World Menstrual Hygiene Day – Period Hacks that will Save the Day for You

Every year, World Menstrual Hygiene Day is observed on 28 May. This annual awareness day aims at highlighting the importance of good menstrual hygiene at a global level. Though many people are working towards breaking the silence around periods still women around the world are stigmatised and discriminated against only because they menstruate. However, it is a natural bodily function women don’t have control over. Women are stigmatised to such an extent that they are prevented from getting an education and excluded from fully participating in everyday life.

In order to eradicate the myths, Menstrual Hygiene Day is celebrated. The theme this year is to make menstruation a normal fact of life by 2030. All the partners involved are working all year round to break the taboos around menstruation, and raise awareness around menstrual hygiene including the access to menstrual products and period-friendly sanitation facilities. The overall goal is to build a world where no one is held back because they menstruate.

Period Leak Hacks to Prevent Staining

Periods can be an absolute pain no matter how long you’ve had them for. Dealing with PMS, cramps, mood swings and fatigue every month is definitely not easy. If your flow is heavy and you have a tendency to leak, the woes worsen. Waking up to stained sheets and clothes isn’t the nicest sight. In order to ensure your menstruation is mess-free, we’ve come up with some cool period hacks.

• Wear thicker undies or two panties

A fool-proof way to minimise leakage is wearing two panties. While it may not sound all that comfy, it works wonders. We all know the struggle of the sanitary napkin moving left and right while sleeping. When you wear two undies, the pad stays intact and tight. It doesn’t move from its position. In case you’re not too comfortable wearing two panties, you can even wear a thicker underwear. When you wear a thick undie, the blood gets absorbed. The period leak hack to prevent staining is wearing a tight undie. However, make sure it is breathable.

• Use panty liners

Most of us wear panty liners when we’re not on our period. What if we told you that panty liners come the most in use during periods? Confused? Well, don’t be. Thankfully today, most sanitary napkin brands have come out with large and extra-large pads. However, if you still feel like you might leak at night, there is an easy solution to it. Wear your sanitary napkin like you would do regularly. Now, stick the panty liner in places where you tend to leak. You can place them perpendicular to your pad. This gives you extra coverage.

• Sleep in a comfortable position

Though this is not entirely in our hands, we can eliminate any major leak by sleeping comfortably. Try to sleep in one comfortable position the whole night. Less movement will ensure that your pad is in the right place and secure.

Besides these tips, you must also follow these period hacks while travelling:

• Prepare a period kit

Getting your period on a holiday is a bummer but unfortunately there’s not much you can do. However, period preparedness goes a long way. In your travel tote, always have a period kit. In this kit, I recommend you keep a hand sanitiser, pad disposal bag, wet wipes, an extra pair of undies and some pain killers. Public toilets can be pretty messy. Therefore, having this kit is an actual life saviour.

• Dress appropriately

When you’re on your period, comfort is key. Ensure you pack clothes that make you feel relaxed. Skirts and dresses aren’t a great option. Instead wear shorts, jeans or pads that will be close to your crotch and prevent your pad from moving all over the place. In case you’re wearing a dress, make sure you wear spandex shorts or cycling shorts beneath.

• Invest in disposable undies

On a holiday, most of us don’t like washing our clothes and undergarments. But what happens when you get your period? You have no choice but to wash your undies especially if they get stained. This can be pretty time-consuming and stressful. A period hack while travelling we love is buying disposable period panties. Most of the ones available in the market give long-lasting protection. All you have to do is wear it and place your pad. Once you’re done with it, simply dispose it. Honestly, these are apt for travelling. They are available on leading platforms and don’t cost much. Wearing these is also the best way to maintain menstrual hygiene.

Proper hygiene during menstruation is of utmost importance. Always remember to wash yourself properly and remember to change your pad every 2 to 4 hours depending on the flow.

Period Pain Relief Tips

This Menstrual Hygiene Day, another topic we want to touch upon is period pain. A lot of women experience painful muscle cramps before their period is about to begin. Thus, here are some period pain relief tips that will help you:

• Exercise: A lot of people consider exercise during periods a complete no-no. However, exercise aids in pain relief. Don’t engage in strenuous exercise. A brisk walk is the best workout during periods.
• Warm bath: A warm shower or bath also helps. Heat is known to reduce pain and soothe tight muscles.
• Heating pad: A sure-shot remedy to reduce period pain is using a warm water bottle or heating pad around your belly area. It considerably relaxes the abdominal muscles and improves blood circulation.
• Lifestyle changes: Lastly, if you’re looking to eliminate period pain in the long run, you have to make certain lifestyle changes. Cut down on alcohol, smoking and sugary foods. Instead consume more green leafy vegetables, fibrous foods and vitamin E supplements. When you make these changes, the hormonal balance improves and automatically you will notice the pain diminishing with every period.

The need of the hour today is to enhance awareness around menstruation and hygienic practices. We hope our tips and hacks help you have a happier and safer period.