‘Tis the season to be bombarded by all things back-to-school.
It’s not enough that most students are already painfully aware of dwindling summer days. No, they need to be reminded in every TV commercial, radio spot, billboard, and online ad imaginable.
“Your freedom is coming to an end,” they laugh, maniacally, while pushing a list of must-have essentials.
Okay, maybe that’s just how I saw it as a teen who was gearing up to head back to high school.
With no back to school worries of my own (cries about my adult job), I totally get it now. Everything is so shiny and new! You’re not just going back; you’re starting fresh. That’s something to get excited for.
A new start requires a new outlook, which is why I’m adding something else to your back-to-school checklist: a period kit made up of go-to period essentials that will get you through heavy flow days, unexpected cramps, and gym class woes.
It’s the one essential you’ll never hear about in commercials, and arguably the most important thing to prepare you for the coming school year. Let’s get into it!
Period-Proof Clothing
I mean, obviously, right?
So, you’ve got your tampons, pads, panty liners, cups, and discs, but have you met period underwear? I ask because it’s still a relatively new concept for those who grew up using disposable products.
Picture this, parents: your teen is stepping into class on the first day of school when they realize they’re getting their period.
Run to the washroom! Wrap a sweater around your waist! Just kidding…they were wearing period undies. Everything’s fine.
When it comes to reusable period underwear, there are lots of different options. Light period underwear (think panty-liner) is for backup leak protection and lighter period days, regular period panties can be worn solo throughout your teen’s cycle and absorb around 2.5 super tampons worth of blood, and super absorbent period underwear are for sweet, pre-exam sleeps and are sleepover approved.
For those dipping their toes into the period-proof waters, there are also reusable pads—which can be worn, thrown in the wash, and worn over and over again.
For a full all-in-one kit that includes a bunch of different options, with a cute carrying pouch to boot, there’s the Back-to-School Kit.
Period-proof activewear is also a game-changer for active teens. With a mix of shorts, leggings, leotards, and tights, there’s no sport your teen won’t be able to play comfortably and without fear of leaking.
Pain Relief
Once you’ve got period care on lock, it’s time to consider what you’ll want to have on hand when cramps strike during third period social studies.
How can you be expected to concentrate on anything, let alone schoolwork, if you’re keeled over your desk, praying that you’ll survive until the bell rings?
First and foremost, you need to hydrate! Having a refillable water bottle on you at all times is essential to prevent bloating, lubricating joints, and keeping your skin looking cute.
Ask your parents about pain relievers, like Ibuprofen, which can also help provide pain relief. Heating patches are also a great option to have in your backpack and can be a game-changer when it comes to portable heat therapy.
They’re long-lasting, so you can stick on the patch as you go along during your school day. While heating pads are great for at home, patches are invisible under your clothing and will help ease the muscles of the uterus, helping reduce pain and increase blood flow.
Organization & Cleaning
Having a small pouch or organizer bag can also be a source of comfort when your period comes knocking. It can be nice to have all your period essentials in one place—a little back to school period kit of sorts you can reach for when you need it.
Wipes and hand sanitizer might already be within your arsenal, but when having to change underwear, pads, or tampons, these can come in handy. It also gives you the potential to be that person who is prepared when someone else needs help. Preparation for the win!
Essential Non-Essentials
Okay, hear me out: sometimes chocolate and candy is the only thing that keeps me going during my period. Anyone else?
The amount of poutine, all-dressed chips, and peanut butter cups I’ve eaten while menstruating would shock and appall you. Hormone fluctuations (and, as a result, fluctuating energy levels) mean it’s good practice to have food (healthy and otherwise) in your pack.
Herbal tea, too, is a great way to comfort yourself, with the added benefit of being anti-inflammatory.
But to cap off our list, let’s add some extra goodies in there that might bring a smile to your face, if nothing else: lip balm, silk scrunchies, stress balls, glittery stickers, and natural oil roll-ons that smell and feel amazing.
Are these things doctor-approved? No. Are they girl-who’s-menstruated-for-20-years-approved? Absolutely, yes.
