Bleed, Bloat, Slay : What to Do When Your Uterus Has Other Plans - A Menstrual Grace Guide

Whether you’re a full-time mama, a nurse working 12s, or just a badass trying to get through the week without telling someone off—you already carry a lot.

Now add in cramps, mood swings, bloating, and a uterus on its own war path?
Yeah. It’s giving “why me?” energy real quick.

But babe, your cycle doesn’t have to derail you. This past year I have been diving more into “cycle syncing”—learning about hormones and working WITH my cycle instead of against it. I just entered the lovely Menstrual Phase so I figured it was the perfect time to let you in on a little bit of what I have been learning. I have been LOVING the Lively App for tracking my cycle.

This post is your gentle, cheeky, real guide to taking care of yourself during your period—especially when life doesn’t exactly pause to let you rest.

And if you’re wondering what to do if your period decides to RSVP for your boudoir session?
We’ve already covered that in this blog post right here.
Spoiler: You’re not alone, it’s not weird, and I’ve got you covered—tampon string and all.

But today? Let’s focus on YOU and how to feel good in your body during this time of the month—on or off the set.

1. Listen to your body—then give her what she needs

Some months you’ll feel like a foggy dragon in sweatpants. Other months? You’re out here reorganizing your life and starting a new skincare routine at 2 a.m.

Both are valid.
Track your energy and honor the version of you that shows up.

On low days, clear your schedule if you can. Rest without guilt. Take longer showers. Cancel non-essentials. The world won’t fall apart if you pause for a day. Promise.

2. Stop apologizing for being soft (and yes, that includes crying at TikToks)

Hormones do weird things. You might get emotional over a dog video or snap at your partner for breathing too loud. Been there.

This isn’t the week to judge yourself. It’s the week to wrap yourself in a robe, cry if you need to, and normalize being a beautifully complex human with a monthly internal rave happening in her uterus.

3. Fuel your body (and not just with chocolate—though, yes to chocolate)

Your body is doing hard work. Support her. Warm meals, leafy greens, iron-rich foods, and hydrating drinks like tea or coconut water can help ease the bloat and brain fog.

But also? Eat the damn brownie. Food is comfort. Periods are hard. No shame here.

4. Give yourself small wins (and even smaller to-do lists)

Productivity doesn’t always mean pushing. Sometimes it means showing up for yourself in the smallest ways—drinking water, brushing your hair, or saying “no” without explanation.

On your period, everything counts.

Start by asking:
💬 “What would make me feel 10% better right now?”
Then do that.

5. Movement = medicine (but not punishment)

Forget the “work out to beat PMS” TikToks unless that’s your thing. Gentle yoga, stretching, walking, or even slow dancing in your kitchen can release endorphins and help ease cramps.

No pushing. Just moving because you want to feel better in your body—not because you’re trying to fix it.

6. Show your body gratitude—even if she feels bloated and moody

She’s doing the thing. Again.
You’re bleeding, cycling, cleansing. Your body is shedding the literal lining of an organ and still waking up to go to work, parent, dream, and exist.

That deserves celebration, not criticism.

And if you do happen to be on your period during your boudoir session?
Trust me—I’ve seen it all. I’ve photographed queens in full glam while they had cramps, bloating, and tampons tucked in their bras. And they still looked and felt amazing.

“Can you move your…ummm…thread?” might’ve been asked once or twice (👀), but it’s always with love, laughter, and zero judgment.
Read more about that right here → Can You Move Your…ummm…Thread?

So take the bath.
Wear the stretchy pants.
Cry if you need to. Eat what sounds good.
Reschedule what doesn’t align.

You don’t have to conquer your cycle—you just need to move through it with softness, strength, and support.

And if you ever want to celebrate that badass body of yours?
You know where to find me. 🖤