6 ways to make your period less painful

Don't let that time of the month slow you down - here's how to conquer cramps and other discomfort and feel stronger than ever

- By Alyssa Shaffer

It's a pretty common scenario: You, on the couch, clutching a pillow, cursing your cramps. In fact, dysmenorrhea (the scientific term for pain associated with menstruation) affects about half of all women who get their period for at least one or two days each month. But discomfort doesn't have to be a regular occurrence. Follow these strategies to keep you feeling strong and healthy all month long.

3 Poses to Make You Feel Better

Yoga may not work miracles around your cycle, but it can certainly help provide at least some short-term relief. Instructor Kristin McGee, author of Chair Yoga, offers her favourite three poses to help reduce period pain.

Cat/Cow

WHY IT HELPS Relieves lower back pain

HOW TO Begin on all fours, back flat and abs engaged. Inhale; on the exhale, round spine toward ceiling, dropping head toward floor ("cat"). Inhale, arching your back and lifting head and tailbone ("cow"). Continue moving from cat to cow for 10 to 12 smooth breaths.

Pigeon

WHY IT HELPS Opens hips

HOW TO Begin in downward dog, hands and feet on floor, hips lifted. Place right knee under right shoulder, keeping shin as parallel as possible to front of mat. Place palms or forearms on floor, feeling the stretch along right hip. Stay four to six breaths; switch legs.

Extended Child's Pose

WHY IT HELPS Stretches lower back