Festivals and Your Period: Your Guide to Enjoying Every Beat

The rhythm of music, the thrill of being surrounded by a sea of like-minded souls, and the joy of dancing under the open sky – music festivals are a celebration of life and freedom. But what happens when your period decides to join the party?

We believe that your period shouldn't stand in the way of your festival fun. With a little extra care and some clever planning, you can rock your way through those days with confidence and comfort. Here’s the Guud Woman guide with everything you need to know to manage your period at a festival.

What to Pack: Essentials for a Worry-Free Experience

If packing for a festival is an art, then packing for a festival during your period is a masterpiece. You don’t need to roll out the luggage either. Everything should fit easily in a small backpack or purse.

• Your Preferred Menstrual Products: Don't underestimate your flow! Pack a mix of tampons, pads, or a menstrual cup to suit your preferences. While you might be able to pinch some supplies from someone at the festival if you run out, it’s always better to have a little extra to avoid any anxiety. When you drink alcohol you can actually lose a bit more blood than usual, so take that into account.
• Reusable Water Bottle: It’s pretty common for festival goers to forget to stay hydrated and lack of hydration can actually make cramps more severe (in addition to causing headaches and lack of energy). Try to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Wipes and Hand Sanitizer: Festival hygiene can sometimes be a challenge, but you’re going to need clean hands for changing pads and tampons. Along with some hand sanitizer, pack a few organic, biodegradable wipes. They are gentler on your body and better for the environment.
• Disposable Bags: If the toilet situation is unknown or likely to be a bit rustic, consider bringing some disposable, sealable bags for discreet sanitary disposal.
• Extra Underwear: Just in case! Leaks can happen especially if you’re caught up in the moment!
• Pain Relief: If you’re prone to cramps or headaches, you might want to pack some form of pain relief to help ease any discomfort. 

Festival Freshness: How to Maintain Good Hygiene

Keeping yourself feeling clean and fresh is key to enjoying the experience to the fullest. Here’s a few tips to help you feel fresh all day long.

• Bathroom Strategy: Scope out the festival grounds for the cleanest bathrooms. These are usually the ones that are a little further afield. They’ll be cleaner and have shorter queues. Baby wipes and hand sanitizer will be your best friend here too.
• Timing: Plan your bathroom breaks around artist sets or downtimes to avoid missing out on the action! Need a break? Then take the time to go to the bathroom in the middle of a set, during a song you don't mind missing. Chances are the lines will be shorter and you'll feel less rushed. If you’re prone to getting lost in the music, set an alarm on your phone or watch so you remember to change your pad or tampon.

Fueling Your Fun: What to Eat When You’re On Your Period

Food is fuel, and the right choices can make a world of difference during your period at a festival. While you might be craving sugar or fried foods, these can often make you feel worse. Here’s a few tips to keep you feeling Guud:

• Hydrate: Water, water, water! Proper hydration helps ease bloating and keeps your energy levels up.
• Snack Smart: Opt for nutrient-rich snacks like fruits, nuts, and whole grains to keep your stamina high.
• Avoid Processed Foods: Of course, you may want to indulge and that is perfectly fine but remember: salty snacks and sugary treats can exacerbate bloating and mood swings. Just be mindful of what you’re eating and try to keep as much balance as you can. If it won’t be too hot, consider packing a few bars of dark chocolate with you. They are great for satisfying a sweet craving and they contain magnesium which can help soothe cramps.

What to Wear: Style + Comfort

Fashion and function can go hand in hand when it comes to festival attire but you need to be a little more mindful of your clothing choices if you’re on your period at a festival. 

• Comfy Clothing: Opt for loose-fitting, breathable clothes to minimize discomfort. While they may look cute, try to avoid one-piece outfits like rompers or anything that is difficult to get it in and out of. You’ll want to make bathroom visits as fast as possible, and there may not be any hooks or a clean place to hang clothes while you change your pad or tampon. Opt for t-shirt dresses, dresses, shorts or culottes to feel most comfortable. 
• Period Proof Underwear: This can be a game-changer. These specially designed undies offer an extra layer of protection so if you haven’t tried them before, consider buying a pair before your festival if you sense your period might be tagging along.

Dose of Comfort, Dose of Confidence

• Listen to your Body: If you need to rest, find a quiet spot to relax and recharge. No shame in taking a break if your body needs it! 
• Stretch and Move: Gentle stretches can help alleviate cramps, and dancing is also a great way to boost endorphins and ease pain.
• Mindful Moments: If you’re feeling irritable or grumpy, take breaks and practice some deep breathing. Remember that you’re there to have fun!
• Tell your Friends: You can’t always plan for everything so if your friends know you’re on your period, they can help you out with extra supplies, weaving through the crowd to the toilet or running back to your tent for you.

Managing Your Period While Camping: Nature-Friendly Tips

If you’re combining your festival experience with camping, here are a few things to consider:

• Pick Your Spot Wisely: Try to pick a campsite with easy access to a bathroom.
• Dispose Responsibly: Pack sealable bags to store used menstrual products and dispose of them properly.
• Stay Clean: Biodegradable soap and menstrual cups are eco-friendly options to maintain hygiene in the great outdoors.

At a music festival, your period is just a minor thing to consider – not a showstopper. Armed with the wisdom from this guide, we’re confident that you’ll be ready to conquer the festival grounds with gusto.

So, dance like nobody's watching, sing like nobody's listening, and embrace the euphoria of the festival – because with a little preparation, your period is no match for your Guud vibes. Here's to rocking out, Guud Woman style!