Hey there! Let’s talk about something that might feel a bit radical in today’s “hustle culture” — taking real, proper rest during your period. You know that voice that says you should just power through? Well, what if slowing down during menstruation isn’t just okay but actually essential for your well-being? Want to learn more about working with your cycle? Check out our guide on optimising your natural rhythms.
Why Rest Matters
When you’re menstruating, your body is actually doing some pretty important work that deserves recognition and support. Understanding these cycle phases can completely transform how feel about and think of your period.
During menstruation, our hormones are at their lowest point, naturally drawing us inward. This isn’t a weakness to push through — it’s actually a monthly opportunity for renewal. To restore, renew and replenish. Think of it as your body’s natural reset button, offering you:
- time to process the previous cycle’s experiences
- a boost in intuitive insights
- a time for physical recovery and restoration
- deeper connection with your body’s wisdom
- energy conservation for the more active phases ahead
The cool thing is that when we work with these natural rhythms instead of fighting them, we often find positive changes in everything from hormonal balance to PMS symptoms. This connection between cycle awareness and well-being goes well beyond just physical health — it can transform how we approach work, creativity, and even relationships. Let’s explore seven ways to honour your body’s need for rest during menstruation. Whether you have a whole day to dedicate to rest or just stolen moments between responsibilities, there’s something here for you.
7 Rest Practices That Are Beneficial During Your Period
These practices can be adapted to fit your lifestyle, whether you have a full day to dedicate to rest or just brief moments between responsibilities.
1. Create Your Menstrual Sanctuary
Let’s start with something simple but powerful — creating a cozy space that signals to your body and mind that it’s okay to slow down. It’s your monthly retreat, whether it’s a whole room or just a corner of your bedroom. What makes a great rest space? Here are a few ideas worth exploring.
- Your comfiest blankets and pillows. Create a nest-like environment with layers of comfort that you can sink into. Having multiple texture options helps because your sensory needs can change throughout your cycle and while menstruating. Sometimes, you might want that heavy weighted blanket; other times, just a soft throw.
- Gentle lighting that soothes your soul. Harsh overhead lights can be jarring during this sensitive time. Set up options like dimmable lamps, salt lamps, or fairy lights that allow you to adjust the ambience as needed.
- Soothing scents that create atmosphere. Consider having a few different essential oils or candles ready to support different needs: lavender for relaxation, peppermint for nausea, or rose for emotional comfort. Your sense of smell might be heightened during this time, so having options is helpful.
- Easy access to nourishment. Set up a little station with a water bottle, your favourite teas, and snacks that support your body’s needs. This might include organic dark chocolate for magnesium, warm bone broth, curry in the slow cooker or a herbal tea.
- Clothing that feels like a gentle hug. Prepare your softest, most forgiving clothes that don’t bind or restrict. Think natural fibres that made up into loose dresses, cozy sweaters, light weight fabrics and that make you feel held without feeling squeezed.
- Soul-soothing entertainment within reach. Keep a curated selection of books, journals, or your favourite playlist nearby. Select content that creates softness while not overstimulating you — maybe those comfort reads you return to again and again or journals for journalling on your cycle reflections.
2. Take a Tech Break
Let’s be real — our phones and computers can be energy vampires. During your period, when you’re naturally more drawn inward and sensitive to stimulation, create some distance from the digital world can be incredibly refreshing. Go on that 3 day social media break. 
Try these gentle boundaries:
- Set up thoughtful away messages: Create email responses and social media posts that clearly communicate your boundaries while maintaining professionalism. Something like “I’m taking scheduled offline time for rest and will respond within 2-3 days” sets clear expectations without oversharing.
- Communicate with your inner circle: Let close friends and family know you’ll be less available, and maybe set up a special signal for genuine emergencies. This helps prevent worry and unnecessary interruptions while ensuring you’re reachable if truly needed.
- Prepare your rest content: Download meditation tracks, audiobooks, or podcasts you might want to interact with during your rest time. Having these ready means you won’t need to browse the internet when you’re trying to stay offline.
- Replace digital habits with nurturing alternatives: Instead of scrolling on social media in the morning, try journaling. Rather than evening Netflix, try some gentle stretching or reading. Having specific alternatives planned makes the transition easier.
3. Move in Ways That Feel Good
While your usual workout might not be calling to you right now, certain kinds of movement can actually help you feel better. The trick is listening to what your body wants — not what you think you “should” do. Here are some feel-good movement ideas:
- Yin Yoga; the gentlest, cosiest yoga you can imagine
- a slow walk surrounded by nature
- stretches that make your body say “thank you”
- floating
For more tips on matching your movement to your cycle, check out our guide.
4. Feed Your Body What It’s Asking For
Your body knows what it needs during this time — sometimes, we just need to get better at listening. Focus on foods and drinks that make you feel nourished and cared for. Think about:
- Warm, comforting foods: Think soups, stews, and anything that feels like a hug from the inside out. Bonus points if someone else makes it for you (hint to any partners reading this!).
- Iron-rich foods for energy: Load up on dark leafy greens, lentils, or if you’re feeling fancy, some good quality dark chocolate. Yes, chocolate can be medicinal!
- Magnesium-rich foods: Your muscles will thank you for snacking on nuts and seeds. So important for those who experience cramps.
- Hydration station: Keep that water bottle close, and make it a habit to stay hydrated. Your future self will thank you.
5. Explore Sacred Rest
Here’s the thing about menstruation — it’s when our intuitive powers are naturally heightened, making it the perfect time to sink into deeper awareness. Think of rest during this phase not just as “time off” but as an opportunity to tune into your inner wisdom. Create your own restful ritual with:
- gentle meditation moments (even 5 minutes can be transformative!)
- the deeply relaxing practice of yoga nidra
- simple breathing practices that help you connect within
- guided visualisations that tap into your natural wisdom
- soothing sound healing or your favourite calming playlist
Remember, every moment of rest is an act of self-care and an honouring of your natural rhythms. Whether you’re stealing quiet moments between meetings or diving deep during a weekend retreat, you’re tapping into the wisdom that lives in your very body.
6. Welcome Creative Flow
There’s something special about the creative energy that flows during menstruation. Instead of pushing aside those intuitive hits and creative downloads, why not create space for them to flourish? This is when your inner artist might have something important to share. Let your creativity emerge through:
- Real talk journaling: Write it all out, especially the messy bits. Your journal won’t judge you for expressing ALL the feelings right now.
- Get creative: Art that doesn’t have to be “good”. Explore creating a menstrual blood art piece. Saving your blood with a cup or menstrual pad and paiting with it on watercolour paper.
- Dream catching: Keep a notebook by your bed because menstrual dreams can be wild and often surprisingly insightful (or just hilariously weird).
- Movement as expression: Dance in your pyjamas, wave your arms around, or just sway — whatever feels like it’s letting your body speak its truth.
7. Connect With Community
While alone time is precious during your period, there’s something powerful about connecting with others who understand this sacred time. Your menstrual phase can be an opportunity to:
- share experiences with understanding friends
- join or create a menstrual awareness circles
- work with cycle teachers who can deepen your cyclic practice
- connect with online communities of fellow menstruators
- create your own circle of supportive people who get it
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey. Our community is here to help you explore and honour your cycle in ways that feel authentic to you.
The Bottom Line
Ready to transform your relationship with your period from something you dread to something you celebrate? Our Menstrual Cycle Coaching Course course will guide you through everything we’ve discussed above and more, helping you create a personal practice that honours your unique cycle. Connect with one of our certified cycle coaches or become one yourself — your journey to cycle wisdom starts today!
