

2, 3 Instead, think of your period as a time to slow down, nurture your body, and give some extra love to any limbs, internal organs, or creaky joints that could use the TLC. Yoga isn’t a competitive sport, so there’s zero reason you need to dive headfirst into challenging poses: Doing so could actually make things worse. Of course, it’s important to listen to your body when you have your period (and any time of the month, really).

1 And, when practiced correctly, certain yoga poses and flows can also reduce bloating, decrease stress, help you sleep, and even boost your mood. But studies show that people who practice yoga during their periods experience significantly less pain (both in terms of intensity and duration) than those who don’t. We get it: when PMS arrives with the fury of a thousand suns, the last thing we usually want to do is move around more, much less exercise. Period cramps got you down? Before you curl up in bed with an armful of snacks for a Great British Baking Show marathon, consider taking a few minutes to practice mindful breathing and stretch out your body. Find out how Child’s Pose, Supported Bridge, and Cat-Cow (plus mindful breathwork) can help you stay grounded during your period. TL/DR: Studies show that yoga is a great way to naturally relieve period cramps – but only if you’re working with the right poses. Try these restorative yoga poses for cramps & PMS 03 / Tabletop & Cat-Cow Poses to Alleviate Tension in the Lower Back
