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Surviving Your Period At School: 10 Tips From a High Schooler

By Aanya Aggarwal

Being on your period at school is tough; trust me, I've been there. It's hard to pay attention in class while also dealing with cramps, headaches, or the stress of possibly bleeding through your white shorts. Over time, I've figured out a few things that make it a little easier. Here are 10 tips that have actually helped me get through the school day when I'm on my period.

1. Make a Period Kit (and replenish it often): Keep a small pouch in your backpack or locker with anything you might need during your period: pads or tampons, a spare pair of underwear, wipes, pain reliever, and a snack. This way, you'll feel so much more prepared if you unexpectedly get your period in the middle of the day, or even just if you have school during your period.
2. Track Your Cycle: I know not everyone has super regular periods, but having an idea of when it might be coming can really help when you're planning your week. Personally, I always feel a little better when I know it's on the way and I'm not caught off guard.
3. Bring Dark Chocolate: Dark chocolate is not just a sweet snack, it can actually help during your period. It has magnesium, which may help with cramps and boost your mood. Even if you're not into the super bitter kind, there are sweeter options that taste more like candy and still give you the benefits. Some of my favorite dark chocolate to keep in my bag is sea salt caramel dark chocolate or dark chocolate covered power berries.
4. Wear Dark Colors on Heavy Days: If you're worried about leaks, dark clothes can help make any stains way less noticeable. It's also smart to keep a hoodie or sweater in your locker or bag in case you need to tie it around your waist.
5. Walk Around to Ease Cramps: Sitting still in class all day can actually make cramps feel worse. Walking even if it is just walking to fill your water bottle or taking the long way to class can help your body feel a little better. I like to walk around campus during lunch with one of my friends, which is also a nice mental break between classes.
6. Know Where the Bathrooms Are: Try to figure out which bathrooms are the cleanest or least crowded during the day. It makes life way easier when you're in a rush between classes and need to change your pad or tampon.
7. Don't Be Afraid to Ask a Friend: Whether you need a pad or tampon, a bathroom buddy, or just someone to walk with, your friends can be a huge help. It also makes periods feel a lot less weird and helps break the stigma when we actually talk about them.
8. Pack Pain Relief: If your school allows it, keep ibuprofen or another period-safe pain reliever in your period kit, it can be a lifesaver. It's way easier to focus in class when you don't have cramps or a headache.
9. Eat Healthy and Hydrate: I totally get having cravings or not having a large appetite when you are on your period, but staying hydrated and eating actual healthy meals makes a big difference. It can help with bloating, fatigue, headaches, cramps, and even mood swings.
10. Rest When You Can: If you're feeling extra tired, listen to your body. Even just sitting down during lunch or taking a short nap after school can help you recharge and feel more like yourself. More importantly, try to get 8-10 hours of sleep at night. I know it can be hard when balancing homework and extracurriculars and a social life, but it will really help you feel better, especially during your period.