Wouldn’t it be great if we had a technology that could help predict our exact monthly period date? It would save us from so much trouble. Running about looking for a sanitary napkin or tampon when you realize that your monthly period just started at the most unwanted time and the place is nothing less than an ordeal. We all have been in that situation when our periods started at the workplace. It’s a daunting position, but something that simply can’t be avoided. However, we can take steps to make our workplace a period friendly place for all women.
Keep a period kit
Firstly we must get into the habit of carrying a sanitary napkin or tampon in our handbag always. I mean, always. Sometimes our periods come knocking on the door at the most unexpected time. Have a pocket in your bag just for your period essentials with the sanitary products you use. It makes sense to add sanitary wipes and hand sanitizer to your essentials. Some offices provide sanitary pad dispenser machines in the female washroom. Talk to your HR department about it. If that doesn’t work out, talk to all the female colleagues, and have a common period kit in the office. It will be a big sigh of relief knowing that you have a kit at the workplace if ever needed. Make a list of all the girls, assigning them the responsibility to replenish the kit monthly. Another thing you can add to your personal kit is underwear. We want to avoid period leaks, but sometimes they just happen. For such times having extra underwear will be pretty useful. Especially if you have heavy periods do carry an extra panty and maybe even keep a pair of old jeans at the workplace for such times. Wear black or dark colour clothes on heavy days. It will help to hide the stains if there is a leak.
Medicines for menstrual pain
Medications should really be avoided as far as possible. But when at work, if period cramps become bothersome and an interruption to your day’s work it’s best to take an aspirin. Keep some pain medicines at your workplace for days when your menstrual cramps are severe. You will need it to forget all about pain and focus on your task.
Hot water bottle
Yes, this one is a must. You need to ensure that the 8-9 hours that you spend at the job during your period days are comfortable and untroubled, so it doesn’t affect your work and efficiency. So carry your hot water bottle to keep you warm, relaxed, and ease the menstrual cramps and aches.
Herbal Tea
We all like to have something warm to keep us cosy and comfortable during periods. And herbal tea helps to relieve the PMS symptoms. Red Raspberry leaf tea also, known as women’s herb, is best to alleviate PMS symptoms. Some other great options are ginger tea, peppermint tea, chamomile tea, and cinnamon tea. Try out the different options and see which one suits you best. Herbal teas are soothing and healthy, have 2-3 cups a day to stay calm and relax at the office during your period days.
Dark Chocolate
We all need a bit of pampering during periods and why not. Dark chocolate is rich in magnesium and helps to ease menstrual cramps. Dark chocolate helps to reduce stress during your periods and boost your mood. So don’t forget to carry a bar of dark chocolate to work, it’s a great way to satisfy your carving and raise your energy levels.
Plan your work ahead
This one too very useful. The first two days can be quite tiring, and you may feel low and moody. Plan your work ahead to keep the load easy on these days. You wouldn’t want to go out so altogether avoid important meetings, and client calls on these days. And if you just don’t feel up to it, take a leave and relax at home. Your body needs rest, so call it a day and start fresh tomorrow.
Period buddy
It always helps if you have someone to talk to share your thoughts and feelings. We need a friend to help us cruise through the tough days. Have a designated period buddy, someone who understands and can encourage you to make it through the day with flying colours. A cup of tea and some chit chat with your buddy, and you will feel ready to take on the day.
If will need a bit of planning but over the months you will realize just taking a few simple steps can really help you make period days comfortable at the workplace. With ease and support at the office, you wouldn’t want to miss out on work because of your periods.
