When Aunt Flo comes to visit, we all wish we could just rip our uterus out, push our boyfriend off a cliff, curl up in a ball, and cry because we want chocolate! But have no fear, colligiettes! Here are some handy tips you need to know to survive the visit with the dreaded Aunt Flo!
1. Hot water bottle
I know what you’re thinking, that’s what’s in my mom’s bathroom! Yes ladies, a hot water bottle has many difference uses but did you know that they are great for dealing with cramps? Simply fill the bottle with water and microwave it for a few minutes, then apply it to your lower abdomen. Be sure to use a towel or a hot water bottle sleeve so that the heat doesn’t burn your skin! Don’t forget to have a good book or your favorite movie handy!
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2. Thermacare Heat Wraps
Sometimes we don’t have time to stay lying around the house doing nothing, but these discreet pads are like hand warmers, only better. They can be worn over your stomach to help with the pain of cramps! You can find them at Wal-Mart for roughly $5! They are very thin; you can rock them underneath your clothes and nobody will ever know!
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3. Red raspberry leaf
Red raspberry leaf is an herb that can be found in capsules and tea form. Wal-Mart carries the tea, which runs for about $4. The tea has a light raspberry flavor, is 100% natural, caffeine free and, with a little bit of honey or sugar, can be a relief to your painful visit!
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4. Exercising
As much as we don’t want to get out of bed and do much of anything, any form of physical activity helps dealing with cramps! Walking, stretching, yoga and pilates are some exercises that can help with circulation and the release of endorphins!
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5. Water
Drinking water helps keep your body cool and hydrated during your cycle. The last thing you want is to have Aunt Flo staying over while being dehydrated at the same time! When on your period you are losing fluids, and it’s not just blood that is exiting your body. Water is also great to help flush out toxins in the body, so grab a glass!
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6. A low dose of Aspirin
Aspirin thins blood, which can help with the clots that the body passes during your menstrual cycle. This can make your flow a little easier to handle. Low doses of Aspirin can be found as chewables or in pill form. Search Walmart, where you will find them for roughly $5. It’s okay to take them a few days before your cycle starts, but be sure to follow the directions on the pill bottle if you plan on drinking any alcohol because alcohol also thins your blood!
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7. Ibprophen
Ibuprofen is a pain reliever and is more than likely a girl’s best friend when Aunt Flo comes to visit! Try taking it a few days early to get it into your system before your cycle starts; this can help relieve any deadly, excruciating pain before your cycle comes along. Ibuprofen can be found at any drugstore, and is inexpensive. These little babies are sure to become your best friend, so hug them tight!