Periods suck. Period. They are no fun, and we don't need to pretend that they are, but we do need to get on with our lives when they hit. 

As a cramp sufferer, I've become an expert at dealing with them and trying to put on a happy face (no matter how much I want to punch the next person who speaks to me, blame PMS). So, here are a few tips, tricks and do's and don'ts for successfully dealing with that mean ol' Aunt Flow next time she comes to town. 
 
Diet and Exercise Dos:
 

Your diet and your activity can affect your PMS symptoms and you may not even know it. Here are some do's for your time of the month: 
 
1. Do incorporate lots of calcium into your diet: Calcium helps maintain muscle tone which reportedly helps to reduce cramps. 

2. Do exercise: I know, it sucks to hear this but even simple stretching will help your cramps. 

3. Do drink lots of water: Be sure to keep hydrated.
 
4. Do load up on veggies and fruits: Vitamins D and E both help with cramping and antioxidants found in fruits like blueberries help as well.  

5. Do substitute dark chocolate: I usually get serious salt cravings, but forgo the chips and go for dark chocolate if you're in need of a treat. Dark chocolate is healthier and has antioxidants. 
 
Avoid: Caffeine, alcohol, excess sugar and refined carbs 
 
Remedies: 
  

Alright ladies, here it is straight: don't be a hero. Pain relievers are there for a reason: because they work. I recommend picking up some PMS relief specific meds or ibuprofen. Never underestimate the power of a hot water bottle or bean bag either. 

Lastly, if you find you find that you suffer from bad mood swings, the type that go beyond the regular PMS about a week before your period, you may have Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder. I myself am a sufferer and I know that there is nothing worse than that icky feeling before Aunt Flow comes. I found that taking vitamin B6 helped me a lot, but as always you should seek a doctor's advice first. 

1. Bed Buddy Cramp Relief Pack (C$34.39)

2. PMS Midol Complete Extra Strength (C$7.47) 

3. Jamieson Vitamin B6 (C$15.99)

All the Necessities: 
 

So, you took two ibuprofen, you did a few sun salutations, ate some blueberries and you're still not feeling up to par? No worries. Sometimes your body is just telling you that it's time to just veg out and take it easy. When this happens to me, I have three things I need to have within my reach. 

1. Tabloids: Nothing makes me feel better about my situation than knowing that there is a celebrity train wreck happening. 

2. Great Chick Flicks: I recommend Mean Girls for some hilariousness and a nice, touching ending. 

4. Bathtime: Slipping into a warm bath is like a hug for your body. Bonus points for adding in a bath bomb. 
 
Also, because I am slightly disorganized when it comes to tracking my period, I need to take this moment to thank and highly recommend a period tracking app. I am using 3. Pink Pad Period Tracker on my Android right now. You'll get notifications when your period is about to start and you can track your mood as well as other symptoms. I don't think it's an exaggeration to say that it changed my life. 
  
What advice do you have for dealing with cramps? You can also check out a bunch of advice here!