Feeling emotional, craving sweet or salty foods, and wanting to never leave the bed are all signs your period is on its way, and like clockwork, it happens every month. Few women celebrate getting their period, but it’s a normal way of life and we have come to accept it, even if at times the cramping and bloating cause a lot of discomforts.

The good news is there are a few ways to alleviate these symptoms and make this time of the month a bit more tolerable.

Exercise Is The Last Thing You Feel Like Doing, But Do It

Every woman is allowed to want to give her workout a miss when she’s on her period, but a little exercise could actually help. According to Seventeen, this is because of the endorphins being released during exercise, which act as not only a feel-good hormone but also the body’s natural pain reliever.

Use A Heat Pad

Applying heat to your lower abdomen when cramping can help alleviate the pain. Medical Daily reports that heat helps the contracting muscles in the uterus to relax — this is what is causing the pain.

What You Drink Is Important

Keeping hydrating during your period is important, according to Tampax (yes, the tampon brand). But at the same time, it’s best to avoid too caffeine and sugary drinks. Seventeen reveals that despite how badly you’re craving sugar during your period, ingesting too much sugar will cause a sugar crash, and this won’t help with the bloated feeling.

Drink herbal tea instead, specifically chamomile. According to Medical Daily, a study published in the Journal of Agriculture and Chemistry found chamomile tea actually has a natural anti-inflammatory, which can help reduce the pain during menstrual cramps.

Skip The Chocolate Binge

I know, this is easier said than done, but eating healthier foods during your period will do your body the world of good. Tampax notes women should be eating fruit and vegetables and should swap out junk food like chocolate and chips, for healthier snacks like apples with peanut or almond butter.

It’s A Reminder Of Your Womanhood

Lastly, something to take away from your period is that this is a natural part of being a woman, and it’s not something to loathe entirely. Huffington Post also notes this can be your time of relaxation and serves as a reminder that your body deserves a little rest sometimes.

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