Ladies — we’ve all had those moments where it’s that time of the month and you just aren’t feeling yourself. You’re sluggish, you can’t seem to put an outfit together, you feel like an emotional wreck, and the cravings never seem to end! Well here are some VALLEY-approved ways to still feel confident and kick-ass when it’s that time of the month!
Pain Relief
Whether it be cramps, bloating, or your back, your period usually comes with some pains, which can get in the way of you feeling productive. There are some simple ways to reduce pain! Use heating pads and lean them against your chair at work, as a simple way to relieve tension and relax your muscles. You can also do some stretches and workouts whenever you have a break. Moving your body, even though you might not feel like it, will relieve tension and cramping, and releases endorphins that put you in a better mood!
Outfits
When it’s that time of the month, more often than not, you probably want to throw on an oversized tee, some baggy sweatpants, and call it a day. Jeans couldn’t be farther from your mind. Or, maybe you’ve picked an outfit, but when you put it on, you feel like your clothes are suffocating you and the bloating makes everything uncomfortable. You can still look cute and be comfortable!
First, try styling yoga pants! You can throw on a pair, put on a T-shirt, throw over a leather jacket and put on a pair of sneakers and look put-together but still very comfortable. If you wanted to still go the jean route, you could wear some loose mom jeans and a crew neck with a turtle neck and some sneakers. You could try this same look with yoga pants and also try layering with a sweater vest.
If you’re not feeling pants when in doubt, put on some spandex and a loose dress. You’ll look put together without trying at all and with zero constriction! Lastly, you can go for some work trousers that are comfortable with a solid-colored fitted tee, an oversized blazer and some simple low strappy heels if you’re going the more professional route!
Makeup
Going light when on your period is definitely the way to go! Since you’re most likely breaking out, it’s a good idea to let your skin breathe and accomplish a natural look that gives you the boost you need and still makes you feel glowy!
Start off with your favorite coverage, whether that be a tinted moisturizer, foundation, or some simple concealer. Then, go in with a bronzer, a nice highlight, and some blush to bring some color to your skin. Put some mascara, brush and fill your brows, and put on some gloss!
Hair
For some reason, whether it’s that time of the month or not, it seems like your hair-washing schedule never aligns with your work/school schedule. A big life-saver would definitely be dry shampoo! VALLEY recommends liquid dry shampoo! Just spray it through your hair, blow-dry, and it looks like you’ve just washed your hair! For buildable volume, use a texturizing spray.
For a simple trending hairstyle, you can go for bubble braids! Start by tying your hair back in a ponytail, or sectioning off front pieces (one on the left side and one on the right side). Then take an elastic or hair-tie and tie it a few inches down. Tease the section and repeat until you’ve reached the bottom.
Another style you can go for is using claw clips. If you have bangs/front layers, clip half your hair back and let your bangs/layers fall naturally in the front. You could also simply twist your hair, clip it to the back of your head, and let your layers fall forward.
Self-Care
The best thing you can do when you’re on your period is to listen to your body and take care of it! A good idea would be to relax with a nice hot shower and a face mask. Try a gua shua or jade roller to drain your lymphatic system and de-puff your face. If you have some extra time on your hands, you could paint your nails/toes. To save time, a good option for your nails would be a stick-on. You can buy them in any trending designs, quickly make your nails look good, and they can last up to a week!
Snacks
No matter what, when you’re on your period, you’re guaranteed to have cravings! And the worst thing is when you’re having that craving and you don’t have that food in your kitchen! A good idea would be to stock-up early! Get some Ben and Jerry’s and if you’re a chocolate lover, get a box of brownies so you can throw in a few ingredients and satisfy your chocolate cravings!
Another good idea would be to microwave mug cakes that you can also get at the grocery store or some edible cookie dough. The Ben and Jerry’s Cookie Dough Chunks or the Tollhouse Funfetti Edible Cookie Dough are great options. Lastly: candy! Whether it be sweet or sour, having candy is a great way to satisfy your cravings, whether it be at home or throwing a few pieces in your purse!
Those are some simple ways to kick ass when it’s that time of the month! Let us know what your favorite tips were by tweeting us @VALLEYmag.