Summer is here and while this is exciting for many reasons it can also be a more stressful time to have your period. Unfortunately, our uterus doesn’t take a summer break. So, we’ve compiled a few helpful things to help you live your best summer life while on your period.
Swimming
Swimming while on your period is one of the worst parts of having your period in the summer. Fortunately, there are a couple solutions. Using a menstrual cup has been the most leak proof way I’ve found to swim on my period. However, some people find them scary to insert or uncomfortable. If this is the case, you can also use a tampon but I’ve found that sometimes I will still leak while wearing a tampon when swimming. There’s also leak proof swim bottoms for your period which have gotten really good reviews! You can learn more about swimming on your period by reading our other blog post here.
Going for a casual swim can actually ease cramp pain by getting the blood flowing! The most important thing is that you listen to your body. If you want to go swimming, great. If not, that’s ok too!
Camping/Hiking
Whether you’re backpacking, camping or just going for a hike, being outside on your period can be tricky. The most important thing is to be prepared. Bring extra supplies (pads, tampons or whatever you use) as well as extra underwear, toilet paper and hand sanitizer. Another important thing to remember is that you’re going to have to pack out your pads and tampons with you so make sure you have something you can keep it in that will ideally also trap the odor.
Traveling
Somehow, periods seem to know when the big vacation is coming up. The most important thing to remember while traveling on your period is to be prepared with extras of everything and to plan ahead for the days you might not be feeling well. Check out this blog post for tips on traveling while on your period.
Food/Drink
The most important thing to remember is STAY HYDRATED!!! Getting dehydrated can make your period symptoms worse and just make you feel worse in general. It’s easy to get dehydrated in the hot summer months and sometimes it’s hard to drink water on our period if we aren’t feeling well so make sure to make a conscious effort to hydrate so you dont diedrate. :)
Fresh fruits (especially papaya and watermelon) are great for you on your period and luckily there’s tons of delicious fruit in the summer! Try pairing one of your favorite fruits with yogurt and some chia seeds for a delicious snack that will also help your period symptoms!
Vitamin D
Studies have shown that having healthy levels of vitamin D can actually help your period! People with sufficient vitamin D levels are less likely to have longer than usual cycles and experience fewer and less intense PMS symptoms and disorders. Of course, this issue is more complex than simply getting enough vitamin D. But, since the sun is a great source of vitamin D it can hurt to spend some time outside and soak up that vitamin D! (while protecting your skin, of course).
The most important thing to remember is to just try and enjoy your summer and the many fun things it has to offer! Don’t worry if you need to take it easy on your period, you know your body better than anyone!
These tips and tricks may not work for everyone. All of our bodies are different so we have to do what works best for us! If you have any other tips that you think might be helpful, leave them in the comments below or send us an email!