If your period is hard on you, know that we see you. Your experience is valid and we believe you deserve better than the standard “well you can just go on the pill” recommendation. We want to help you have a better period in 2024.
On average, people with periods spend about eight years of their life menstruating ….. 8 YEARS!! That is a big chunk of life! We’re often told that things like PMS and crappy periods are normal. The truth is that these things are unfortunately common, but they are not normal.
Five Things You Can Start ASAP If You’re Ready To Have A Better Period in 2024
1.) Start tracking your entire cycle
Your period or menstrual bleed, is only one part of your cycle. Your complete menstrual cycle lasts from the first day of your period until the day before your next period starts. You want to keep track of any symptoms or experiences you have every day as that can help to start to paint a picture of your hormonal pattern. The Agenda. App can help with that (download it here.) Or you can easily do your daily check-in in a journal or planner. A few minutes every day to check in with yourself is all you need to start.
2.) Try to let some natural sunlight hit your eyeballs every morning
Your sleeping habits are more important to your hormonal health than you might think. Getting some natural light first thing in the day is a great way to help regulate your circadian rhythm (sleep pattern.) This can help you get better nights’ sleep in the long run.
3.) Stick to a sleeping routine
So you’re starting your day with a positive habit for your sleep habits, it should go without saying that it’s important to end your day with sleep positive habits as well. Your body produces hormones while you sleep.
4.) Try adding more cruciferous veggies to your diet
Cruciferous vegetables are things like broccoli, cauliflower, cabbage, and Brussels sprouts (a quick search will give you a longer list) but these are fantastic for our menstrual cycle. When our bodies metabolize these veggies, they release a compound called indole-3-carbinol (I3C.) When your body breaks down I3C a compound called DIM (short for Diindolylmethane) is formed. DIM may help promote healthy estrogen metabolism. Meaning help your body deal with estrogen in a productive way. Many common menstrual cycle complaints are linked to excess estrogen/issues metabolizing estrogen.
5.) Try adding in more pockets of rest or self care during your period.
The menstrual phase isn’t called “the inner winter” for nothing! If there was ever a time to leave some empty room on your calendar, it’s while you’re on your period. We are not saying you need to immediately become a hermit and remove yourself from all responsibilities. It’s about planning ahead (having your cycle phases right on your calendar helps a ton) and prioritizing self care when and where you can. Check out the book Wild Power and their 1% rule for more inspiration on this.
BONUS: As you’re tracking your cycle using The Agenda. App, make sure to check out the Cycle Store tab. It’s a brand new feature! When you track your symptoms, The Cycle Store populates with a curated selection of products that are tailored for your symptoms and cycle phase.
If you want some period positive cheerleaders in your ear hyping you up to have a better period this year, make sure to listen to our New Year, New Period podcast episode. We’re talking all about why 2024 is the year of better periods, highlighting some great products , as well as sharing our excitement for a special giveaway we’re hosting this month with members of The Cyclical Business Collective.
(TL:DR The giveaway is for one of three New Year, New Period boxes. Each box will be full of products to help you have a better period in 2024.) When you enter, you also get the Period Planning Guide from The Agenda. This resource will help you start leveraging the four phases of your cycle in line with your daily life.
You can enter the giveaway and get immediate access to The Period Planning Guide here.