New Year, New Cycle: How To Build A Sustainable Period Routine with Scarlet

With a new year comes new opportunities, connections and experiences - but if we're not re-evaluating our 'normal', we risk repeating patterns that no longer serve us.

Our period routines are a perfect starting point for anyone looking to get their 2022 wheels in motion. Our bodies, and cycles, are constantly changing and evolving, so your period care needs to follow suit. Creating a new period routine at the dawn of each new year allows us to hit refresh on a deeper level and curating your line-up of period care products ensures your values and needs are consistently being met (cause' you deserve that!!!!).

New developments in sustainable period care products mean we have greater power with our purchasing now more than ever and reducing unnecessary waste - and the good news is - it's as easy as changing your underwear!

1. Switch to period underwear

A very large majority of disposable/single-use period products are non-biodegradable and will essentially exist forever unless destroyed, which is a super weird thing to think about sometimes. It's a confronting image because it's a confronting fact when you consider the millions of menstruators on this planet at any given time. By ditching the disposables and switching to period underwear, you'll be comfier, more confident and less inconvenienced every cycle. Never again will you have to run to the servo and fork out $10 on a box of low flow tampons. Choose your fave cut, cross-reference with your flow and ta-da! You've got a whole new routine, plus you can make the switch anytime you feel flow start to knock.

2. Track your cycle

When it comes to periods (and life) - hope for the best, prepare for the worst. If you know what's coming, you have the opportunity to better prepare in the event of drama or calamity, BUT it's just as important to empower yourself with that knowledge and proceed with optimism rather than fear. Whether you use a hardcopy calendar in the laundry, or one of the hundreds of apps out there, Knowing how your cycle works is the ultimate superpower you can have. It is so important we educate ourselves to understand how our hormones change throughout our cycle and adapt our routine accordingly. Plus, having tangible data you can consistently refer to is a fountain of knowledge for you and your GP. Knowledge is power!

3. Try a period cup

We know we sound like a broken record, but they really are life changing. Not all products suit everyone's needs or body, but if wearing period underwear isn't your thing or if you're tired of restocking your tampons 24/7, period cups are a terrific, reusable, versatile option. They are heavy-flow friendly and invisible, you can wear them for up to 8 hours and they are the MVP to support active lifestyles. No leaks, no frequent changes, and no worries about those ecru shorts calling your name.

4. Don't overdo it

All of this period routine talk is great, but somedays you just can't be bothered. And that's okay!!! Some days all you can do is get out of bed, and the furthest thing from your mind is morning yoga and a fresh serving of spinach and eggs - and that's okay. Above all, you need to listen to your body and do what's best for you. Hold space and compassion for yourself at this time. Remember your mind, body, and soul are riding the crimson tsunami; we all know how unpredictable that can be day to day, much less month to month. All of these experiences and fluctuations are entirely valid. Feeling fatigued? Rest. PMS steering the ship? Let your friends and family know. Feel like cleaning the entire house at 11 pm? Scrub that extra energy out til you're ready for bed. And when you feel up to it, put it all down in your app.

What's next?

Now that you know your options, the choice is yours - shop a sustainable period routine and explore Scarlet's range here.