Improving Mental Wellbeing During Period

As women, we are conditioned to carry so much emotional burden and focus on fulfilling the needs of other people around us that we tend to neglect our own wellbeing. Sometimes we become our last priority amidst all the responsibilities and duties as daughters, mothers, sisters, wives, caretakers and all other roles that we are playing at home and the workplace. This can take a toll on our bodies and minds. This is especially true when we are going through so many emotional changes because of fluctuating hormones during the month before our period. Right before our period, we can feel so many lows and episodes of emptiness and sadness which are all part of PMS. Similarly, during our period, it can be a very painful and emotional time for many of us. Yet, we become masters of disguise, we learn to conceal our true emotions as we run on autopilot from task to task, chore to chore, battling through the days.

Stop…take a deep breath, you are all you have. Without you, nothing will work so your emotional and mental wellbeing during period really matters, for yourself and for the people around you. So what is the best way to take care of yourself during your period? What is it that you can do for yourself that improves your mental wellbeing during that time of the month? Here are five ideas for you that will help in improving your mental wellbeing during period.

Get Enough Sleep & Rest

When you are on your period, you might feel more sleepy and tired than usual. In order to function properly in your day to day routine and activities, it is essential that you get enough rest and sleep. We all know that the recommended sleep is 8 hours a day. Make sure you are getting your 8 hours or more if your body feels the need. Getting sufficient sleep rejuvenates the body and mind. Similarly, taking small breaks throughput the day and then taking at least one day during the week to just rest and not do anything can help revitalize the body and mind. Take a day off to just rest during your period if that’s what you need. Optimum sleep and rest throughout the day and week of your period will help ensure better mental wellbeing during period which will improve your mood, focus and energy levels. Take a break, go easy on yourself.

Take Time Out For Yourself  

A lot of times we become so involved in taking care of others around us that we forget to take care of ourselves. Our periods can be a time of low energy, low mood and just general fatigue. The stress from everyday life, studies, work or family commitments and life chores can be draining especially during the period. Make sure you take time out for yourself every day and do little things that cheer you up and make you happy. This is essential for your mental wellbeing during period. This could be anything from reading a book, listening to music, meditation, going to the spa or salon, buying yourself flowers, treating yourself to some chocolate or simply lighting up a scented candle and sitting in room by yourself, enjoying your own company.

Go for A Walk

Walking helps release stress. Go to the park if you can or if you are blessed with a garden in your home, walk barefoot on the grass. Look at nature around you, express gratitude for everything that has been given to you. A walk can do wonders, it relieves your mind of things that are bothering you, it can literally clear your head. Step outdoors, get some fresh air, walk a mile or two. A gentle walk in the park will help you connect with nature and improve your mood and mental wellbeing during period.

Say Kind Words to Yourself

Positive words of affirmation impact how we think and feel. Speak to yourself kindly and say good things to yourself. We often guilt trip ourselves and can be harsh and critical. Our mind can go into an overthinking mode where we can say things to ourselves which puts us in a low mood and impacts our mental wellbeing during period. Just like you have to cut out the toxic food and habits from your life, you also need to cut out toxic talk. Say good things to yourself. Say words like you are a beautiful, loving, kind and gentle person. You are brave and you are strong. You are important, learn to love yourself.

Learn to Say No

Pakistani women are generally conditioned to accommodate and overcompensate all the time. This can lead to exhaustion and burnout especially during our period. Learn to say “No” to people. Whether it is helping out with household chores, taking the car to the workshop, carrying those heavy grocery bags, going to a family gathering, event or party, helping a friend with a school assignment or taking on that extra work and project at the office. Tell people, “No, you are unable to.” Tell them you can’t, you are too tired and exhausted, you need to rest and rejuvenate yourself. Learning to say “No” is important. There is no need to overcommit and burn yourself out. Mental fatigue can also lead to physical fatigue during your period. Take care of your mental health to avoid burnout. Set boundaries with people and make it clear to them when you can’t do something.

Conclusion: Improving Mental Wellbeing During Period