PERIOD TALK!
PERIODS…the natural occurrence that happens in our body, that is known as menstruation or periods.
REMOVING THE STIGMA
Let’s start removing some of the stigma that surrounds this very, very, very, very common occurrence in our world, shall we? Almost 50% of the population actually deals with this on a regular basis, and it is nothing to be ashamed of or to whisper about. So we’re going to talk about it today.
Whether you are preparing for either your first period or you are a guardian of a young girl, this is relevant so stick with me through…
THE 5 P’s of your PERIOD
…and de-mystifying how to get ready for it!
NUMBER 1 – Gather Your PEOPLE!
Gather the people you trust. People that you are going to talk to both before your get your period…as well as when you get your first period. This could be any number of people, older siblings or cousins, close friends that have already gone through this. It could be aunts, or parents or grandparents. Anyone you trust.
Newsflash, it does not have to be only women. Men should know all about periods as well. If they don’t, this is a perfect opportunity for us to start changing the world and helping them become more comfortable with what – again – is a very natural thing that happens in our bodies. Something that no one needs to be ashamed of or embarrassed by.
Let’s talk about it. Gather your people that you know that you can trust and start having conversations.
NUMBER 2 – PREPARATION!
Educate yourself as much as possible on what is going to happen. Read books, check out articles on the internet, ask your friends questions, play something like The Period Game (we legit have so much fun playing this in my house!). Everything you learn helps to take the stigma out of something that is very naturally happening within our bodies.
The other thing you want to prepare is your “Period Kit” which would include
- an extra pair of undies
- black leggings
- A couple of pieces of special chocolate
- A Ziploc bag, just in case there’s accidents to put things in
- Extra pads or tampons or menstrual cup,
Keep these things in your purse, or your locker, or leave them with a trusted teacher or friend, so you know you can get to them when you need them.
NUMBER 3 – PRACTICE
It sounds a little silly, but you can practice (in your mind if nothing else), who you’re going to tell think about when you get your period for the first time, and how you are going to handle the situation.
Your first period (or any subsequene one) could come at home at night, in the middle of a school day, while you’re at athletic practice, or even when you are at the mall with friends. Since it could happen any number of places, you need to have several plans for how to handle it.
Think through (and hopefully talk through with your PEOPLE)
- What is the protocol when this occurs?
- Who am I going to talk to?
- Where are my supplies?
- What am I going to do next? Do I continue doing the activity that I’m already doing? Do I need to go home?
SIDENOTE: Everyone experiences their periods a little differently. For some people, it’s no big deal and they can just go on with life. For other people, they get horrible cramps – maybe a headache, and they have to stop doing everything. For other people, they’re very emotional, and they need to have a little bit of extra self care during that time. So you need to just be prepared and practice the best ways to handle each situation for YOU.
You also want to practice with the type of protection you plan to use…
- What it’s like to put a pad in your underwear.
- How to properly insert a tampon (different sizes and materials and applicators make a difference!)
- How to insert a menstrual cup (I’ve never tried!)
LIFE LESSON: EVERY situation that you encounter in life, whether it has to do with your period or not, will become less scary, and you will feel more confident going into it if you have prepared and practiced. So do both of those things with your people.
NUMBER 4 – PAIN MANAGEMENT
If you are the type of person that gets cramps or bloating or just feel really gross during that time, you’re going to want to be prepared with your pain management. In my experience, not all pain relievers are created equal – so I prefer products that are specifically marketed for Period and PMS pain. Additionally electric heating pads are great if you are able to be home lying around, but if you are planning to be on-the-go – using adhesive heat wraps that you wear on your abdomen, under you clothes can be super comforting!
NUMBER 5 – PARTY!
Yes, that’s right. It is actually a wonderful thing that you are growing up, your body is changing, you are becoming more competent, and ultimately, that you are becoming the person that you were meant to be. Getting your period is just a biological function of all that growth and development. You COULD get down and be stressed out about it. Or you can CHOOSE to party and celebrate! (If you want a laugh check out this comedian and his daughter’s take on PERIOD PARTY!)
When I have a choice between being down and depressed, or having a party, I choose to have a party. I encourage you to also approach life in a way that is celebratory, that is ready for whatever’s next, that is helping you move into the future with confidence and with power.
Dealing with your period, and communicating about it in a mature fashion, is just one more sign that you have everything you need within you to change the world.
RECAP:
PEOPLE. PREPARATION. PRACTICE. PAIN MANAGEMENT. PARTY!
Let’s remove the stigma around periods. Open up those conversations with your mom, your sister, your cousin, even your dad.
If you have questions that you don’t feel like you have anyone you can ask, feel free to reach out to me. I would be happy to help you as much as I can with the facts and pointing you in the right direction towards answers that will help.
Keep choosing your thoughts. Each day create and celebrate a life that you love. Because ultimately, I know you can change the world.
0 Comments