Ace Your School Day: Tips for Navigating the Monthly Challenge
You’re sitting at your desk trying to understand what seems like an ancient language spread across the pages of your English textbook, when suddenly you feel the asphyxiating pain of a thousand knives constantly impaling your stomach. Despite the undeniable discomfort and strain that menstruation brings upon millions of women worldwide, battling with this monthly occurrence at school can make your school day a thousand times more difficult and intimidating. But what if we reframed this unpleasant experience, transforming it from a source of stress to a moment of empowerment? Navigating menstruation at school doesn’t have to be an ordeal. By employing a few practical strategies and changing your perspective, you can handle your cycle with confidence and ease while acing all your tests and putting a smile on your teacher’s face.
Preparation is Key
Craft your Period Kit: Preparing a period kit for that time of the month can serve not only an essential preparation step, but also a wholesome and fun activity. You can choose any pouch you’d like to place all your favorite period essentials in. For example, if you really like the color yellow, you could choose a pouch in that color; if you’re really into music, you could decorate your pouch with musical symbols and references. Moreover, make sure to add all the menstrual hygiene products that help you stay comfortable and secure throughout the day; these can include tampons, pads, menstrual cups, and period underwear. Doing this can ensure that you’re prepared to face your menstrual cycle fearlessly even in the classroom.
Track your Cycle: Understanding your menstrual cycle and your body’s schedule is just as important for preparing for your menstrual journey. Write down whenever your last period began and when it ended on a calendar or period tracking app to avoid any surprises and ensure that you’re aware of what’s coming ahead.
Finding Comfort in the Classroom
Select the Right Products: Choosing products that are right for you is crucial to ensuring your comfort and confidence throughout the day. Whether you prefer pads, tampons, or menstrual cups, selecting the right product will help you complete your daily tasks and activities while feeling confident and secure.
Dress Smartly: Choose outfits that you feel comfortable in. Loose-fitting clothes or layers can help alleviate bloating or cramping. Darker colors can also provide reassurance by making sure that if your pants get stained, it will not be visible.
Managing Discomfort and Disruptions
Address Cramps and Pain: Period cramps can be one of the most irritable symptoms of your period, especially at school. However, some ways to manage them include using small heat packs, reusable hot water bottles, or even taking over the counter medication before heading to school. Over the counter medication such as Midol has helped calm my symptoms in the past and allowed me to feel confident and painless throughout the school day.
Hydrate and Nourish: Staying hydrated and maintaining a nourished diet can also help with cramps and allow you to feel better. Because incessant bleeding during your period can lead to a loss of water, staying hydrated during the day is extremely important.
Navigating School With Confidence
Know your Resources: Familiarize yourself with the resources your school provides. Many schools provide menstrual products in bathrooms or through the school nurse. Additionally, if you’re feeling extreme pain, it’s important you go to the nurse’s office for guidance. If that does not help, ask to call home to discuss with your parents what step you should take.
Embrace a Positive Attitude: Menstruation is a normal part of life and should be approached with a positive mindset. The more you learn to embrace it, the less of a toll it will have on your self-esteem and day.
Prioritizing Self-Care
Engage in Self-care: Taking time for yourself is essential. Whether it’s a few moments to relax or engaging in activities that help you unwind, self-care can help alleviate stress and discomfort. Allow yourself the care you need.
Practice Mindfulness: Deep breathing or short meditation sessions can also help manage stress or physical discomforts like cramps. Doing this can also help you have a more comfortable and stress-free school day.
Conclusion
Managing menstruation at school doesn’t have to be stressful or embarrassing. It's a natural part of life and embracing it can make it easier to handle. Don’t let those annoying cramps get in the way of your day. Follow these tips to stay confident and comfortable throughout your cycle, no matter what challenges arise.
References:
https://www.cheekypants.com/blog/how-to-be-comfortable-on-your-period-at-school.html
