101 Mindful Things To Do During Your Period

This is self-care on another level.

Because when you’re on your period, you need extra comfort and nourishment than usual.

Here are 101 mindful things to do during your period so you can find calm pre-flow, mid-flow and even on heavy days.

Why period self-care needs to be a non-negotiable

Taking care of yourself during your period isn’t just about surviving the cramps and mood swings—it’s about thriving through them. When you actually listen to your body instead of fighting it, you create space for rest, nourishment, and a little indulgence (because, let’s be real, you deserve it).

Prioritising self-care during your cycle can improve sleep, regulate mood swings, reduce stress, and even ease painful symptoms.

Plus, it’s the best excuse to slow down, tune in, and reconnect with yourself. Think of it as your body’s built-in reset button—embrace it, and you’ll come out of each flow feeling more in sync, balanced, and ready to take on the world.

101 mindful things to do on your period

This blog post is for inspiration only.

It’s an “ideas” list of things you can realistically do during each flow of your period to make it less draining. It’s not a “do every single thing on this list to win at life” type of post.

Choose just 1-2 ideas from each list. You can either add your own unique spin or adjust them to better suit you and your needs.

And don’t forget to save this page so you can come back to it whenever you need to.

Pre-menstrual flow

• Create a period playlist that you can listen to each month to help you feel better
• Make a mood journal to track emotions, energy levels, and patterns so you can plan better self-care for next month.
• Invigorate your mind, body and mood with a cold shower and feel the benefits of cold water therapy
• Or go for a full-on ice bath (5 minutes, you can do it)
• Attend a reformer pilates class
• Try yin yoga with candlelight to relax and ease tension
• Book a sound bath session to help regulate your nervous system and feel more balanced
• Do a deep belly breathing exercise to reduce stress and anxiety
• Head to an independent bookstore or library and stock up on books to read during your period
• Put together a period package that includes your favourite treats and self-care essentials and post it to yourself so it arrives just in time for your heavy days
• Go to a food market 
• Take a long, mindful walk to boost your mood
• Learn a dance routine, and heck, why don’t you film it and share it on TikTok? I hear all the cool kids are doing it!
• Check yourself into a spa for the day and indulge in a pre-menstrual massage, pedicure and facial
• Host a pre-period skincare pamper night with hydrating face masks
• Struggling to sleep? Get up early and watch the sunrise 
• Experiment with seed cycling to support hormone balance
• Declutter, tidy and clean your living spaces so it’s ready and smells nice for your period
• Batch-cook some healthy meals that you can easily warm up during your mid-flow and heavier days when you can’t be bothered to cook
• Sip chamomile or raspberry leaf tea to soothe PMS
• Declutter your digital space by organising your desktop, clearing your camera roll, and unsubscribing from pointless emails
• Try a new creative hobby like painting or journaling to keep your mind busy and stress-free
• Plan your period outfits for comfort and confidence
• Stock up on tampons, pads, etc. or make sure your period pants are washed and ready
• Write a letter to your future self to read after your period
• Plan out your work for the next few days, focusing on short and simple tasks

Mid-menstrual flow

• Practice gratitude with The Five Minute Journal to spark some happiness and positivity into your day. Grab 10% off today with the code NBT10
• Try a guided meditation specifically designed for menstrual comfort and relaxation
• Build a gentle skincare routine or a homemade face mask with calming and anti-inflammatory ingredients in it
• Use CurrentBody Skin LED Light Therapy Mask to keep your skin hydrated throughout your cycle
• Have a long, hot bubble bath with essential oils, a glass of wine, mellow music, a good book and burn a sandalwood candle
• Give yourself a gentle scalp massage with essential oils
• Wrap yourself in a cosy blanket and watch a feel-good movie or show
• Wear your favorite loungewear or soft pajamas for extra comfort
• Eat foods high in magnesium (like dark chocolate). Magnesium helps to relax muscles, so can be a great relief for cramps
• Drink a warm cup of ginger or chamomile tea to ease cramps and bloating
• Exercise lightly – do some yoga or pilates or go for a gentle swim
• Give yourself a light self-massage with a warming oil to soothe aches
• Light some incense or burn a calming candle to create a peaceful atmosphere
• Keep a journal purely for your period. Note down how you are feeling, what is triggering you, what food you crave, etc.
• Choose 1-3 of these journal prompts to answer
• Cook a nourishing meal for you and a loved one and indulge
• Bake a healthy treat, like banana bread or oat cookies, to nourish yourself
• Keep your body hydrated with coconut water
• Buy some lovely, fresh flowers from Bloom & Wild to brighten up your space
• Do a creative activity like doodling, watercolor painting, or writing
• Head to the park and lie down on a blanket as you watch the clouds and world go by. What can you spot in the sky?
• Plan a mini-break or day trip somewhere you’ve never been when your period is over
• Listen to a nostalgic playlist from your teenage years for a mood boost
• Write yourself a love letter to combat negative self-talk
• Give yourself permission to rest without guilt—your body is doing a lot of work!

Heavy days (if you’re up for it)

• Chat with a good friend on the phone and reminisce for hours
• Gossip with your BFFs
• Take this time to truly slow down, rest and reflect
• Have a slow, mindful stretch while still lying in bed to ease stiffness
• Listen to a soothing playlist with soft, calming music to help you relax
• Prioritise just 1-3 urgent or important tasks
• Journal about how you’re feeling without judgment—just let it all out
• Get lost in period content on YouTube and hear all about other people’s flows and first-time stories
• Treat yourself to an item on your wish list
• Get creative. Either on Canva, Adobe or on paper
• Fill up a hot water bottle and rest it on your belly while you lie on the couch watching inspiring Ted Talks
• Make a cosy reading nook with blankets, snacks, and a book so you have a perfect spot to unwind
• Watch a nostalgic movie from your childhood for instant cozy vibes
• Binge-watch a lighthearted TV series that requires zero brainpower
• Try a weighted blanket for extra comfort and relaxation
• Take a well-deserved nap
• Unplug for the day! Sometimes the best cure for a crap period is limiting the amount you consume on social media
• Tuck into a 1000-piece jigsaw puzzle
• Don’t let your low mood get you down. Practice positive self-talk instead to boost your mood and love for yourself
• Haven’t changed out of your pyjamas for a few days? Open up that wardrobe, choose a fancy but comfy outfit, do your hair and put on some makeup. I guarantee you’ll feel more uplifted in no time
• Listen to an audiobook and get lost in your imagination 
• Block off a “no plans” day in your calendar to fully rest and recharge without feeling guilty
• Light a candle, dim the lights, and do absolutely nothing—just be
• Celebrate your wins, no matter how big or small
• Give yourself a hug—you’re doing amazing!

Post-menstrual flow

• Get out in nature and head on a long hike to clear away the cobwebs
• Do a high-intensity workout and get your endorphins flowing through your body
• Or a full-body stretch or yoga session to reconnect with your body
• Take yourself out for a solo brunch or coffee date to celebrate feeling good again
• Head to the cinema either on a date with a loved one or solo
• In fact, go on a date night! Get dressed up and head out somewhere, either solo or with a friend, partner or loved one
• Start a new self-development book
• Wash and clean your bed sheets, pyjamas, towels and underwear
• Tidy and declutter your personal spaces
• Have a mini closet refresh—swap out old, worn-out clothes and reorganise your wardrobe
• Do a fun, confidence-boosting photoshoot—dress up, take selfies, and celebrate yourself
• Hit the reset button and get organised in life, work, play and wellness. Take a couple of days to get back on track and nurture your creative flow
• Have a skincare reset—exfoliate, hydrate, and glow up post-period
• If you enjoyed your pre-menstrual massage a little too much, then book yourself in for a menstrual massage or a pamper day
• Treat yourself to a fresh manicure or pedicure as a little post-period reward
• Book a sauna or steam room session to help detox and feel brand new
• Spend the day at an Onsen
• Go for a swim to refresh and rejuvenate your body after your cycle
• Do a deep-conditioning hair treatment to combat dryness and give your hair some extra love.
• Put on some cheesy ’90s music and have a dance party
• Stock up on period pants from ModiBodi in time for your next cycle
• Plan something exciting to look forward to before your next period, like a weekend getaway or a fun activity
• Set new intentions or small goals for the upcoming weeks
• Journal about how your cycle went and what changes you’d like to make next month
• Read the letter you wrote to your future self

Save these mindful activities on Pinterest

Final thoughts

I hope that even on the darkest, most painful days of your period, you can find comfort in a few of these activities. They definitely cheered me up when I needed them most.

Remember, your period isn’t the enemy—it’s a natural, beautiful part of your body’s rhythm. So, instead of resisting it, lean in. Romanticise your period and make it a time for deep rest, self-love, and care.

You’ve got this.

Thalia xx

Just a heads up — This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase using the links above, then I will be rewarded at no extra cost to you. Thank you, as always, for your support.