by Sally, United Kingdom
I have been using tampax probably for the last 30+ years; clean, efficient and they’ve allowed me to concentrate and focus my mind on all that I need to do in the busy workplace without giving it a second thought – just a usual day, same routine, no problems.
I was inspired by others to give pads a try, and yes… they have changed since the early days when I first tried them. I was really taken aback by the profound effect they had on my life. About two months ago I changed my routine to try using pads, and I ended up laying on the sofa as often as I could; in fact, on the second day I decided to rearrange my work, and have a work-from-home day. My body decided it could at last relax and cried out for me to stop and rest. It really couldn’t keep up with the pace I was demanding it to go all of the time.
While I had some time to reflect back on connecting to my body, I realised just how much I override what it has been trying to tell me – to slow down and take it a little easier. The problem appeared to be that it’s all well and good using the tampax, but it stops me from deeply feeling my body’s messages – in fact it’s just allowed me to be rather robotic in my actions, getting on with my everyday stuff without a second thought as to how my body was feeling… how I walk too fast, how I’m always going somewhere, having something to do. There was, I have to admit, a great temptation to revert back to the tampax; even just for a day to allow myself to complete certain tasks. I was really feeling the pressure of work, and what I thought I should be achieving. However, I chose to stick with the pads and it taught me so much about myself.
This last time I programmed in a couple of work-at-home days, so I didn’t have to rush. I could soak in the bath after doing my emails, and have a nap if my body felt like it. The question I am now left with is “why don’t I do more of this all of the time?”. Looking after myself: it may just be that little bit more important than all those meetings and deadlines that I make for myself at work. It shouldn’t be just during my period that I feel I should be looking after myself more, but every day. And it’s me first, work second, not just on those days, but all the time.