Women's Health Tips (Part 2) - Deep Rest Phase

In last week's post, I shared the principle of cycle synching - eating, exercising, and making goals based on where you are at in your menstrual cycle. Getting yourself into a routine can help you to optimize your health, make progress on your goals when you're in a frame of mind to do so, and give yourself grace when you need rest.

Here are five tips on how to nourish your body during the week of your period.

Tip #1 - REST

Take your time and honor what may be a lack of motivation. You will be more productive in the future if you take the time to rest now. You will have more energy later if you acknowledge your lack of motivation now. Sleep in an extra half hour or schedule an afternoon nap. The dishes can honestly wait until later. Do that errand tomorrow.

Tip #2 - Cut something out of your schedule

This week, I purposefully did not schedule any hang-out times with my girl friends. You have to know yourself. Maybe you're outgoing and still enjoy getting together with friends even when you're tired. But if not, this is going to be your week to take a rain-check. Take a step back and make plans to reconnect later. Spend some quiet time with God in prayer and sip a warm cup of mint tea with freshly squeezed lemon juice. Relish the sunlight streaming through the window between the blinds. And close your eyes. Take deep breaths and be still.

Tip #3 - Give yourself even more GRACE.

My husband's birthday was the other day, and we had a house full of people. I had spent all day getting the house ready for the event, and I felt good about everything. I dressed nicely and the house was fairly well organized, but soon after everyone arrived, I seemed to forget how to speak. It was the funniest thing. It was as if my brain was shutting down. I couldn't form sentences, and my usual out-going wit and homor weren't making any sense. As the night progressed, I realized I just needed to be quiet. I was growing exhausted and simply couldn't keep up with social cues anymore. Just as the last guest said their "goodbyes" I felt the cramps come on strong. Ah. That was it. It was deep rest time, and my brain wasn't in out-going mode at all. Not a bit. What first was frustration as I asked myself "What is wrong with you, Brook?" soon became understanding and grace. "Oh, Brook. You're hormones have tanked. You're allowed to rest now. It's Friday night. You've worked hard all week. You don't have to perform right now."

I want to encourage you to remember that if "doing" is not working for you in this phase of your cycle, simply "being" is enough.

Tip #4 - Eat nutrients and drink tons of water.

I've definitely noticed that my periods are less painful when I'm getting at least 64 ounces of water a day. I also have noticed that eating sweets can be helpful when I'm about to get my period. Opting for dark chocolate seems to be a good way to go. For one, because it doesn't spike blood sugar the way strait up sugar does. For another, because of the added iron, magnesium, copper, zinc, and more! Red meat is another great idea. It will replenish iron levels as they start to diminish and offer some needed fats and protein to keep the body strong.

Tip #5 - Ask for help

I have a feeling that there are some moms out there who are frustrated by all this talk about rest. If you have toddlers, you're probably not able to do this deep nourishing rest the same way those of us can who don't yet have children. Perhaps it's not very helpful coming from me since I'm not in your shoes, but I'm going to share this truth with you anyway in the hope that it offers you some comfort. Please ask for help. Maybe even ask the husband to take the kids out for an evening, so that you can take a nourishing bath or watch a show. Be proactive about asking for help before you reach the burn-out stage. Ask a friend. We love your children. We want to help. We know it's hard. You are not without limitations. And that is where your church family or community can help.

Spill some tea!

Hey, you! Great job making it to the end of this post. I love being able to share with you what has helped me take care of myself. Spill some tea by leaving a comment below if you found something from this post helpful. Or share any other tips and tricks to taking care of yourself during the doldrums of PMS week. I'll be here!