Navigating Body Image on Your Period

You wake up, take a look in the mirror, and notice you’re body went through an entire transformation overnight.

Your skin is a mess. You’re bloated, crampy, and uncomfortable. You feel overly sensitive, because you keep crying about literally everything and nothing at all. Your body is tired and you can’t possibly fathom how you could do anything else but lay in bed, and eat copious amounts of food—preferably coated in chocolate—all while simultaneously having blood flow out of your body.

This happens every month.

And when it does, you struggle with your body image more than usual. You’re obsessively ruminating about how it looks, which is also paired with disparaging remarks.

You’re feeling awful in your body, and now feeling awful about your body.

Babe, you’re not alone. Such a common experience to have on your menstrual cycle. And here’s how I want you to practice it with more compassion, and less criticism.⠀

📓 Track your cycles

Studies show that your menstrual cycle is known to amplify body dissatisfaction and body dysmorphia.

So, it’s helpful to keep track, because then you’ll be able to pinpoint *why* you’re feeling the way you’re feeling.

👩‍⚖️ Remain objective

When you know it’s about to be that time of the month, take into account that feelings may be exacerbated and more distorted.

And when they are, identify the thoughts, without identifying with the thoughts. Remember that you are not your thoughts, it’s just the hormones and fucked up cultural messages speaking.

👂 Be gentle and listen

Now that you’re aware of everything going on, proceed with compassion and consideration.

As you experience discomfort through your body, remind yourself these are common symptoms and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with your body.

Give yourself some love by listening to your intuition because your body is communicating with you. Do you need to slow down? Do you need more rest? Do you need more food? More chocolate? Would taking an epsom salt bath help?

Honoring your body isn’t always working out and eating greens. Sometimes is slowing and eating the god damn chocolate.