Heyy…

My blog is late. But you know what else likes being late?

Periods! 

Let’s talk about Bloody Mary for a second. 

Not the cute social media version where a girl is peacefully sipping tea in a white outfit. I’m talking about real periods. The type where you’re planning your entire day around the nearest bathroom. The type where every sneeze feels like a high-risk activity. The kind where you spend your day wondering, “Did I just leak” and you ask the lady next to you to check you and you do all this like it’s some secret mission stunt because no one has to see.

Periods are so uncomfortable. So inconvenient. It’s the days I genuinely consider cancelling all my plans and ceasing operations until further notice.

Yet somehow, despite periods being experienced by billions of women throughout history, they’re still treated like some mysterious secret we’re supposed to whisper about.

We need to redefine society’s relationship with periods and create a culture of menstrual empowerment. Because periods aren’t gross. They’re biology.

And if you’re a grown man who still acts weird whenever periods are mentioned, I say this with love, please grow up.

Now that we’ve addressed the elephant in the room, let’s get into the good stuff.

Here are my go-to period survival essentials,

1. Tampons. My Ride or Die.

I know the pad girls are rolling their eyes, but hear me out. I was once like you. But thank God for #BFFs, baby girl got me on that train. 

Tampons changed my life.

On my heavier flow days, I double up with a tampon and a pad because ngobaaaa heyiiiii, we respect the possibilities. But generally speaking, tampons give me freedom. I can move around without feeling like I’m carrying a folded mattress around all day.

And if you’ve tried them and hated them, chances are they weren’t inserted correctly. When positioned properly, you shouldn’t really feel them at all.

For me, they make periods significantly more manageable.

Tip: when you pee, be sure to lift up the hanging thread so you don’t pee on it. 

2. Period Tracking Apps Are Elite

I personally use Period & Cycle tracker, but whether you’re a Flo girlie or use something else, period tracking apps are lifesavers.

Not only do they tell you when your period is coming, but they also help you understand your body in ways many of us were never taught growing up.

You can track symptoms, moods, energy levels, cravings, discharge, headaches, and so much more.

Honestly, learning your body’s patterns is one of the coolest things you can do for yourself.

Years ago, I wouldn’t have known when I was ovulating. I’d just walk around feeling slightly different and wondering what was happening. Now? I know the signs…empowerement manyama! 

Tracking has helped me realise that my body isn’t random. It’s communicating.

And the more I listen, the more sense it makes.

3. Hibiscus Tea Is That Girl… clock it! 

Let’s put some respect on hibiscus tea.

Not only has it helped support regular digestion, I am talking about bowel movement #2, but I’ve also found it helpful in supporting my overall hormonal wellness.

After using contraceptives for a while, I felt like my hormones were auditioning for a reality show. Things were all over the place.

I’ve since stopped using contraceptives and adopted the highly sophisticated “pull and pray” method. Kidding! 

Or am I?

Anyway, contraceptives deserve a blog post of their own because whew…it’s been a journey. 

Back to hibiscus tea.

For me, it’s become part of my wellness routine and I genuinely enjoy it. I get mine, natural, from Mambokadzi, which has become one of my favourite stops for feminine wellness products.

Hibiscus tea may not be a miracle cure, but she is definitely the girl she thinks she is.

So, I would normally include hot water bottles and painkillers on this list, but childbirth changed the game for me.

My period pain improved significantly afterwards.

These days I rarely need pain medication,

That said, many women still swear by heat therapy. A hot water bottle or warm towel placed on the lower abdomen can be incredibly comforting and may help things there by the uterus. 

Periods suck bafethu. 

But they’re also normal.

The more we talk openly about periods, the more we dismantle the shame and silence that have surrounded them for generations.

So let’s normalise discussing menstrual health.

Let’s learn our bodies.

Let’s share tips.

Let’s stop whispering when we ask for a pad.

And most importantly, let’s stop acting like periods are something to be embarrassed about.

Love & light 🧡