Okay, ladies. Time to get real.

You and I both know that women are amazing - we are beautiful, intelligent, creative, and incredibly strong, inside and out.

But periods being amazing? Sorry, but I don't care how many new commercials try to glamorize the gore. I'm not buying it.

Let's face it. Periods suck.

Anyone who's been suffering the  monthly ordeal for long enough knows that there is nothing more unpleasant than having smelly slime oozing out of your body, not to mention all the side effects that feel just as gross.

Fortunately, as a seasoned sailor of these stormy seas, I've been building up some pretty good hacks for a couple of years.

These are the things I have found to help me a whole lot - and I hope that they can help you too! <3

Things you can do for yourself during your period

1. Body

*BEAT HER TO IT

One of my favorite tips, if you're lucky enough to know when your period is due, is to take a mild painkiller two or three times a day, 1-2 days in advance. That way, you can stop the cramps before they start (or at least lessen the severity). If you catch your period right as it's starting, don't wait till later to take that dose. Make sure you get it in you right away. The sooner it reaches your bloodstream, the sooner it starts working. (But make sure you have something in your stomach whenever you take it, and be sure to drink lots of water).

*Listen to your belly.

I know that you've all probably heard it time and time again: "Don't eat junk food during your period, it'll just make it worse, blah, blah, blah."

Here's what I say. Listen to what your body is telling you. Everyone's system works a little bit different. For me, sometimes those endorphins (feel good chemicals) that flood my brain whenever I have a bite of comfort food are totally worth it on my period. The key is not to over-indulge. Just be careful not to over-do it. Do what it takes to stay healthy, but don't totally stuff away your cravings, either. Otherwise, if you finally decide to cheat, you might go over the top.

STAY HYDRATED

I cannot emphasize this one more, except to say, it really is true, not just a myth. Your kidneys, the organs that flush out the toxins (all the yucky stuff) inside of your body, function through the intake of liquids. And although a flavored latte may be what you're craving, when you're on your period, with your body already full of toxins, the caffeine can make the bloating worse.

Try sipping a light tea (like green or herbal, less caffeine than black). Loose leaf is my favorite kind. It comes in all sorts of flavors, pretty much anything you can imagine.

Also, lemon water is GREAT for eliminating toxins, besides being totally yummy. Water is the best thing that you can do. If you don't specifically like lemons, try adding flavors with any fresh or frozen fruit of your choice! So delicious!

*HEAT HACK

This one really does do the trick also. Warmth helps get the blood flowing freer inside of you and prevent the your muscles from tightening up too much (this is what causes the cramps). Just make sure you don't leave the heat on too high, or too long. This can worsen it.

I like to take a nice fresh shower, but for those of you who like baths, that can be super nice and relaxing as well.

heating pads or hot water bottles wrapped in a towel will be your best friend as well.

*HERBS & OILS

There are certain natural remedies that actually do wonders for PMS and cramping. My personal favorite is to rub a few drops of lavender essential oil along with a few drops of peppermint essential oil, right below my belly button, right onto the skin on the outside of the cramp-zone. This trick has worked miracles for me since I started using it this summer!

If you can afford it, try to get ahold of therapeutic grade essential oils, since these are 100% pure and not diluted down with other carrier oils. My favorite company is doTERRA. They are wonderful!

There are also many teas and herbal supplements available to help with PMS and female hormone regulation. Check with a doctor to make sure it's safe.

2. Mind

It is amazing how much the mind and body are connected. I found this out when I visited a cranio secral therapist a couple weeks ago. She showed me how we as humans like to store a lot of our pain in our bodies. In order to find relief from pain during your period, it is important to address your mind as well

*SELF CARE

When you're on your period, it's important to take it easy. If you know you need to be alone, make sure you have time and space to be alone. If you need to be with someone, ask a friend to come over. It's okay to wear comfy clothes. Stay in bed. Curl up with some tea and your favorite blanket, and watch a movie or read a book. Your body needs the extra rest. You need it right now.

If you have a pet, this is a great time for the psychological benefits of cuddles.

*FUN FACTS

It is known that when you are on your period, you naturally have a higher libido (sex drive). Your body is also more sensitive to pain. Last month on my period, my best friend's son (he's five years old) got mad and so he punched me in the stomach, and it hurt SUPER bad. I thought I was being a baby, until I remembered that pain is heightened with the hormones.
Remember to give yourself this reminder, instead of asking yourself "what is wrong with me?" These weird things are actually normal on your period.

3. Heart

Last of all, it is so important to consider your emotions.

*TREAT YOURSELF

Chocolate is one of my favorite tricks. It's true what they say about chocolate- it actually does help on your period. But remember to get the dark kind, as that has more of the medicine (which helps) and less of the sugar (which can end up making you feel even ickier).

I also love to eat berries as a treat. They are so sweet, just like candy - plus, they're full of vitamins and antioxidants! It's a double win.

When it comes to food for meals, eggs are a great option, because they have protein, but they are also easy to digest (which can be nice when your tummy is having troubles sometimes at this time of the month).

*GRACE

In the end it is so important to accept yourself. Be honest with yourself, don't push yourself too hard or force something you don't believe, but as much as you can, be kind to yourself. This really does help so much.

Well, that's it for now! If you enjoyed this article, please check out my profile, and feel free to follow :)

peace out, love you all, and keep up the fight! You are fabulous