Periods.

How's your cycle? Did you know that PMS and painful periods don't have to be the norm? Do you anxiously anticipate that week of the month, waiting for it to be over so you can get back to your life? Do you feel doomed to years of struggling through each and every cycle? I did, and here are 7 things I do to make it more tolerable.

Tips for the best possible period:

1- Menstrual cups! I love my Diva Cup because it is comfortable, eco-friendly and shortens the duration of my cycle. Plus you can leave it in for 8+ hours. It *almost* makes me feel like I'm not on my cycle. No strings, no bulky pads, no odor. If you haven't tried one yet, I highly recommend it! There are many different brands now and options for women who have birthed a child or have not. It took me a few cycles to finally get the fit just right, so don't give up if it's a bit frustrating at first. Best helpful hint: try inserting while in the shower.

2- Stockpile my fridge. Menstrual cycles can bring on quick pangs of hunger so I love being prepared. This looks like easy, delicious snacks and a few meal options I've already made that I can just heat up for my family when I am tired and don't want to be in the kitchen longer than necessary.

Here are my favorites:

SNACKS

Greek yogurt ~ I top with cacao nibs if I have a mad chocolate craving. Love the crunch!

Homemade whipped cream and berries

Guacamole/hummus & cut-up veggies (Wash, pre-slice, and store in fridge ahead of time)

Cottage cheese, ground flax seeds & blackberries. This combo is delish and keeps me full for awhile. Fill a few single serving to-go containers for easy breakfast/snack options in a pinch.

MAKE AHEAD MEALS

Spaghetti squash ~ Bake an entire squash and scrape 'noodles' into an airtight container in the fridge. Use as a base for salads or pasta alternative. Try adding pesto, feta, olives and tomatoes! Or roasted broccoli, fennel, olive oil and tempeh. Easy to heat up and enjoy.

Soup~ my family loves soup and it is a great way to make a large amount of food that's easy to reheat, as needed. We love roasted red pepper and tomato, or curried butternut squash. Grab a loaf of bread or throw together a quick salad, and voila! Dinner is ready.

3- Magnesium

I love me some magnesium. Using magnesium throughout the month can replenish your body's natural stores, ease tension, and make for an overall smoother cycle. I take it two ways: This lotion or fizzy drink supplement. I rub lotion onto my low back/abdomen area during the first day of my cycle to help relieve menstrual cramps.

4- Iodine/Selenium supplementation. Best relief I have found for PMS breast tenderness. I used to suffer from this for 2 weeks every month. Half of the time, enthusiastic hugs from my sweet kids would cause me to wince with pain and double sports bras were my norm. Since taking Violet daily, I have complete relief!

5- Heat

My heating pad or the seat heaters in my car are my best friends during the first day or two to help ease up cramps. Sometimes, simple heat can completely replace the need for OTC pain relief!

6- Yoga

Pigeon pose is my ultimate favorite for releasing cramps. I hold this pose for 5-10 minutes each side and breathe into it.

7- Daily Meditation

Seriously, try it. Every day. It has helped me ease anxiety and PMS more than anything else I've tried! Click here to learn Heart Based Meditation for free.

If you are interested in easing your specific symptoms and creating the space for a pain-free, easy and smooth cycle, contact me for an initial appointment. Remember, periods are supposed to be painless. It blew me away when I first learned about other cultures where periods are not debilitating or painful.

PMS, cramps, irritability, heavy bleeding are our body's way of showing us we are imbalanced. With proper steps, this can be corrected!

What's your favorite period hack?