Overview & Purpose
This outline will provide an overview of how to practice self-care during your monthly cycle. It's an overview of how to build support when you feel weak, depleted, and helpless. You need your energy to raise your children and build a life for yourself.
However, your body needs time to recuperate from the onslaught of physical and mental challenges that come with having a monthly cycle.
Background
In a recent podcast interview, Dorit Palvanov explains her discovery about how we view our monthly cycle. She shared ways on how she cared for herself during that time of the month.
I want to share this tip sheet with you from the podcast.
Main Points
- Your cycle is not the time to run a marathon but a time to rest
- Get to know your body; it’s not your enemy
- Teach your family (partner/children) how to help you
- Build a relationship with a neighbor or friend who can help
- Your support base will know the signs without you having to tell them
Action Steps
Suggestions for getting help during your cycle. DISCLOSURE: This is not medical advice. I’m not a doctor. Please seek the help of a professional who can help you navigate any emotional or physical challenges you may have. The information in this tip sheet is meant to give you an overview of what steps you can take to help yourself.
- Change your mindset towards your period.
Your period is not a curse. No one is punishing you. I’m one of those women who wished my period away. And my symptoms weren’t even as bad as some of my friends.
Embrace your period. Then accept that your body wants you to rest during this time.
Recognize the signs of PMS and find ways to reduce or eliminate the symptoms. This may require partnering with your healthcare provider to get any medical help you may need.
But there are other ways as well.
- Teach your partner/kids to help you during this time.
Explain to them that this is a time when you will need their help and support. Your spouse or some adult you designate will need to do a little extra during this time. Maybe if you have an amicable co-parenting relationship the kids can hang with dad even for a day during your cycle.
Teach your children to do chores because they're part of the team. Show them how to be gentle with you during this time.
That time of the month is when you need to give your body the rest it needs. It’s a time for you to rebuild your strength physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
But what if you do not have a spouse or your children are too young to pitch in?
- Make friends with a neighbor, train a friend or engage a family member
Spend some time when you are not having your period, preparing someone to help you out when you need it. You can be as upfront with them as much as you feel comfortable.
Offer to help an older neighbor in return for watching your kids. For example, if they live alone, you can offer to cook a meal for them. Or if you have bigger kids have one of them mow the neighbor’s lawn.
Think of different ways you can be a good neighbor. You will find it easier to get the help you need during that time of the month when it seems your body is at war with you.
It takes time to build trust but if you are not moving homes for a couple of years, it might be worth the effort.
When my kids were very young, I had a high schooler who would take them on day trips so I could rest. She wouldn’t take any money from me (I knew her mom who was also a solo mom).
Maybe you can afford to pay someone. If so, do it. You deserve to rest to rejuvenate so you can get back to the business of overcoming the world.
Solicit the help of a close friend, cousin or others whom you think would be a good support for you for even one day during your cycle. Any help will go a long way into you getting some time for rest and restoration.
- Join a Support Group like SoloMoms! Talk Connect
Maintaining connection with other moms can help you navigate areas of your life that may seem overwhelming. Joining a community like SoloMoms! Talk can be a safe place to share or listen to another mom’s story. You can learn from shared experiences.
Just know that you are not alone. Our stories are similar. It’s only the details that are different.
Don’t be afraid to ask for help. It doesn’t make you weak. Getting the help you need when you need it helps you gain strength. So you can be a better person and parent/co-parent.
References
- SoloMoms! Talk Podcast - Season 3/Episode 4
- PMS can impair your health, relationships, and interrupt your work. Prementrals Symptoms & Syndromes: Guidelines for Symptom Management and Self Care
Disclaimer
For informational purposes only. Seek the help of a professional if you need help dealing with your symptoms.
