How to Survive Festival Season on Your Period

by Natasha Christou Digital Marketing Consultant

Sometimes it seems as if our periods know the exact worst time to strike. When you’re on holiday, at a festival, or wearing a pair of white trousers, that time of the month seems to materialise out of thin air, set to cause havoc. We’ve all been there; a last-minute emergency dash to the bathroom, fumbling in pockets and at the bottom of handbags for a saving grace in the form of a sanitary product. We may feel that immediate panic, but we quickly jump into the solid action plan that we know all too well. Normally it’s manageable and the crisis is averted. But some situations are certainly harder to cope with than others.

For many, starting your period amid the action of a music festival is a nightmare scenario. The unsanitary toilet facilities, each with queues snaking back as far as the eye can see, prompt utter dismay. Not to mention the crippling period pain, the unwelcome bloat, and the general emotional turmoil your period can bring. It’s a daunting prospect, but don’t let your period get in the way of enjoying festival season! Read on to discover top tips and tricks for enjoying a festival, even if your period strikes!

Know what’s coming

When it comes to festival period management, preparation is everything. The last thing you want is to be caught off-guard, so do your best to forecast your cycle. If you’re lucky enough to have a reliable and regular period, it should be no bother figuring out whether t it will clash with the festival you’re attending. For many however, it isn’t that straight forward. If you’re less certain when you might start, try using a period tracking app such as Clue to record your cycle and give you a strong estimate of when you’re next period is due to start.

Pack the essentials

Once you know what’s coming (or even if you don’t!) compile a list and make sure that you’ve packed all the essentials. Be sure you’ve got a healthy stash of sanitary pads, tampons for heavy periods, [CH1] tissues, wet wipes, spare pants, hand sanitiser, and plenty of painkillers if you suffer from painful cramps. If you bring a period survival bag, you’ll feel armed and ready for anything festival season throws your way.

Battle the bloat

Chances are, you’ve been planning your festival wardrobe for a while now. You’ve gathered your very best denim shorts, sequin-clad crop tops, and an essential array of sunglasses. When the bloat strikes however, you’re likely to feel less comfortable in your meticulously planned outfits.

There are many ways in which you can manage and prevent the uncomfortable bloated feeling — which is not ideal when you’re geared up to watch your favourite band and have a dance. Although it can be difficult when surrounded by tantalising festival fast-food options, try to avoid or cut down on salty foods, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol as best you can. These can all perpetuate the bloat and leave you feeling groggy and uncomfortable. Try instead to find some fresh and healthy options. Most festivals nowadays champion vegan and vegetarian options, so consider consuming more of these healthy and unprocessed foods while you’re on your period.

Let the festival do their part

Remember — you’re not alone here! Plenty of other festivalgoers have been in your exact position and the organisers recognise this. It is in everyone’s interest to make sure festivalgoers are comfortable and catered for. For example, during Glastonbury 2019, the festival teamed up with Water Aid to provide alternative options to those unappealing festival Portaloos. They provided different toilet options that were clean, safe, and run by female volunteers (and, as a bonus, also contained free biodegradable glitter!) They also set out to provide free natural and environmentally friendly sanitary products — a complete lifesaver for anyone hit by an unanticipated cycle!

As well as relying on help from festival organisers and partners, don’t be afraid to lean on your friends or turn to other festivalgoers! Plenty of friendly people will help you out if you’re in a panic and in need of sanitary products, so don’t worry about asking in an emergency.

The very thought of attending a festival while on your period may well strike fear into any of us but worry not! If you’re well-prepped and ready for anything, you’ll be able to have the time of your life despite that pesky period.