In the traditions of many indigenous cultures women were able to take time out from caring for their family and other duties during their menstruation. They did this by entering "menstrual tents"[biblical times], "moonlodge"[Native American Indian's] and the Dogon tribe in Africa have a special designated hut for menstruating women. Here the women are able to rest and connect with their inner voice, needs and wisdom.
This is a far cry from the images portrayed in today's advertising; which has us surfing the waves, clad in a tiny white bikini and tampon insitu! The truth is that if during menstruation, we attempt to keep pushing ourselves in order to meet the demands and expectations of our current culture; we are likely to end up feeling tired and irritable.
So, I challenge you to commit to taking some time out to nurture yourself during your next period.
Here are some suggestions:
1. Plan Ahead
In order to ensure that you are able to take time out for self-care you will need to pre-plan and pre-organize.
- Schedule time off in advance for yourself in your diary, make an appointment with yourself!
- If work commitments do not permit you to schedule time off at the time of your period; then book in time for yourself on your day off closest to your period.
- Only fill your diary up with essential appointments around the time of your period. Avoid over committing socially, unless this involves a nurturing get together with your close girlfriends or attending a women's red tent circle [check out my women's circle].
- Do your shopping and cooking in advance. For example make and freeze a casserole in advance, so that you don't have to cook,especially on the first day of bleeding. An occasional take-away for the family is okay too.
- Set boundaries and educate your family that you need to rest, retreat and that this is your time.
2. Rest and Nourish Yourself
- Go to bed early, especially on the first day of bleeding.
- Take a relaxing bath and indulge yourself with candles, essential oils. relaxing music etc.. As you relax in the bath release all the tension in your cells and muscles that has accumulated over the last month.
- Spend time napping and dreaming. You will feel more 'dreamy" and your intuition and sensitivity will be heightened. Native Americans regard menstruation as a time for having vivid and significant dreams.
- You may like to spend time journaling to express your feelings, record insights, inner messages and dreams.
- Do craft and artwork.
- Spend time in meditation.
- Read a beautiful and inspiring book.
- Keep yourself warm.
- Ask yourself "if I could follow my inclination at this time, what would I do?"and "what is it I most need and want at this time?" and then where possible gift yourself with that.
For self-care tips to ease period pain, please see my post entitled "easing period pain."