Periods aren’t exactly the highlight of the month, are they? They’re uncomfortable, they come with that constant “eww” feeling every time you need to use the washroom, they’re painful, they leave you bloated and somehow expect you to carry on with life like everything’s perfectly normal. None of it is by choice, it’s simply part of the deal that comes with being a girl.
The good news? We have plenty of ways to make those three (or five…or seven) days a little more bearable. Whether it’s investing in period-care essentials, leaning into comfort food without an ounce of guilt, lying on the floor (literally) or cancelling plans and favouring your blanket and a rom-com- the little things really do help.
We need something to look forward to in order to get through these days- think about that post-period glow when your skin suddenly decides to cooperate. Think about the sweet little myth we all collectively choose to believe, that calories don’t count when you’re PMS-ing or on your period. Whether or not science agrees is beside the point. It’s called emotional wellness. Girl Math. Girl science. Whatever helps you sleep at night.
So here’s your official period survival kit—because like I said, comfort deserves a standing ovation.
1. Rash-Free Sanitary: The CEO of Staying Put
When life is already throwing enough your way, your pad shouldn’t add to the drama. Think of choosing the right sanitary pad as booking yourself into the VIP lounge for your period—comfortable, dependable and handling the tough stuff behind the scenes while you focus on everything else. Rash-free is your keyword.
My pick: Nua, My Mahina period panties, Whisper period panties
2. Skincare: A Little Extra Care Goes a Long Way
Your skin gets a little moodier during your period, this is your cue to be extra kind to it. No 10-step routine needed—a simple cleanse followed by a good moisturiser can make all the difference. Think of it as giving your skin a comforting and hydrating hug while your hormones do their thing. Minimal effort, maximum comfort.
My pick: Sonrisa’s Radiance Cream, Take 2’s Skin Savour Moisturiser, CeraVe’s Moisturising Cream
3. Heating Pad: The Cramp Whisperer
A warm hug with a plug point or the old-school water bag. A ceasefire agreement between your uterus and the rest of your body. If heating pads had loyalty cards, we’d all be platinum members by now.
My pick: The good old hot water bag, remember the one our grandmas use.
4. Dark Chocolate Pastry: The Sweet Pick-Me-Up
Dark chocolate isn’t just a comfort craving—it actually contains compounds that may help support your mood, including magnesium and flavonoids, and it can encourage the release of feel-good chemicals like serotonin and endorphins. Wrapped inside a flaky pastry, it’s the perfect blend of science and indulgence. Consider it a delicious little pick-me-up when your period decides to test your patience.
My pick: Theobroma, Magnolia Bakery, Deliciae By Bunty Mahajan
5. Hair Spa or Champi: The Mood Mechanic
Sometimes the cure isn’t another nap—it’s someone gently massaging away all your responsibilities for 45 glorious minutes. And there’s science behind why it feels so good: a soothing scalp massage can help reduce stress, ease muscle tension, and promote relaxation by encouraging the release of feel-good hormones while lowering stress hormones like cortisol. A good champi is basically a factory reset for your mood—one calming massage at a time.
My pick for the spa: Enrich, Florian Hurel Couture and Spa, Envi
My pick for Champi: Hibiscus Monkey’s Love Scalp & Hair Oil, Inde Wild’s Champi oil
6. Comfort Food: Your Emotional Support Carbohydrate
Nachos. Warm creamy pasta. Dal khichdi. A loaded burrito bowl with all your favourite condiments. That bowl of chips you’ve been thinking about since 11 a.m. This isn’t about nutrition—it’s about emotional restoration. And honestly? That’s valid, no questions asked.
Caution: Keep it comforting, but always choose anti-inflammatory options- overly greasy, processed or sugary food may make your cramps worse.
My pick: Literally everything when it comes to food (everything vegetarian of course)
7. The Oversized T-Shirt That Has Seen Everything
We all own one. It has survived emotional breakdowns, movie marathons, unexpected naps, your cooking and baking phase, work from home rants and at least six periods. It’s less of a T-shirt and more of a trusted life partner.
My pick: Bonkers, Souled Store, Bandra Linking and Hill road (brand in itself, it’s it?)
8. A candle or essential oils
A candle that smells like you’ve got your life together. There is something about lighting a candle and diffusing your favourite essential oil that makes existing feel just a little softer. Whether it’s lavender, vanilla, eucalyptus or sandalwood, a comforting scent can turn your room into the cozy sanctuary you deserve—even if you’re just curled up with a heating pad and avoiding all human interaction.
My pick for oils: Zero Zero, Blossom Kochhar Aroma Magic
My picks for candles: Nicobar, Kimirica, Phool
9. A Rom-Com You’ve Seen 14 Times: The Comfort Director
You already know how it ends, you can recite half the dialogue, and yet you’ll happily watch it again wrapped in a cozy blanket on your clean bedsheet. Whether it’s a rainy-day classic or your latest comfort favourite, a rom-com is the emotional equivalent of a warm cup of chai—it never disappoints.
My pick: Notting Hill, Summer I Turned Pretty, Voicemails for Isabelle, Holiday, Bridgerton, Nobody Wants This, Friends, Modern Family (this is a never-ending list)
A few honorable mentions because one list simply isn’t enough:
– Fuzzy socks that feel like tiny hugs
– Clean bedsheets
– Cancelled Plans: The Unexpected Blessing
– Ginger tea for bloating
– A fully charged phone for uninterrupted comfort-show marathons
– Fresh flowers, because why not
– A “Do Not Disturb” Button for Real Life
– A playlist titled Surviving Womanhood
– Lip balm, because dry lips and cramps are an unfair combo
– Pajamas
Periods aren’t exactly fun—but having the right essentials can make those few days feel a whole lot softer. Whether it’s reliable period care, a heating pad working overtime or comfort food that tastes like a hug, sometimes the little things make the biggest difference.
Because if your uterus insists on being dramatic every month, you’re absolutely allowed to be equally dramatic about your comfort.
READ MORE:
The best hormone-balancing foods to eat during every phase of your period cycle
5 ways to ease PMS symptoms now
How to manage and treat PCOS-induced acne and hair loss
