Mindful Menstruation and How it Helps You
If you are new to the menstrual cycle or you have been menstruating for a while, there are some things you need to be aware of that you may not have already known. As someone who has had her period for the past 14 years, I have gone through many changes as far as aging and the way I have been interacting with menstruation. I know that sometimes it may be a bit of a touchy subject to discuss because there is the stigma around menstruation that it must be kept quiet and to yourself. While we are keeping our periods to ourselves we are also ignoring signs and changes happening with our bodies that are specifically tied to this important cycle. Here are some tips on how to have mindful menstruation and how this helps you in the long run.
What is Mindful Menstruation?
Mindful Menstruation is when we take the time to acknowledge the changes in our bodies and hormones during each cycle of the menstruation process. We mostly acknowledge the time when we are bleeding and may have to rush to the store to grab pads and tampons to hold us over for the next few days. Once that’s over, we forget about it until it begins again. There are many stages to this menstruation cycle that affect our moods, bodies, cravings, and other things that we may not have been aware of. When we can practice mindful menstruation, we begin to connect certain behaviors and emotions with this change.
The Stages of Your Menstrual Cycle
We need to be aware of the 6 stages of the menstrual cycle. Menstruation isn’t just to be acknowledged once the bleeding begins. This is the process of your period cycle and how it works in your body.
Menstruation: This is the shedding of old blood in the uterus. This is the part of the cycle that receives the most attention. It is also a mindful time to shed old things as well. During this stage, you may experience such symptoms as hunger cravings, soreness in certain areas, and cramping.
During this time, estrogen and progesterone levels are low so the mood can be a bit low as well. I often experience sadness during these times. once the initial feeling hits, I feel like I’m spiraling until I recognize that this feeling is associated with my hormones changing in my body, and I begin to feel better and direct my attention to raising my vibrations.
Follicular Phase: This stage is preparing to release an egg in the ovaries. This lasts from the beginning of the period to a few days after the period ends. During this time, this follicle stimulation hormone increased estrogen. This is the part where you begin to notice that your mood is lifting and also tends to be a time when you can experience more sexual arousal.
During this time, it’s great to start on something that makes you happy and productive. You can put full effort into a project or creation. Don’t feel bad or be hard on yourself if you feel unmotivated during the beginning of your menstruation cycle. You’ve allowed your body to heal and have done things that have made you happy, and now with this increase of energy, you can thrive.
Proliferative Phase: This is when the uterus builds up a new wall lining that was shed. This stage doesn’t hold much weight on your hormones or mood swings.
Ovulation: Your uterus has released an egg in the fallopian tubes to prepare for fertilization. This is a period where most people plan their conception in order to get pregnant for it is a higher chance. This is also a time when your energy is boosted and you begin to notice cervical mucus or discharge. It can be a bit uncomfortable, especially when you’re unsure of what is going on with your body, but the awareness of this time is a celebratory period to further remind you of how amazing your body is. shedding old blood and releasing eggs to prepare for a new thing.
The Luteal Phase: This phase is when progesterone is produced. After the high estrogen boost and having more energy, this is when PMS (pre-menstrual symptom) occurs which feels almost abrupt. When this happens you may notice that you could be feeling a bit off and feeling a bit down. This is when I began to notice the downward spiral of my emotions.
During this phase, it’s important to take notes on your sleeping habits, mood behaviors, and eating habits. When you can recognize this feeling, you can make a note to be kind and gentle to yourself during this time. be sure to give yourself plenty of space and time to meditate and practice self-care.
The Secretory Phase: This is a chemical released to help with fertilized egg preparing for pregnancy or breaking down the uterus lining to begin the shedding process, and menstruation over again
Menstruation Tools to Use
Keeping a cycle calendar of your period is a great mindfulness tool. . Before the apps, I used to keep a period journal that noted how long my period was and when to expect the next one. These apps allow for detailed notes and habits that you may not have thought to mention. Here are some apps that are the most helpful to use:
It’s important that you make notes of any emotional and physical changes through your cycle so you can refer to the notes later on and see what to expect when your period comes up. Mood swings or sad thoughts and body tenderness so that you know how to react when these changes occur.
Sustainable Menstrual Tools
It’s not a secret that menstruation tools can take a toll on the environment. Many pads and tampons contain chemicals that your body may not agree with. If you’re looking to have a more holistic menstrual experience, these sustainable tools can help you feel good on the inside, as well as lower your carbon footprint.
Heat pads: These heating pads are great for when you are experiencing cramps and need some warmth and love sent to your uterus. As someone who doesn’t use a microwave, this heating pad can be plugged in and used for as long as you’d like without having to reheat.
Reusable pads: As part of the sustainable period movement, reusable pads are becoming more and more popular. This is helpful because there are no toxins or perfumes in the pad
Menstrual cups: I personally used these for years. I enjoy it because you can leave it in without the worries of toxic shock syndrome. I have learned that you may have to make frequent trips to the bathroom to empty the cup and that could be a bit of a messy experience.
period underwear: This is great because it is also reusable and it has a free feeling like the menstrual cup. Some people really prefer this form of sustainable period product because of the barely there feeling of being able to wear something that will help you in your period that feels just like normal underwear.
organic deodorant spray: I love this product because of the lack of toxins. sometimes periods can leave a bit of an odor, which is all a part of the process of shedding the old and preparing for the new. While this is happening, it’s still great to have a tool that provides and fresh and clean feeling.
Take Away Trail
I see periods as a normal and beautiful cycle. It’s a beautiful thing to have a uterus that teaches us how to clean ourselves out and prepare for new beginnings. The hormone changes and mood swings shouldn’t be seen as negative either, for they are wonderful teachers of life’s experiences. You will discover great happiness and sometimes encounter great sadness and this continuous cycle prepares us for all of the tribulations we will experience. Take the time to listen to your body. Nurture yourself and love your way through the discomfort. Remember to be gentle with yourself and above all, stay mindful.
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