If you feel like your period is out to ruin your life every month, you’re not alone. Between the cramps, bloating, mood swings, and complete exhaustion, it’s easy to assume the worst and just power through. But what if some of those miserable symptoms weren’t entirely inevitable? A lot of the things we do—or don’t do—can make our periods way harder than they need to be. And while nobody’s saying you’ll suddenly float through your cycle like it’s some kind of wellness retreat, making a few key changes could be the difference between surviving your period and actually feeling human during it.
You’re Ignoring How Much Your Clothes Matter
Most of us don’t think twice about what we wear during our period beyond making sure it won’t betray us in case of a leak. But the fabrics, fit, and overall comfort of what you put on your body can make a bigger difference than you think. Wearing tight, restrictive clothing can increase bloating and discomfort, especially if your abdomen already feels like it’s waging war against you. The same goes for synthetic fabrics that trap heat and moisture, which can leave you feeling sticky and uncomfortable (not to mention increase the risk of irritation).
The biggest game-changer? Investing in a period underwear set or two, or five is always a good idea. Look, disposable products are fine, but when you’re already dealing with cramps and fatigue, you don’t need anything else making you uncomfortable. A well-made set of reusable underwear designed specifically for your cycle isn’t just about absorbing leaks—it’s about staying dry, fresh, and way more comfortable than you ever thought possible while bleeding. The right ones feel like a second skin and can be worn all day or night without worrying about bulkiness or discomfort. And let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about not constantly spending money on tampons and pads.
You’re Eating in a Way That Makes Everything Worse
We’ve all had that moment where the only thing that feels remotely comforting during a period is a deep-dish pizza, an entire pint of ice cream, or whatever carb-heavy thing is calling our name. And yeah, nobody’s here to say you can’t indulge, but if your usual cycle routine involves living off of sugar and salty snacks, it’s no wonder you feel even worse.
Inflammatory foods—like processed snacks, fried foods, and refined sugars—can make bloating and cramping worse. They trigger water retention and mess with your blood sugar, which can make you feel extra sluggish, irritable, and even hungrier. On the flip side, balancing things out with magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate (yes, really), nuts, leafy greens, and bananas can help ease cramps and stabilize mood swings. And don’t sleep on hydration—your body is literally shedding its uterine lining, and dehydration can make everything feel ten times worse.
You’re Missing Out on Simple Fixes That Could Help
A lot of people assume the only way to deal with period discomfort is to pop a painkiller and hope for the best. And while pain relief definitely has its place, there are a ton of overlooked things that can help. Heat therapy—whether it’s a heating pad, a hot bath, or even a warm cup of tea resting on your stomach—works wonders for cramps by relaxing the muscles. Gentle movement, like stretching or a slow walk, can boost circulation and reduce pain.
And let’s talk about something unexpected: the benefits of whey protein. While it’s usually associated with gym bros, whey protein actually contains amino acids that can help with muscle recovery—including the ones in your uterus contracting during your period. Getting enough protein in general can also keep your blood sugar stable, which means fewer intense cravings and mood crashes. So if you’ve ever thought about throwing a protein smoothie into your routine, now might be the time.
You’re Sabotaging Your Sleep Without Realizing It
It’s bad enough that periods bring exhaustion, but when you throw bad sleep into the mix, it’s a recipe for disaster. Period-related hormonal fluctuations can already mess with your sleep patterns, but scrolling on your phone until midnight, drinking caffeine late in the day, or sleeping in uncomfortable positions can make it worse.
If you wake up feeling groggy or extra irritable during your cycle, it might be worth checking your nighttime habits. Cutting down on screen time before bed, creating a cooler sleeping environment, and even sleeping with a pillow between your knees to relieve lower back pressure can make a huge difference. And if night sweats are part of your monthly struggle, breathable cotton sheets and moisture-wicking sleepwear are absolute lifesavers.
You’re Treating Your Period Like It’s the Enemy
A lot of us have been conditioned to see our period as this awful thing we just have to put up with every month. And yeah, it’s not exactly a highlight of anyone’s calendar, but the way you think about it can shape your experience. Stress and frustration can actually make period symptoms worse by increasing cortisol levels, which can lead to more pain, heavier bleeding, and heightened PMS symptoms.
Instead of treating your period like an inconvenience, reframing it as a time to slow down and take care of yourself can make a difference. That doesn’t mean you need to turn it into some self-care spectacle if that’s not your thing, but allowing yourself to rest, eat nourishing foods, and prioritize comfort can help shift the experience from absolute misery to something a little more manageable.
Final Thoughts
Your period is already doing enough. You don’t have to make it harder on yourself by ignoring the little things that could actually make it easier. Wearing the right fabrics, fueling your body better, finding unexpected solutions, improving your sleep, and shifting your mindset might not erase every symptom, but they can absolutely change how you feel. At the end of the day, you deserve to feel as good as possible—even during the time of the month when that feels impossible.
