Based on statistics, on average, a woman menstruates for around 7 years in a lifetime. Typically, women would have to deal with their period for two to seven days each month. This may be the case up until their menopausal stage, which usually starts at the age of 45.

With these in mind, at some point in their lives, women will eventually become experts when it comes to dealing with their monthly period. What everyone should know is that menstruation is a natural occurrence and it’s just really hard to escape.

As early as possible, women should start learning how they can easily go through these red days each month. Being on your period shouldn’t be a stressful time of the month. Sure, there will be tough times, but there are actually things that you can do to make these few days a breeze.

Here are some easy ways for you to deal with your period better:

1. Stay Hydrated

It’s common for many women on their period to feel bloated during this time and so it may seem like you won’t need to drink more water than usual. However, drinking at least 10 glasses of water during your period actually helps you get rid of the bloatedness you’re feeling.

2. Eat Healthily

A healthy diet is best even if you’re not on your period. However, it’s very common for women to have more cravings right before they get their period or even while they are on their period. Hence, if you are having intense cravings, make sure you try to consume healthy food rather than junk food. Stay away from foods that are high in sodium to avoid fluid retention in some parts of your body.

3. Spill the Tea, Not the Coffee

We’re definitely talking about the real tea on this. Drinking tea is a better option than your favorite coffee when you’re on your period. Green tea is perfect for you to feel more relaxed. It could also help lessen the feeling of bloatedness and intense cravings.

Meanwhile, caffeine is something you should avoid. While it doesn’t have a big negative impact on your health, studies have found that it can be linked to constricting urine blood vessels. When this happens, the blood flow and length of your period will be affected.

4. Exercise

With or without a period, exercising is important and should at least take 30 minutes in your daily life. Exercising has many positive effects on your body while you’re on your period. It could help lessen menstrual cramps and improve your overall mood.

Surely, being on your period can make you feel irritable. It could also make you want to stay in your bed the whole day, but what you need to know is that those period dilemmas you’re encountering can be easily combated by a 30-minute run or exercise.

5. Choose the Best Period Protection

Luckily for you, there are now plenty of options for you to protect yourself from the mess that your period can make. It may be a bit overwhelming to choose what’s best, but you really should go out there and test as many products as you could.

You can choose from sanitary pads, tampons, cups, and cloth pads for this kind of protection. What really matters is that you feel comfortable with the product you’re using. This would make you feel more confident about moving around.

Now, those are a few things that you can do to deal with your period like a pro. Again, your period is natural. Rather than dreading to have it each month, embrace it and find interesting ways to make yourself feel great about it.