILA, Philippines – It’s that time of the month again – you feel bloated, your moods are more erratic than an emotionally charged teenager, and your cravings rival those of a pregnant woman.

You have your period and your first instinct is to hole up in your room with a hot compress on your tummy and avoid doing anything that may cause extra stress to your already stressed out body.

It is true that women experience discomfort during those days, but sometimes we get so wrapped up in the idea of PMS that we inhibit ourselves from doing certain things or enjoying activities we don’t typically associate during that time of the month.

In order to break that cycle (pun intended) here are 10 daring things for you to try during your red days.

1) Be active

Resist the urge to lie on the couch all day. Work up a sweat by going for a run, taking a yoga class, or hitting the gym. Being active and doing some exercise while you are menstruating can actually relieve mild cramps and even lighten your menstrual flow. Just make sure you don’t over-exert yourself and stick to a form of exercise you are comfortable with.

Exercising also releases endorphins in your brain that naturally uplift your mood. Therefore, by staying active, you can improve both your physical and mental well-being.

2) Wear White

Many women stick to dark colors like brown, black, and red when they are on their period because in the event of back stains, dark colors make them less noticeable. Why compromise your fashion choices just because you are afraid of stains?

Go for longer and wider pads that will keep you guarded and prevent leaks that cause unsightly back stains. With the proper feminine product you can dare to wear white without the worry of staining yourself later in the day. Have fun with your fashion and feel sexy and comfortable in an easy, breezy, white sundress.

3) Don’t be embarrassed

Every woman gets her period. It is something we go through every month till we are about 50 years old. There is no reason for you to be embarrassed by it. You are no longer that timid girl in 6^th grade hiding your feminine products from nosy and immature boys, or worrying about stains on your school uniform.

Don’t be embarrassed to talk about it. You are a woman. Look at your monthly period as a sign that you are healthy and fertile. 

Don’t be ashamed to make the occasional check up at the gynaecologist, especially when you notice something off with your cycle. The more you know about your body, the easier it is for you to feel less embarrassed and more empowered. 

4) Go out dancing with friends

Don’t sulk at home thinking about that awesome Friday night you could be having with friends. Why should your period stop you from enjoying yourself? Go out, have a drink (or three), and go dancing with your girlfriends.

With the proper protection, don’t worry about back stains and shake your booty in a manner that would make Beyoncé proud.

5) Go on a date

You may not feel like your most glamorous self during your period. Blame it on bloating or breakouts but that doesn’t mean you can’t do anything about it. Bust out the concealer, give those lashes a few coats of mascara, put on some lipstick, and go on a date.

Dating can be a fun way to snap out of your “fat and ugly” funk. Just remember to use the proper kind of maxi pad that will keep you feeling fresh and stain free so you can sport that sexy little black dress you’ve been meaning to wear with confidence.

That coupled with a bit of make up and a little attention from your date will help you toss those thoughts of self-doubt out the window and return to feeling your usual fabulous self. 

6) Think positive

Your period is just as much a state of mind as it is a normal bodily function. There is a strong relationship between your mind and body therefore the way you think actually can control the way you feel. 

Everyone reacts to her period a different way so don’t let the period woes of others affect how you feel. Don’t use PMS as an excuse to act rude, for example. Try to keep a positive attitude and you won’t only feel better, but those who were once victim of your monthly PMS-induced rage will enjoy being around you again.

Remember, positive thoughts always attract more positive vibes and energy. Your disposition may rub off on others women and help them overcome their own PMS.  

7) Go on a road trip

Going on long trips can be daunting to women who are menstruating simply because of the frequency that you have to go to the bathroom and change pads. However by using longer and more absorbent pads, you no longer need to worry about staining the car seat on long trips.

Go out of town with friends and enjoy the ride. Long, scenic, drives also help you clear your mind and distract you from any discomfort you might be feeling. 

8) Wear lingerie

It’s a known fact that women feel sexier when we wear lingerie. So why should that be any different when we are menstruating? With the kinds of feminine products available today you can say goodbye to granny panties, period panties, and other period hacks you do to help prevent staining. 

9) Watch an emotional movie

Being on your period can be a highly emotional time for some women. Instead of trying to fight that why not give in and put on your favorite tearjerker? Sometimes a good cry is just what you need to release all that pent up emotion.

So get comfy and keep the tissue box nearby because when you hit that scene in The Notebook where Ryan Gosling kisses Rachel McAdams in the rain, you’ve got your own waterworks to worry about.  Afterwards, you may find that it minimizes your mood swings and PMS. 

10) Be intimate

 Being intimate with your partner while on your period may seem unconventional but when you find ways to make it work, having sex on your period can actually be more pleasurable. According to Women’ s Health, due to the high flow of blood circulating in your lower region it can intensify your orgasms, which in turn relieves menstrual cramps. The blood also serves as a natural lubricant.

But if period sex sounds a bit too messy for you, just remember there are other ways to be intimate with your partner and that does not need to stop on the days you have your period.

With all these challenges to choose from remember that you don’t need to compromise yourself during your period. With the right attitude and proper protection there are no limits to the range of activities you can do while menstruating. (READ: How to make that time of the month work for you)

Take charge during your red days and don’t let you menstruation tell you what you should or shouldn’t do. We dare you – no double dare you – to try a few things on this list the next time you get your period.  – Rappler.com