For many years, I believed that period pain relief came in a bottle. Although painkillers definitely help to ease the pain, they do not always take away the pain completely. What works best of all is having a more holistic approach that includes conventional painkillers as well as other strategies that work alongside the meds to help you feel better.
In this guide, I will share some of the strategies that helped bring period pain relief. You can do these at home, with things you likely already have at home, such as essential oil and heating pad or hot water bottle.
Period Pain Relief Strategies
In a perfect world, women would be able to get time off for painful periods. There have been one or two days when I was working in an office that I took off because I was just in too much pain. Now, I work from home, which makes it easier to rearrange my schedule if I don’t feel up to working. Some of these strategies can be done at work. Most, however, are best for home, because that gives you the chance to fully relax.
Some of the most effective period pain relief strategies that I use on a regular basis include the following:
Heat
My microwave beanbags seldom last longer than a year or two. I use them for just about everything, from keeping warm in winter to soothing headaches, body aches, and various other aches. They are also fantastic for cramps. The best way to use one of these (or a hot water bottle) is to warm it up then get comfortable on your bed or on the couch or even on a chair, put the warmer on your belly and then just allow yourself to relax. In a push, you could even bring a heating pad or hot bottle to work if you are struggling and can’t get time off.
Bath
A good bath heals many things. Like heating pads, heat helps to soothe pain. You can add essential oils such as lavender to your bath to further relax your body. Other things that help include Epsom salts, which contain magnesium, which is also good for natural pain relief. Showering is good, too, but soaking in a hot bath is one of the best ways to relax and let the hot water soothe away the cramps.
Yoga
One of my go-to strategies for cramps is yoga. There are some great videos on YouTube that are specifically for period pain. Yin yoga and restorative yoga are both especially great as they focus on relaxing the entire body. There are many poses that help to bring relief. Just be sure that you choose a video that is made for cramps. Some yoga poses should be avoided during your cycle so it’s best to stick to those that are safe.
Walk
Exercise can also be good – for cramps and mood-boosting. If you’re struggling at work or battling to find relief at home, try taking a short walk to the shop for emergency chocolate or even around your neighbourhood. You don’t have to walk far – just getting out and getting moving can bring a surprising amount of period pain relief. Some fresh air and a bit of sunshine can also help when you’re feeling uncomfortable and miserable.
Massage
You could either book a massage or do your own at home. Use some lavender-infused oil and gently massage your belly for a few minutes to help ease up the cramps. An oil roller is always useful for self-massage. To make this even more soothing, put on some gentle music and lie down somewhere quiet for a while.
Sleep
Finally, don’t underestimate the power of a good nap. When you reach the point where everything feels too much, taking a painkiller or two and then heading to dreamland can be the best move. Sleep gives the body time to recover and heal. You won’t have to think, move or do anything other than relax. Get comfortable, put on some PJs and allow your mind to drift off in bed until you fall asleep. You will feel a lot better when you wake up – I promise.
What are your period pain relief strategies that help you feel better? Share them below and let me know if you have tried any of the period pain relief ideas I’ve mentioned in this guide.