As women, we are taught to hide our periods and not talk about them openly. But what if we flipped the script and started openly tracking and discussing our menstrual cycles? That’s exactly what I did when I decided to keep a period diary for a month. What started as a simple experiment turned into a journey of self-discovery and surprising revelations. Here are some of the most unexpected lessons I learned from keeping a period diary.
1. My period is not just about bleeding
Growing up, I always thought that my period was just about the days I bled. But as I started tracking my menstrual cycle, I realized that there are so many other factors at play. From my mood and energy levels to my cravings and sleep patterns, my period affected me in more ways than I ever imagined. Keeping a period diary helped me understand the different phases of my cycle and how they impacted my mind and body.
2. My period is a reflection of my overall health
Before keeping a period diary, I never paid much attention to my menstrual cycle. But as I started tracking it, I noticed patterns and changes that were directly linked to my overall health. For example, I noticed that my period was heavier and more painful when I was stressed or not eating well. This made me realize the importance of taking care of my physical and mental health, not just during my period but throughout the month.
3. My period is not the enemy
Society often portrays periods as something to be ashamed of and something that makes women weak. But keeping a period diary helped me see my period in a different light. It made me realize that my period is a natural and necessary part of my body’s functioning. It also made me appreciate the strength and resilience of my body, which goes through a monthly cycle of shedding and rebuilding.
4. My period is a powerful tool for self-care
Surprising Things I Learned from Keeping a Period Diary
As I started tracking my menstrual cycle, I also started paying attention to my self-care routine. I noticed that during the different phases of my cycle, I needed different types of self-care. For example, during my period, I needed more rest and relaxation, while during ovulation, I felt more energized and wanted to be active. Understanding these patterns helped me tailor my self-care routine to my body’s needs and feel more in tune with myself.
5. My period is a source of creativity and intuition
One of the most surprising things I learned from keeping a period diary was how my period affected my creativity and intuition. During my premenstrual phase, I felt more introspective and intuitive, and this translated into my creative projects. I also noticed that during my period, I was more in tune with my emotions and thoughts, which helped me make better decisions and connect with my intuition.
6. My period is not a taboo topic
Growing up, I was always taught to keep my period a secret and not talk about it. But keeping a period diary made me realize that there is nothing shameful about my menstrual cycle. In fact, openly discussing periods and menstrual health can break the stigma and help normalize something that is a natural part of being a woman. It’s time to start having open and honest conversations about periods without feeling embarrassed or ashamed.
7. My period is unique to me
One of the most important lessons I learned from keeping a period diary is that my menstrual cycle is unique to me. While there are general patterns and phases, every woman experiences her period differently. This made me appreciate my body and its individual needs, rather than comparing myself to others. It also taught me the importance of listening to my body and understanding what it needs during different phases of my cycle.
In conclusion, keeping a period diary opened my eyes to a whole new world of understanding and appreciation for my menstrual cycle. It helped me break free from societal norms and embrace my period as a natural and powerful part of my womanhood. I encourage every woman to give it a try and see what surprising things they can learn from keeping a period diary.