5 tips to tackle your first period

Remember more than half the world population goes through this, you are never alone.

Don’t be afraid

There are so many people you can talk to such as your parents, siblings, friends, trusted adults, even your favorite teacher. You can also have a little diary to write about how feel about getting your first period. In addition, and as a distraction, you can do some of your favorite hobbies like drawing, music, reading, watching tv and even sleeping to get your mind off it. To get my mind off my period, I played games like roblox, lego, did some YouTube shorts, focused on drawing and henna, also had fun with my friends.

Symptoms before and during

Although there are common symptoms, it can vary from person to as everyone’s body and habits are different and unique. You might get is stomach ache, also known as cramps, breakouts, bloating, headaches/migraine, tiredness and mood swings. For instance, before my period the I had headaches, tiredness and cramps and I felt very sensitive.

Symptoms during your period is usually very similar to symptoms you get before your period. They can be cramps, headaches, bloating, tiredness, breakouts and more. During my period I got cramps and breakouts.

Prepare

Preparing for your (first) period can be useful and stress free, and potentially get you ready to face your first periods. Keeping an emergency bag in your school bag or even in your going out handbag can be very handy. In my emergency bag, I have a small bag with couple of pads and some extra stuffs like a mini deodorant, body lotion, small perfume, hair ties and a lip balm. If you are uncomfortable thinking about pads and tampons, there are some good period pants from amazon and they are just like normal shorts, very comfy and can protect you from period accidents.

What to do when you see it

If you get your first period, don’t panic! that’s absolutely okay! If you happen to notice it when you are at home. You can firstly tell your parents, siblings or any trusted adults around you and they will give you a pad and reassure you that you are okay if you are feeling a bit overwhelmed or worried.

If you got it in your school, don’t panic as in most schools there are period talks and prepare you well ahead so by the time you get your first periods, you will mostly know what to expect. You can tell your close friend or teacher and they will provide some sort of support. If you get it during your class you can go up to your teacher privately or tell he/she when the classroom is noisy so no one can hear you, it always works for me!

Managing discomfort

Managing period discomfort can be made easier with a few simple strategies. Using a heating pad or taking a warm bath can soothe muscle tension effectively. Staying hydrated is crucial; drinking plenty of water can reduce bloating and discomfort. Finally, incorporating relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation can help manage stress. Remember to keep a positive mindset.