The simple habit of tracking your period can provide tons of benefits, and we’re not just talking about knowing exactly what day Aunt Flo will pay a visit. Although that piece of information alone is game-changing. The benefits of tracking your period go way beyond that. It’ll help you understand your body and its unique patterns which will then allow you to manage your whole life accordingly.
If you’re not already tracking your cycle, keep reading to learn some of the benefits of it (trust us, they’ll make you want to start tracking your period asap) and three easy ways you can get started.
Benefits of tracking your cycle
Like we said, at the bare minimum, tracking your cycle will let you know exactly when you’ll get your next period so you’ll always have organic BPA-free tampons at the ready. But, that’s just scratching the surface of benefits.
By also tracking symptoms like breast tenderness, headaches, bloating, and cramping, as well as your mood changes and even your sex drive, it’ll give you a lot more information that will increase your quality of life.
You’ll be able to adapt your skincare routine according to what stage of you’re cycle you’re in. You’ll be able to arrange your calendar and not schedule big things when you know you won’t be feeling your best. Instead, you can pencil in a self-care day complete with Facial Sheet Masks, Natural Herbal Heating Patches, and Netflix.
You’ll also pick up on any irregularities that you wouldn’t have otherwise which you can then discuss with your doctor to see if they are signs of an underlying condition. Tracking your cycle will also let you know when you’re most fertile which is super helpful if you’re trying to conceive.
3 ways to track your period
1. Period tracking apps
We’re lucky that there is a plethora of period tracking apps out there that make tracking your cycle so easy. We suggest downloading a few to try out and see which works best for you. They all have pretty similar features and use algorithms to predict your cycle. You’ll be able to track your period days plus input your specific symptoms.
Clue Period and Ovulation Tracker is one that is top rated by the Obstetrics & Gynecology journal and it’s free to use. MyFlo is another popular option that also tracks symptoms, helps uncover hormonal imbalances, and makes suggestions of foods you can eat to help balance them.
2. Period tracking bracelet
Want to take your cycle tracking to the next level? A period tracking bracelet such as the one by the brand Ava is a good way to go. The FDA-registered device is geared toward women who want to get pregnant but it’s also beneficial for women who just want to better understand their bodies. All you do is wear the bracelet while you sleep every day. Not only will the bracelet track your cycle, it’ll also monitor your sleep, physiological stress levels, and resting heart rate to give you a more holistic look at your overall health. It all syncs up with an app so you can easily access the information.
3. The old fashion way
If you want to keep things super simple and not have to deal with anything techy, you can also track your period with just pen and paper. There’s no need to get fancy. A notebook or a daily planner will do. If you choose this option, we suggest setting a timer on your phone daily to remind you to take a few minutes to record any symptoms. At the end of the day, there is no right or wrong way to track your cycle. The ideal way to track your period is the way that works best for you and your lifestyle.