Every year, April is Stress Awareness Month. Since 1992, it has been recognized as a way to increase public understanding of the causes, effects, and management of chronic stress.
But beyond the awareness campaigns, I keep coming back to a simple question: How often do you actually feel stressed? In the U.S., a 2025 national survey commissioned by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center found that nearly half of adults (45%) experience stress at least once a week. In Canada, according to Statista, 42% of adults aged 18–64 reported feeling stress or anxiety in their daily lives in 2025.
Stress Feels Different in a Body That Cycles
For anyone who menstruates, stress isn’t just external. It’s also deeply connected to our hormones. Hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, during pregnancy, and in menopause can all affect stress levels. And understanding these shifts can actually help us manage stress more gently.
If you’ve ever asked someone, “Have you felt stress because of your period?”, most would probably say yes. Especially for those who experience PMS. Anxiety alone is a symptom of PMS, which affects anywhere from 30–80% of people who have periods.
So no, it’s not “just in your head.” Your body is part of the conversation too.
What We Do (Honestly) to Make It a Little Easier
Working at a period underwear company, my colleagues and I naturally share tips and everything that comes with having a period.
Not big or life-changing routines, just real, everyday things.
For example, washing period underwear. I don’t know if you’ve ever felt this, but sometimes even thinking about rinsing your underwear right after use can feel like too much, especially when you’re cramping, bleeding heavily, and just want to stay in bed.
Our warehouse manager, Sonja, has a very simple take: just leave it and wash it later. If there’s any smell later, a vinegar soak usually makes them like new again. No stress, no pressure to do it immediately.
Then there’s Michelle, our graphic designer, who shared what her period routine actually looks like:
-
“Realistically, I got prescription pain meds from my doctor lol.”
-
Making sure not to overbook herself, and giving herself more flexibility when her period is coming
-
Avoiding iced drinks and coffee during the first two days to help reduce cramps
Nothing fancy. Just small adjustments that make things more manageable.
My Small Way of Reducing Mental Load
For me, it’s… organizing my underwear by color. I know that sounds a bit random, but hear me out.
I associate different colours with different absorbencies and styles, just so I don’t have to think. For example, Watermelon is always superplus absorbency (Remi & Calli), Terracotta is just for super (Margo & Freya Super), for lighter days, I use Oat Toni only.
It basically turns into a visual system where I can just grab and go based on how heavy my flow is that day. Honestly, it’s one less decision to make.
It’s such a small thing, but it reduces just a tiny bit of mental load during a time when everything already feels heavier.
Final Words
This April, let’s take a moment to thank ourselves—and treat ourselves a little better.
Even the smallest things can make life feel a bit less stressful. Sometimes it’s just:
- letting yourself rest
- adjusting your expectations
- finding small systems that make things easier
And don't forget: You deserve the best 🧡
