Months of Periods: The Evolution of My Diary
As women, our menstrual cycle is a significant part of our lives. It marks the beginning of our womanhood and continues to shape our experiences every month. For many of us, keeping track of our periods is crucial, whether it’s to predict when our next cycle will start or to monitor any changes in our flow. And what better way to keep track than through a diary?
I have been using a diary to track my periods for years now, and it has been an interesting journey. From the days of using a basic calendar to the advancements of period tracking apps, my diary has evolved alongside my menstrual cycle. In this blog post, I will take you through the evolution of my diary and how it has helped me better understand my body and my periods.
The Basic Calendar:
My first period came when I was thirteen years old, and I was excited to start using a diary to track it. At the time, my diary was a basic calendar that I would mark with a red pen on the first day of my period, and that was it. It was a simple way to keep track, but it did not provide much information. I could not tell the length of my cycle or how heavy my flow was, but it was a start.
The Notebook:
As I got older, I became more curious about my periods and wanted to know more about them. I started using a notebook to jot down any observations or changes I noticed in my cycle. It was the perfect place to write down any symptoms I experienced, such as cramps, headaches, or mood swings. I also started keeping track of my flow by using a scale of 1-5, with 1 being light and 5 being heavy. This simple method helped me understand my body better and anticipate any possible changes in my cycle.
The Period Tracking App:
Months of Periods: The Evolution of My Diary
In my early twenties, I discovered period tracking apps, and it changed the game for me. These apps allowed me to input my period start and end dates, flow intensity, symptoms, and even mood. I could also add notes and reminders for upcoming appointments or events. It was like having a personalized period diary in my pocket at all times. The app also provided helpful insights, such as the average length of my cycle and when I was most fertile. It was a game-changer for me, and I have been using it ever since.
The Digital Diary:
As technology continued to advance, so did my period diary. I stumbled upon a digital diary specifically designed for period tracking, and I was immediately intrigued. This digital diary had all the features of the period tracking app, but with a more user-friendly interface and additional features. I could customize the colors, add different types of flow (light, medium, heavy), and even track my ovulation and fertility window. It also had a section where I could add food and exercise log, which helped me understand how my lifestyle affected my cycle. With this digital diary, I felt like I had a complete record of my periods and how they related to my overall health.
The Period Journal:
Recently, I have started using a period journal, and it has become my favorite way to track my periods. It is a combination of a diary and a journal, where I can write down my thoughts and feelings about my cycle. It has prompts and questions for each day of my period, such as “How do you feel today?” or “Do you have any cravings?” It also has space for me to write down any significant events that happened during my cycle, such as a stressful week at work or a vacation. This period journal has helped me connect with my body and understand how my emotions and lifestyle affect my menstrual cycle.
In conclusion, my diary has evolved over the years, just like my periods. From a basic calendar to a comprehensive period journal, it has helped me keep track of my periods and understand my body better. It has also been a great tool to communicate with my healthcare provider, as I can provide accurate information about my cycle. I encourage every woman to find a method of tracking their periods that works for them, whether it’s a basic calendar or a digital diary. It can be a powerful tool in understanding and embracing our menstrual cycles.
Summary:
Tracking our periods is essential for many women, and a diary is a popular way to keep track. The author shares their journey of using a diary to track their periods, starting from a basic calendar to a comprehensive period journal. With the advancements of technology, the diary has evolved, providing more insights and features to understand our menstrual cycles better. It has also become a tool to communicate with healthcare providers and embrace our periods.