Cultivating a Positive Attitude Towards Periods

Periods are commonly viewed as a monthly inconvenience. But what if we flipped the script a bit? What if we saw them as a reminder of how amazing our bodies are? I’m talking about embracing our menstrual cycles and finding the positives in every period. 

Let’s talk about how adopting a positive attitude can transform your relationship with your menstrual cycle for the better.

Recognizing the Incredible Capabilities of Your Body

First off, can we just take a moment to appreciate the sheer awesomeness of our bodies? They’re like these incredible, intricate machines that go through this monthly cycle with precision and grace. It’s like our own little superpower if you ask me! As women, our bodies show:

• An astonishingly complex and versatile reproductive system: Let’s be honest, the female reproductive system is amazing. It’s incredibly versatile and capable of menstruation, conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and breastfeeding, all of which contribute to the continuation of life.
• Hormonal Regulation: Women’s bodies intricately regulate hormones throughout their menstrual cycles, influencing mood, energy levels, and fertility, showcasing the body’s ability to maintain balance and adapt to cyclical changes.
• Resilience. Sure, you will face physical and hormonal changes throughout life, but our bodies possess a remarkable resilience, capable of adapting and recovering from challenges.

Menstruation itself plays a crucial role in your overall health and well-being. More than just shedding the uterine lining, it also helps with:

• Removing toxins and bacteria from the body
• Contributing to overall health (not just reproductive, but estrogen and other hormones play important roles in bone, brain, breast, heart, and immune health as well!)

So while it can be easy to see your period as an unwanted monthly guest, your period is a need and a method your body uses to continue improving your health month after month.

Understanding What Menstruation Is

Thinking positively about your period really starts with an understanding of what is and what’s happening inside of your body. Perhaps you already have a pretty good understanding of this, but if not, our blog post from last week can help demystify your period: Understanding the True Purpose of Your Cycle

For generations, menstruation has been shrouded in stigma and taboo, leading to feelings of shame, embarrassment, and even disgust for many individuals. It’s about time we change this narrative and celebrate menstruation for what it truly is: a normal and vital part of being a woman.

Normalizing Conversations About Our Periods

Encouraging honest talks about periods can help break down barriers and make it easier for everyone. When we chat openly about menstruation, it creates a space where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences, asking for help, and finding what they need without worrying about being judged or feeling ashamed.

We get it. Easier said than done. Here is a list of 5 tips to make talking about periods with your friends a bit easier:

1. Start the conversation: Don’t be afraid to be the first to bring up the topic with your friends. It might feel a bit awkward at first, but by initiating the conversation, you create a safe space for others to share.
2. Share your stories: Open up about your own experiences with periods. Whether they’re funny, frustrating, or just plain interesting, sharing stories can help break the ice and make everyone feel more comfortable.
3. Support each other: Let your friends know that you’re there to support them, no matter what period-related struggles they’re facing (or otherwise). Having open and honest conversations can strengthen your bonds and make dealing with periods a little bit easier.
4. Practice empathy: Recognize that everyone experiences menstruation differently, and be mindful of how others are feeling. Showing empathy and understanding can help foster a supportive and inclusive atmosphere for great conversation.
5. Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about menstrual health, including common symptoms, cycle variations, and menstrual product options. The more you know, the more comfortable and confident you’ll feel discussing periods with others.

We’re all in this together, right? So, why not make menstruation a topic of conversation that’s as normal as chatting about the latest Netflix binge? Break down those barriers, my friends, and let’s get talking!

So here’s to us, ladies, embracing our womanhood, celebrating our bodies, and owning our periods like the amazing women we are. Let’s ditch the stigma and make menstruation not just a monthly inconvenience, but a monthly celebration of everything that makes us uniquely fabulous. ✨

Have More Questions?

HELP Pregnancy Aid offers ongoing classes on women’s health and pregnancy topics. Have questions about your cycle? Check out our “Focus on Fertility – Your Body, Your Beauty” class and our other class offerings. Our classes are a great opportunity to get answers to some of those lingering questions and to get connected with other women. 

References
https://naturalwomanhood.org/