Managing Your Period at Christmas

managing your period at ChristmasThe festive season is upon us - a time for joy, celebration, and togetherness… but what if your period turns up like an unwelcome guest too? Managing your period at Christmas doesn’t have to be stressful. There are ways to stay comfortable, ease PMS symptoms, and still enjoy the festivities.

Here are a few tips to help you  navigate your period during the festive season.

Wear Period Pants 

Let’s get straight to the point! WUKA period pants are not only an eco-friendly option (at all times of the year!), but they’re comfy, easy to use and super practical too. Pop a pair on, and you’re good to go for up to 24 hours ( when wearing our period pants for Super Heavy Flow!)  if Christmas movie marathons are your thing!

On a serious note, periods can be unpredictable. You might be in full Christmas party swing, aware your period might, or might not turn up… when it does. Already wearing your favourite WUKAs? Sorted. Relying on tampons or pads? That could be a problem.

Save the stress this Christmas, and keep your period pants handy! Luckily we’ve got a style for every occasion this festive season: 

period pants for less Christmas stress

For light flows, spotting, pee or discharge: go for our best selling WUKA Stretch™ Thong, for a perfectly seamless fit under that tight party dress. Or try our Stretch™ Midi Brief if you prefer a more traditional style of undies. These pants are available in light nude colour too, so they’re great to wear under any colour outfit this Christmas. 

For medium flows, best for the middle part of your period, we recommend our Stretch™ seamless in high waist or midi brief for an amazing, second-skin fit (gently stretching with you to accommodate blasting, or extra mince pies…), and for a little more coverage, try our Ultimate™ Boxer Shorts.

For Heavy or Super Heavy Flows - we’ve got you. Your period does NOT need to get in the way of festive fun! Our new Stretch™ Boxer Shorts for heavy flow are super comfy, stretching up to four sizes in one pair, with a buttery soft seamless finish. Bliss! And for those of you who are travelling this festive season, or working nights, or you just simply have a very heavy flow - try our Stretch™ Seamless for Super Heavy Flow - holding up to 12 tampons worth of blood, they can be worn for up to 24 hours without leaks or odours.

Tackling Period Pain at Christmas

heat patches for period pain relief

Period pain didn’t get the Christmas memo? Typical. But while it’s inconvenient, you definitely don’t have to cancel your plans and make a date with your duvet - unless you want to, of course. Your Christmas, your way.

Heat therapy is an amazing way to soothe aches and pains, and safe for everyone to take advantage of too. That’s why we love our fabulous wearable hot water bottle, and our new all natural WUKA heat patches!

The WUKA hot water bottle is extra long, and has a handy strap that you can tie around your waist to secure it in place. It even has a pocket for your phone! Great to use for targeted relief while you’re snuggling on the sofa this Christmas.

The WUKA Heat Patches  are a more discreet method of pain relief. They’re simple patches that you place over your underwear, providing up to 12 hours of soothing heat. They’re super discreet, easy to use and filled with natural ingredients too:

  • Iron Powder: a safe and non-toxic substance, working to improve blood flow to the area it's applied to.
  • Activated charcoal: used to produce heat when you remove the patch from its packet.
  • Motherwort: a herb used in traditional medicine to support menstrual health - targets muscle relaxation and helps to soothe cramps. 
  • Mugwort extract: a herb which supports digestive health, and helps to improve blood circulation. It also works to reduce stress, providing mild pain relief.

Managing PMS at Christmas

PMS sucks at the best of times, let alone at Christmas, when everyone else is partying and enjoying festive celebrations. If you do suffer with symptoms such as mood swings, fatigue, and bloating, its really important to be kind to yourself. Yes, PMS can make the holidays more challenging, but a little self-care really does go a long way.

managing your period at christmas

Here are some tips that might help over the festive season: 

  • Stay Active: Gentle movement, like a walk in the crisp winter air, can help boost your mood and energy. Plus, who doesn’t love a Christmas morning walk? Or a post Christmas dinner walk, for that matter? Swimming is another activity that can help to soothe aches and cramps - wild swimming at Christmas is gaining in popularity too!
  • Eat Mindfully: Enjoy festive treats in moderation (don’t exclude them altogether!) and try to include magnesium-rich foods such as dark chocolate, nuts, and leafy greens to help with bloating and cramps.
  • Relax: Christmas is a great time to switch off and sit back a little - so if you can, take time to unwind with mindfulness exercises like yoga, a warm bath, or some mindful breathing. It really is ok to take some time out, so don't feel guilty about prioritising yourself when you need to.
  • Share how you’re feeling: you’re not alone. Reach out to a friend or loved one if you’re feeling low. Let those around you know how you’re feeling, or if you need a moment to rest and re-charge. You might also find it helpful to keep a journal to record your feelings too. Whatever works for you.

Irregular or missed period at Christmas

Irregular or missed periods during the Christmas season can be more common than you think, and stress is often a major culprit. The holiday hustle - shopping, social events, travel, and managing family commitments - can really take a toll on your body, and for some of us that shows up in our menstrual cycle. But why?

Stress triggers the release of cortisol, which can interfere with the hormones responsible for regulating your menstrual cycle, potentially causing delays, lighter or heavier flows, or skipped periods altogether.

manning your period at christmas

While this can be frustrating, it’s your body’s way of responding to external pressures. To help regulate your cycle, try to prioritise rest, maintain a balanced diet, and carve out moments for self-care, such as practicing mindfulness or enjoying gentle exercise. 

Remember, a little grace for yourself during the busy holiday period can go a long way. And don’t forget to keep your WUKAs handy!

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