The COVID-19 pandemic has brought the entire nation in a state of lockdown. We are nesting home, with no parties, day trips, friends or family get-togethers. All and any plans we had for this time period have been cancelled. But the one thing most women will still be able to rely on during this period of uncertainty, is getting their periods. Isn’t this the beauty of how God created us? –‘Our cycles are certain’.
Let’s not get carried away. This is a time when self-care is the need of the hour. We need to do everything we can to make sure we have the happiest period possible. A lot of us, even under regular circumstances, PMS and face a lot of discomfort. During these times of stress and uncertainty, maybe our PMS will be worse, temper will be fraying for most of us, we may not be able to do our favourite things, eat our favourite food during our cycle.
Maybe our periods will be heavier, or irregular with irregular bleeding. Also, social distancing may exacerbate mental symptoms along with our cyclical symptoms. It might make some of us anxious or gloomy, or allow dark thoughts. My hormones are ramping up-down the entire place. My husband and daughter are side-slipping from where I am, just to avoid my abrupt burns. Is all this just happening to me? It makes me wonder how others are coping with it.
A friend and a renowned gynecologist Dr Surbhi Singh told me,
“It is very normal for stress to infiltrate our hormonal system. This happens in everyday life, during exams, interviews, a first date etc. But all we have to do is make your mind happy. Somewhere inside, you already know what makes you happy; just practise that. It may be as simple as dancing in front of a mirror, which you have never thought of in regular life. But now, we have ample time so do it. Make yourselves happy, that’s the key to stay stress free.”
Keeping your body and mind busy is another trump card to being stressfree. Practising meditation and mindfulness to manage any kind of stress will definitely help. It is also very important for us to stay active and fit during our monthly menstrual cycle. Studies have shown that light exercises is actually helpful during menstruation. At this time, when gyms and Zumba classes are closed, all the happening stuff is now online. Join a regular online exercise/zumba/power yoga or yoga class.
During these times of lockdown, it might so happen that we do need a painkiller, but might not find one at home. We can try alternative pain relief methods, such as a warm bath, hot water bottle, laying down on your stomach, or trying certain yoga positions.
It is also of prime importance to sleep at least for eight hours during the day. Since we are home all day, the time we spend lazing on the bed, watching TV and playing games doesn’t compensate for our sleep. Make sure to repulse the urge of staying up late night since there is no office next morning. During our periods, it’s normal to crave for weird things; it could be chocolate, chips, or bread. Just try to keep things balanced and make sure you’re still getting enough nutrients – even if you can’t get everything you normally would in your weekly food shop.
And don’t stockpile tampons or pads. There’s just no need. Buy only as many as you normally would. Stockpiling will only hurt the many women who struggle to afford sanitary products every month.
It’s just a lockdown…Period!!!