It's​ Shark Week!!!

That time of the month is definitely the worst, especially if you had a beach day planned. Or maybe sometimes it could be a relief if you know what I mean... here are some tips and tricks for you to keep in mind on your shark week.

Even though toxic shock is very rare and there are only 337 cases in the US, it can happen to you. The syndrome is a life-threatening complication caused by bacteria that enter your body through skin wounds, surgery, and of course tampons and menstrual cups. Manufacturers of tampons sold in the United States no longer use the materials or designs that were associated with toxic shock syndrome. And manufacturers are required to use standard measurement and labeling for absorbency and to print guidelines on the boxes. If you use tampons, read the labels and use the lowest absorbency tampon you can. If you had toxic shock syndrome, tampons are not recommended.

2. Bananas, pineapples, broccoli, nuts, peanut butter, fish, ​and yogurt are good with cramps.

Most of these are high on vitamin D, which helps with cramps as well as calcium, vitamins A, C, B6, and E, potassium, and magnesium.

3. Hydrogen peroxide and cold water get stains out.

While period stains are nothing to be ashamed of or worried about, a simple load of laundry doesn’t always do the trick. Hydrogen peroxide helps on light clothing or sheets, but is it on your mattress? Dab a washcloth or a cotton ball with a little bit of water until you are satisfied, but beware of water rings.

I use this lavender infused heatable avocado from Urban Outfitters, but there are a lot of cheaper options you can find on TJ Maxx, Marshalls, Walgreens, or other stores.

This is the tracker I use. It's available in both the App Store and on Google Play. There are lots of good period apps available, like Clue and Spot on, but for now, this one is the best one that has worked on me.

PERIOD FACTS:

• Diarrhea and constipation happen!
• You may stain the back of the toilet seat at some point, and it's normal.
• It can smell, but don't use scented pads—it can cause irritation. If it's really a foul smell maybe consider a gynecologist.
• Clots and chunks are normal since it's not only blood that's coming out, it's also uterine lining.
• Nausea, vomiting, dizziness, fainting spells, blacking out, or other severe symptoms ARE NOT NATURAL.

THE ULTIMATE PERIOD PRESENT:

• CANDY - Chocolate is perfect for period cravings but anything sweet will work
• SPA STUFF - Face mask, soaps, bath bombs and basically the complete lush store (I'll leave the link to there website down below.)
• PADS AND TAMPONS - The essentials! a cute little storage bag helps a lot (I'll also link my favs down below).
• HEATING PAD - For those horrible cramps
• LETTER - Encouragement and love is always appreciated