I swear my physical self awareness (and let’s be honest, emotional as well) abilities in my teens and early twenties were just non existent. It wasn’t until a few years back that I finally started putting my physical puzzles pieces together, and realized what was and wasn’t servicing me. When I would get my period I would abuse my body with an excess of pain killers and just pretend it wasn’t happening to me. I wouldn’t work with my body or listen to what it needed. I think this was not only due to my lack of awareness but also a societal thing I grew up around: That periods are to be kept secret, that they are disgusting, and shameful. I’m so happy I grew out of that way of thinking about my body. Eventually I took the steps to work with my body during this time when it requires, and deserves my attention. I’ve gathered a few tricks over the years that have made my period a much more manageable time in my life and …