Work Sample: Ladybox
This Valentine’s, gift yourself with self-love. Self-love is one of the most important things you can do for your health – especially during menstruation. When you truly love yourself, you’re happier, healthier, more prosperous and able to love others.
Self-love is different from self-care. While self-care focuses on actions, self-love is all about building a positive relationship with yourself. Self-love is embracing who you are, imperfections and all.
For example, an act of self-care is ordering a period subscription box with organic tampons and organic pads. While an act of self-love is speaking kindly to yourself while menstruating and re-evaluating your expectations for the week.
Here are more ways to practice self-love - not only during menstruation, but any time:
Our words are powerful. It’s easy to slip into negative self-talk when we are feeling down or uncomfortable during menstruation. Instead, choose to speak kindly to yourself. A great rule is that if you wouldn’t say it to a friend then don’t say it to yourself.
Another approach to positive self-talk is to recognize unrealistic expectations. Re-evaluate where you’re at with your current mood and capabilities, then adjust your schedule. Move forward with kindness to your body and mind.
Did you know that when you are selfless, you stimulate happiness-inducing hormones that make you feel better about yourself? Being self-less can be something as simple as calling a friend to ask about their day, or letting someone else have a coveted parking spot. Maybe it’s paying for the person behind you in line or sending a loved one a text, telling them what you admire about them. Or maybe it’s sending a friend an organic period box. No matter how small, service has the remarkable effect of reducing stress hormones, elevating moods and giving a sense of meaning and gratitude to life.
Take the time to nourish your body with delicious, healthy foods. When experiencing a sugar or carb craving, look for the healthier alternative. Healthy doesn’t mean boring. Identify what nourishes your body and satiates hunger. Pair favorite fruits or veggies with nut butter or bean dip. Or look into seed cycling with your menstruation cycle. Period Subscription boxes also include nourishing food for menstruators, not just menstrual hygiene supplies.
We feel better, mentally and physically, when we move our bodies – even during menstruation. The benefits from movement and exercise aren’t reserved only for intense gym workouts. Enjoy a burst of endorphins by dancing to favorite songs, walking outside, practicing yoga (we love Yoga with Adrienne). There are so many ways to move our bodies – the trick is to find what works best for you. And remember, no one has a perfect body – so don’t beat yourself up over perceived imperfections.
Do you respond best to kind words, acts of service, receiving gifts, physical touch or quality time? Identifying your love language will help you better comprehend what makes you happy and how to share that happiness with others. Another way to better understand your love language is to reflect on what made you feel happy as a child.
Practice self-love by removing yourself from people who suck energy and positivity from you. Instead, spend time with people who make you feel energized. Recognize what it is about them that warms your soul and see if you can reflect that warmth back to others.
You set an example of how to be treated by the way you treat yourself. Put yourself first by making choices that improve your quality of life – like choosing to put your cell phone down and go to sleep on time, or allowing yourself to say “no” to others to preserve your mental health and physical well-being. When you feel better about yourself, you will be more capable of helping others.
Most importantly, enjoy the journey of self-love and embracing yourself. What is your favorite way to focus on self-love?