The menstrual cycle brings with it a range of physical and emotional changes. From cramps and fatigue to mood swings and irritability, each phase of your cycle can feel like a unique emotional rollercoaster. While self-care might look different for everyone, one universally comforting ritual stands out—curling up with your favorite TV show or getting lost in a good book.

Let’s explore why this simple act can be one of the most healing and grounding practices during your period, and how you can turn it into a mindful self-care routine.

1. Comfort in Familiarity

When your body feels unpredictable, turning to familiar stories or shows offers a sense of control and comfort. Watching that sitcom you’ve seen a hundred times or re-reading a beloved novel can be incredibly soothing. It’s not about the plot anymore—it’s about the feeling those stories bring.

🛋️ Tip: Keep a playlist or booklist handy for your period days. Include feel-good shows, light-hearted comedy, or inspiring reads.

2. Mood Regulation Through Stories

Engaging with stories—whether on screen or page—can help regulate your emotions. Shows and books act as emotional outlets, giving you a way to process feelings indirectly. A powerful story can make you cry, laugh, or reflect—releasing built-up emotional tension in a safe and satisfying way.

📚 Try This: Choose genres based on how you feel. Need a laugh? Go for comedy. Feeling introspective? Try a moving memoir or drama.

3. Gentle Distraction From Discomfort

Cramping, bloating, and fatigue can make everyday tasks feel overwhelming. Instead of pushing through, allow yourself a break. Watching or reading gently shifts your focus away from discomfort and gives your mind a breather.

📺 Self-Care Tip: Create a "Period Nest"—a cozy corner with your favorite blanket, snacks, hot water bottle, and entertainment lined up.

4. Helps You Slow Down and Rest

Your body needs more rest during menstruation, but many of us feel guilty for taking it easy. Watching a show or reading offers a purposeful reason to lie down and slow down. You're not being lazy—you’re recharging.

🌸 Mindset Shift: Resting is productive. It's how your body heals and resets.

5. Boosts Serotonin and Emotional Relief

Did you know watching your favorite show or finishing a good book can actually boost serotonin? That’s the feel-good hormone! Especially helpful when PMS has your mood plummeting.

💡 Feel-Good Formula: Pair your entertainment with other self-care like a warm bath, essential oils, or a cup of herbal tea.

6. Builds a Positive Association With Your Cycle

Instead of dreading your period, rituals like this can help you build a positive association with your cycle. When you look forward to your “me time,” your whole experience changes. Your cycle becomes a time of pause, presence, and permission to just be.

💖 Body Love Tip: Use this time to thank your body. Journaling alongside your reading or show-watching can be a beautiful reflection practice.

Final Thoughts

Periods are not just about managing physical symptoms—they're also about caring for your emotional landscape. Watching your favorite shows or reading during your cycle isn’t just leisure, it's emotional nourishment. It’s a way to honor your mood, recharge your spirit, and embrace body love at every phase.

So next time your period arrives, don’t just track the symptoms—track the care. Create a cozy ritual, press play, or turn the page. Let this time be a gentle reminder that loving your body means listening to what it needs—even if that’s just one more episode.