Periods shouldn’t be holding you back – here’s how to be your best self all month long

Brought to you by Cleanmarine For Women. 

You shouldn't have to dread that time of month.

Periods aren't easy. We know, we won't try to pretend that they are. There are, however, loads of ways to make sure that discomfort is kept to a minimum when awkward Aunt Flo comes to town. Really, though, there's no reason to feel any doom and gloom at the arrival of your period every month. There are several things that can contribute to an unpleasant period experience, be it tiredness, cramps, or food cravings, and working on these can really help improve your whole period week (we promise!). Sometimes it can be a bit hard to pinpoint exactly what is getting you down during your period (and any other time of the month, come to that) so we've put together a little list of top 5 ways to combat those period blues.

1. Make sure you're getting enough sleep

This may sound obvious, but you'd be surprised how few people actually get a good night sleep. It's so easy to get distracted with TV or your phone, or allow yourself to keep reading "just one more chapter" and, before you know it, it's 1am and you need to be up at 7am. Pick your bedtime - you should be getting at least 8 hours of sleep - and then start getting ready for bed half an hour beforehand. Set your alarm first thing so that you don't have to go back on your phone just before sleeping and get blinded and/or distracted. Tiredness can make period cramps worse, can have negative effects on mental and physical health, and just leave you feeling all-around glum. Trust us, a few nights of proper sleep and you'll never be able to go back.

2. Get that energy into you

Getting enough sleep will do wonders for your energy levels, but eating the right food is just as important. Make sure you're getting enough calories and the right calories, plus plenty of all the necessary vitamins and minerals. Stack your meals up with loads of fruits and veggies and keep yourself hydrated with lots of water. It can be a good idea to check out some vitamin tablets to keep all your levels tiptop throughout the month. Cleanmarine For Women contains vitamin B1 which helps to support normal energy yielding metabolism and helps to reduce tiredness and fatigue. Make sure to look after your vitamin levels all month, not just during your period, so that you're feeling great 24/7 and are ready to take on that period week when it does come around.

3. Water, water, water

Seriously. Water. Staying hydrated is one of the best things you can do to keep yourself feeling good. If you're dehydrated your body cannot properly cool you down so prepare for heat cramps (they're a thing) and heat exhaustion (extra exhaustion is really just not what you need on your period). If you've got period bloat, you might recoil from something that will add to the bloat but, while it may seem counter-intuitive, drinking water can actually help with bloating. If you're drinking water regularly, it will encourage your body to eliminate the water that it's storing up. So you get to be hydrated and less bloated - the best of both worlds. Make sure to drink at regular intervals over the day and try to get in about two litres of water. If two litres is no problem for you, up it to two and a half while on your period. Staying topped up on water will keep you cool, alert, and refreshed. Plus, water is often credited with clearing up skin, so don't be surprised if you see fewer of those period breakouts.

4. Destress your life.

We know, easier said than done. However, giving your room a clean out, taking a much-needed break from work, or even just organising your day a bit more with a to-do list can be a great first step towards a less stressful life. You might be surprised with how much lighter you feel after doing just one of these tasks. Stress can add terribly to the period plight (which is why cramps are often so much worse around exam time), so try to reduce any outsider stressors before the beginning of your cycle to make period time that much easier.

5. Get some exercise

Exercise is sometimes the very last thing you want to do when you're on your period but it releases endorphins that can make you feel better and can actually help with period pain. By all means, take it a little easier on the workout routine during your period if you want to - no need to force yourself to work through bad cramps - but even a short brisk walk in the evening can do wonders for making you feel better. If you make an effort to stay on top of these five simple things all month long, you'll be right and ready to face that (no longer) dreaded period week. Our period is going to be around for a while, might as well learn to live with it and make sure it never stops us from being our best selves. Brought to you by Cleanmarine For Women.