Know the Signs: How to Prepare for Your Period

When you are on your period, it can get a little messy. The period itself is considered to be one of the most unpleasant phases of a woman’s life because it is accompanied by a lot of pain and discomfort.

Many women dread the moment they know they will have their monthly period, wondering what they should do in order to avoid experiencing any more pain. Your period shouldn't involve pain all throughout. You may experience painful cramps during your menstrual cycle, but there are some things you can do to prepare for it and lessen its impact. 

Most women only get to find ways to ease the discomfort when it’s already happened, which often include hot compress or yoga stretches. What is widely unknown, however, is that there are also things that you can do beforehand to evade those dreaded period cramps.

Here are some helpful tips:

Downloading a period tracker

In order to be fully prepared for a certain event, it is important or very helpful for you to find out when it is going to take place. In the case of menstrual cycle, you can download period trackers on your phone. These applications analyze the interval between your past cycles and give you an estimate of when your next period might be.

While this may not be useful for others, particularly those who have irregular periods, it is very helpful for most because you are given an idea of when it is going to happen, allowing you to take necessary measures to save yourself from the pain it often brings.

Stocking up on necessities

After getting the predictions from your period tracker, it’s good that you start stocking up on some products you will be needing when your period arrives. Make sure to have sanitary napkins, tissues, and even pain relievers inside your house so you won’t have to head out when your period is already there.

It is also important to keep a few pieces of sanitary napkins and tissues inside your daily bag especially if you’re always on the go. This will help you a lot in case your period arrives earlier than expected. It’s safe to say that you should check your necessities every once in a while and make sure you never run out.

Staying active 

Having an active lifestyle has to be the number one way for most women to avoid experiencing period cramps. This is because exercise is extremely effective in reducing menstrual cramps as it increases blood flow, moving the blood from where you're feeling pain. 

A 2018 study found that people who exercised for 30 minutes, 3 days per week, for 8 weeks experienced less menstrual pain than those who did not. They concluded that exercising before and during your period may reduce symptoms. Physical activity does not have to be vigorous or for an extended time, as long as you incorporate exercise into your daily routines.

Getting more sleep

Period-related symptoms such as cramps, bloating, and headaches don't exactly allow for the most restful sleep. In fact, women report worse sleep on the days prior to and during the first few days of their period.  So do your best to get enough rest and practice good sleeping habits on the days leading up to your next period. This will help you avoid being irritable and will help you relieve stress.

Staying hydrated

Drinking lots of water on the days before your period and during menstruation itself can help reduce the bloating that comes with PMS. Since we often retain more water at this time than at any other point during our menstrual cycle, this can lead to discomfort and weight gain. Staying fully hydrated actually helps eliminate that bloated sensation. Drinking enough water—at least two liters every day—will speed up your digestion and help prevent water retention caused by monthly hormonal changes.

What the Lily can do to help you

The Garmin Lily is the most sophisticated fitness tracking smartwatch you could  ever have! It helps you prepare for your upcoming menstrual cycle by collecting the necessary data to predict and alert you whenever your period is coming up. Wear this elegant timepiece on your wrist and start making your way toward your fitness goals with smart features to equip you for an active lifestyle.

No matter how busy you are, you never have to worry about missing a beat when it comes to your menstrual cycle with the Garmin Lily. Simply strap it on and light up your life with maximum health and wellness!

Be stunning, be powerful, and be free with Lily!