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Periods can already feel like a full-time job. Between cramps, bloating, mood swings, cravings, fatigue, and the occasional desire to disappear under a blanket for three days, your body is doing a lot.
While every woman’s experience is different, there are certain habits that can make that time of the month feel even harder than it needs to be. The good news? A few simple adjustments can help you feel more comfortable, more energized, and a lot less overwhelmed.
If you want to make your period week a little easier on yourself, here are 13 things you should avoid doing.
1. Skipping Meals
When cramps hit or you’re busy dealing with everything else, skipping meals can seem harmless.
Unfortunately, missing meals may lead to energy crashes, irritability, headaches, and stronger cravings later in the day. Your body is already working hard during your period and needs consistent fuel.
Balanced meals that include protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates can help support stable energy levels.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Keep easy snacks available for low-energy days.
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2. Not Drinking Enough Water
Bloating often tricks people into thinking they should drink less water.
Ironically, staying hydrated may actually help reduce water retention and support overall comfort. Dehydration can also contribute to headaches and fatigue.
Keeping water nearby throughout the day is one of the simplest period-care habits.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Add lemon or fruit slices if plain water feels boring.
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3. Pushing Through Extreme Workouts
Exercise can actually be beneficial during your period, but forcing yourself through an intense workout when your body is begging for rest isn’t always the best move.
Some women feel great lifting weights or doing cardio during their period, while others need lighter movement like walking, stretching, or yoga.
Listening to your body is key.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Adjust your workout intensity based on how you feel that day.
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4. Ignoring Severe Symptoms
Painful periods can be common, but debilitating pain isn’t something you should simply accept.
If cramps, heavy bleeding, dizziness, or other symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life, it’s worth discussing them with a healthcare professional.
Seeking support is part of taking care of yourself.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Track symptoms each month so you can identify patterns.
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5. Surviving on Junk Food Alone
Yes, cravings are real.
And yes, there’s absolutely room for chocolate and comfort foods. But relying exclusively on highly processed foods may leave you feeling sluggish and unsatisfied.
Adding nutrient-dense foods alongside your favorite treats can help support energy and overall well-being.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Aim for balance, not perfection.
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6. Neglecting Sleep
Your body needs recovery during your period.
Poor sleep may make mood swings, fatigue, and irritability feel even worse. Prioritizing rest can support both physical and emotional well-being.
Think of sleep as part of your self-care routine, not a luxury.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Create a calming bedtime routine during your period week.
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7. Wearing Uncomfortable Clothing
Tight waistbands and restrictive outfits can feel especially unpleasant during bloating.
Period week is the perfect excuse to choose comfort without sacrificing style. Flowy dresses, oversized sweaters, soft leggings, and relaxed loungewear can make a huge difference.
Comfort matters.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Build a small collection of period-friendly outfits.
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8. Drinking Too Much Caffeine
For some women, excessive caffeine can worsen feelings of jitteriness, anxiety, or discomfort during their period.
You don’t necessarily need to eliminate coffee completely, but paying attention to how your body responds may be helpful.
Moderation is often the goal.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Alternate coffee with herbal tea or water.
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9. Ignoring Your Emotional Needs
Hormonal changes can affect mood, and that’s completely normal.
Period week may not be the ideal time to overbook your schedule, take on extra stress, or expect yourself to operate at 100% all the time.
Giving yourself grace is important.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Schedule downtime during your cycle when possible.
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10. Staying Sedentary All Day
Rest is important, but spending the entire day in bed may sometimes leave you feeling more sluggish.
Gentle movement can help improve circulation and support overall well-being.
Even a short walk can make a difference.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Try a 15-minute walk if you’re feeling up to it.
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11. Comparing Your Experience to Others
Every woman’s cycle is different.
Some people experience minimal symptoms, while others have more challenging periods. Comparing your experience to someone else’s isn’t helpful and can create unnecessary frustration.
Your body is unique.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Focus on understanding what works best for you personally.
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12. Forgetting Period Products When Leaving Home
Nothing ruins a day faster than realizing you’re completely unprepared.
Keeping a few essentials in your purse, backpack, desk, or car can save you from unnecessary stress.
Future-you will be grateful.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Create a small emergency period kit.
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13. Being Too Hard on Yourself
This may be the most important point on the list.
Your body is going through a natural biological process. You don’t need to be productive every second, hit personal records at the gym, cook gourmet meals, or maintain a perfect mood.
Some days, simply getting through the day is enough.
Treat yourself with the same kindness you would offer a friend.
👉 Self-Care Tip: Practice self-compassion during difficult days.
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Final Thoughts
Periods can be challenging, but a few simple adjustments can make them far more manageable. Staying hydrated, prioritizing sleep, eating nourishing foods, moving your body gently, and giving yourself permission to slow down can go a long way toward preserving your sanity during that time of the month.
Remember, self-care isn’t about perfection—it’s about listening to your body and responding with compassion.
Save this post to your Women’s Health, Period Care Tips, or Self-Care Routine Pinterest board so you’ll have these sanity-saving reminders whenever your next cycle arrives.
