Embracing Your Period as a Time of Healing

Being on your period can be a very difficult time for many women. It’s often dreaded and framed as a purely negative experience. But what if we could reframe it?

Instead of seeing it as an interruption to our lives, we might begin to recognise it as something essential to the rhythm of our month. It may not be enjoyable, the cramps, fatigue or emotional waves are real but it can also be an invitation.

Your period can become a time of introspection, healing and deeper self-understanding. It’s a natural pause in the cycle, a moment where your body asks you to slow down. And if you let yourself listen, you may discover that slowing down isn’t weakness, it’s wisdom.

When you allow your period to be more than a nuisance, it can shift into a space of gentle renewal. A reminder to rest. A reminder to check in with yourself. A reminder that your body carries you through so much, and deserves your care in return.

Honoring the Strength It Takes

For many women, a period comes with physical symptoms that are hard to ignore, pain or simply that heaviness in your whole body. Unless you’re very lucky, it’s rarely a comfortable experience.

In the past, I used to think, “I hate this. This is horrible.” And I really sympathise with anyone who feels that way, because I was right there too.

But over time, I’ve begun to shift my perspective. Instead of focusing only on how difficult it is, I try to remind myself: look how strong I am to get through this every month.

That doesn’t take away from the fact that it is tough. But it’s also a quiet kind of resilience we rarely acknowledge. Women are often expected to just get on with their usual tasks, to carry on as if nothing is happening, even though what we’re dealing with inside is anything but easy.

So give yourself credit. Pat yourself on the back. Remind yourself that enduring this cycle month after month is not weakness, it’s a testament to your strength.

The Power of Slowing Down

We live in such a busy world. Society constantly tells us we need to be hustling, achieving, doing more. Life often feels like one long to-do list.

But during the menstrual phase, the bleeding phase of your cycle, your body is asking for something different. You might feel more tired than usual, less motivated, less able to keep up with that fast pace. And that’s not weakness. That’s wisdom.

Instead of fighting it or telling yourself, “I shouldn’t feel this way,” what if you embraced it? The truth is, for much of the month you probably don’t give yourself many opportunities to rest. So why not take this as your built-in reminder?

Slowing down might actually do you the world of good. Making your world a little smaller during this time isn’t failure, it’s care. This could be the perfect time to curl up with your favourite comfort show, sink into a good book, run a bath, do a face mask, or treat yourself to your favourite meal.

You deserve that gentleness. Your body deserves it too.

Honoring Your Emotional Landscape

Another thing that can be very difficult around your period is the emotional side, the PMS or PMDD that can creep in before or during your cycle. Your mood can dip, sometimes drastically. I know for me, this often comes with negative thoughts I wouldn’t normally have about myself. It can touch everything, your self-worth, your body image, even the way you see your life.

Science shows that this isn’t “all in your head.” It’s connected to hormonal changes and a natural drop in serotonin. So first of all, don’t beat yourself up. You’re not broken, your body is simply moving through its cycle.

What I’ve found helpful is this: instead of reacting to those feelings or spiraling into them, I try to slow down and just observe them. Sometimes I’ll simply notice what’s coming up. Other times I’ll journal and write it all down.

In the past, I used to dismiss everything I felt during my period as irrational or crazy, as if none of it mattered. But now I’ve realised that there is truth in what comes up. It’s not that the feelings are “wrong”; it’s that they’re heightened. My intuition, my insecurities, my triggers, they all surface more vividly during this time.

So I’ve begun to see it as an opportunity. These feelings are still me, just a more sensitive, unfiltered version. And when I look back later, I can learn from them: What are my triggers? Where am I not feeling confident? How can I honor those parts of myself?

The feelings you have during your period are just as real, valid, and worthy as the positive, high-energy feelings you experience at other times. They are not less you, they are simply another layer of your truth.

Embracing the Melancholy

Something else I’ve noticed and this may not be true for everyone, is that my mood often shifts during my period. A more melancholic side of me comes out.

At first, I hated it. I didn’t like feeling sad, low, or vulnerable. But I’ve been learning to see this differently. The full spectrum of our emotions has something to teach us, and even sadness has its own quiet beauty.

So instead of resisting, I let myself lean in. Sometimes that means listening to music that carries a bit of sadness, or allowing myself to cry. Other times I’ll watch a movie that lets me sit with those feelings or, if I need comfort, I’ll choose something softer and lighter instead.

The point isn’t to chase the sadness or avoid it. The point is to embrace it all. To honour whatever comes up and give it space, knowing that every emotion has its place in the human experience.

Speaking Your Truth

I’m normally quite a calm person, but I’ve noticed that during my period I can sometimes get mad at people more easily, and then regret it afterwards. I want to be clear: being on your period doesn’t give you a free pass to lash out, say hurtful things, or treat people badly. It definitely doesn’t excuse poor behavior.

But what I’ve realised is that during this time my emotions are more intensified. When I’m in pain or feeling low, I seem to have less tolerance for nonsense. And in some ways, that has made me more honest.

While it would probably be healthier to express myself more evenly throughout the month, I’ve noticed that my period often pushes me to say what I’m really feeling about situations I might otherwise let slide. And although the delivery isn’t always perfect, at least there’s truth in it.

In that sense, this part of the cycle has been a strange teacher for me: reminding me that my feelings matter, that my boundaries matter, and that honesty, even when uncomfortable, has value.

When You Don’t Feel Attractive

Sometimes during your period, you might feel less attractive, even if that isn’t really the case. The symptoms don’t help: a little more bloating around your stomach, a breakout or two, or a face that looks more tired than usual.

The way I’ve learned to cope with this is, first, acceptance. I remind myself: I don’t have to be perfect all the time. My body is going through a lot, and if I look a little different for a few days, that doesn’t take away my worth. I’m still valid. I’m still lovable.

Sometimes this phase makes me want to retreat into myself, and that’s not a bad thing. Cocooning can be exactly what you need. But on the occasions when I’ve had social events during this time, I’ve pushed myself to get ready anyway, to wear something I like and show up. And what I’ve found is that people still respond to me with warmth, compliments, and kindness. Often no one even notices the “flaws” I’ve been obsessing over. It’s usually just my thoughts being a little more amplified and negative than usual.

If you do choose the cocooning path, it can also become a beautiful time of pampering. You might do a face mask, a slow skincare routine, or even give yourself a gentle massage with a body oil. Turning it into a spa-like ritual can transform the way you feel in your skin, reminding you of your own beauty and helping you reconnect with yourself.

Holistic Support for Difficult Periods

I also want to touch on the more practical side of things, the holistic approaches that can sometimes make a big difference during your period. Of course, with anything related to health, please do your own research, see what works for you, and if you’re unsure, consult your doctor.

One thing I’ve personally found helpful is using a heat pad my dad gave me. It has jade crystal circles on it and is designed to ease pain. I don’t know if it’s the jade itself or just the warmth of the mat, but it does seem to bring relief.

Herbal teas have also been supportive for me, especially raspberry leaf, sage, and spearmint tea, all of which are believed to help with hormone balance and menstrual discomfort. You could also try supplements like evening primrose and magnesium. If you eat red meat make sure to have some during this time

And then there’s the question of cravings. During your period, you might find yourself reaching for chocolate, ice cream, or other comfort foods. If you want a small treat, that’s perfectly fine. But sometimes healthier alternatives can really help with energy and hormone balance. For example, a square of dark chocolate can satisfy a craving, or blending frozen banana with almond milk makes a delicious (and surprisingly creamy) alternative to ice cream.

You can also experiment with seed cycling, incorporating seeds like pumpkin, sesame, flax, and chia into your diet at different points in your cycle to help with hormone regulation. It’s a simple addition that can be both nourishing and balancing.

Breaking the Taboo

One more thing I want to say: don’t be ashamed of your period.

This can come up in dating especially. If someone you’re seeing is disgusted by periods or acts awkward about them, that’s a red flag. In my opinion, if they can’t handle the reality of something so natural, they probably aren’t ready to be in a healthy relationship with a woman. You deserve someone who is sensitive, caring, and understanding, someone who not only accepts this part of you but even looks after you during it, making life a little easier. That willingness to learn and support you is a real green flag.

Beyond dating, I wish society as a whole was more open about periods. Why is it still taboo to say, “I’m feeling unwell because of my period, can I slow down a little today?” Instead, so many of us just press on, hiding our discomfort, because we feel it’s not acceptable to talk about.

At the end of the day, how much or how little you share about your cycle is completely up to you. But I think the more we begin to normalise these conversations, the freer and more supported we’ll all feel.

Owning the Beauty of Your Cycle

Finally, I want to leave you with this: learn to see your period as a beautiful thing. If it weren’t for the female reproductive cycle, none of us would even be here.

Your body has the potential to create life and whether or not you choose to, that potential is extraordinary. It’s something to be honored, not hidden. So instead of shame, meet your cycle with pride. Own it.