10 Tiny Everyday Indulgences That Can Boost Your Mental Health

Use A Gentle Cleanser

Since your skin is more sensitive during your period, it’s important to use a face wash that will help to get rid of grime without stripping your skin of its natural oils. If you’re looking for a gentle and affordable cleanser that does the job, I've used CeraVe’s Foaming Facial Cleanser for years. Not only does it contain multiple ceramides that help to restore your skin barrier, it also contains niacinamide – an ingredient known to help reduce excess oil production in the skin.

Hydration Is Key

Have you ever noticed your skin looking more dull or lifeless whenever your period comes around? This is because low estrogen levels during the menstruation part of your cycle makes your skin more prone to water loss, which causes dehydration and dryness. During this time, you can counteract this effect by incorporating a hydrating serum or moisturizer into your skincare routine. I recommend The Inkey List Hyaluronic Acid Serum. Its titular ingredient, hyaluronic acid, acts like a sponge by attracting water on the skin and retaining it, which will keep your skin feeling plump, smooth, and hydrated. But what makes this serum really stand out is its other active ingredient – Matrixyl 3000 peptide – that, when combined with hyaluronic acid, can help build firmer, youthful-looking skin over time.

Niacinamide Is Your Best Friend

Earlier, I mentioned how niacinamide is primarily used as an ingredient in skincare products to help balance your skin’s oil production. However, if you look at the ingredient label on the packaging for most of these recommended products, niacinamide will probably be listed – and for a good reason. This power-packed ingredient is a form of vitamin B3 that can help boost skin hydration, reduce redness and uneven skin tone, and combat damage that can cause visible signs of aging. I would suggest using a serum with niacinamide as one of its main ingredients — like the Good Molecules Niacinamide Serum — because it is formulated with higher concentrations of this ingredient that can penetrate deep into the skin.

Use Spot Treatments Or Pimple Patches On Problem Areas

As tempting as it is to use your fingers or a comedone extractor to pop any zit that appears during your period, trust me when I tell you…don’t do it! Not only will picking further inflame your skin, you can also spread acne-causing bacteria across your skin that will make your breakouts even worse. If you’re an avid pimple-popper like myself, save yourself the trouble and cover your spots with hydrocolloid pimple patches to help them heal. My favorite patches are the Peace Out Acne Healing Dots; they're formulated with salicylic acid and aloe vera leaf extract, which help to reduce irritation and minimize breakouts.

If You Need To, Use An Exfoliating Peel Or Toner – But Don’t Overdo It

Even if you’re taking every step possible to take extra care of your skin during that time of the month, sometimes your skin can feel more gritty and grimy than usual. Exfoliating cleansers, scrubs and serums are often advertised for everyday use, but if you’re not careful, you can end up with angry and irritated skin.

If you absolutely have to exfoliate, play it safe by using a mask or a toner once or twice a week. For a mask, I recommend trying the Versed Doctor’s Visit Instant Resurfacing Mask, and for a toner, I suggest using the Peach Slices Acne Exfoliating Toner. Both products contain a combination of AHAs (alpha hydroxy acids) and BHAs (beta hydroxy acids) that remove dead skin cells from the surface while also clearing and preventing breakouts.

Opt For A Lightweight Moisturizer

Hormone changes during your menstrual cycle can cause your skin to produce more oil than usual. While it's important to keep your skin hydrated and healthy by using a moisturizer, thick creams and facial oils can clog your pores and lead to an endless cycle of breakouts. Instead, try incorporating a light gel moisturizer without ingredients like silicones, which are known to congest your skin. My current favorite is the Selfless by Hyram Niacinamide and Maracujá Daily Barrier Support Moisturizer, which contains ingredients like maracujá seed oil and murumu seed butter that help to heal the skin barrier while leaving a silky smooth finish.

Don’t Forget Sunscreen

It doesn’t matter if it’s cloudy, cold, raining, or if the sky is falling — sunscreen is a non-negotiable in your skincare routine, especially during your period. Skin sensitivity is at an all-time high during that time of the month, meaning that you’re more likely to get burnt from UVA and UVB rays. Personally, I like to use lightweight sunscreens, like Krave Beauty’s Beet the Sun, that also contain ingredients to support your skin barrier. Beet the Sun not only has an SPF of 40, but it also has beetroot extract, an antioxidant known to have anti-inflammatory and skin-soothing properties.

You Are What You Eat

Skincare isn't a “one size fits all” situation; what works for you and your skin may not be the right routine for others. However, the food we choose to consume has a direct correlation to our physical health. We all know the annoying and uncomfortable symptoms that come with periods, but fortunately there are certain foods that can help. Fiber-rich foods like broccoli, cauliflower and carrots can help reduce inflammation throughout the body, while berries like blueberries, blackberries and cherries are a great source of antioxidants that help protect your body – including your skin – from free radicals that cause premature aging and chronic disease.

Cruella de Vil

Cruella de Vil will always hold a special place among our most-feared villains, right alongside Voldemort and Ursula. After all, she’s going after puppies! But on Halloween, the celebration of the gruesome and morbid, this evilness equates to fabulousness, and we’ll more than forgive you for dressing up like her… just this once.

Maleficent

Channel your deepest, darkest powers and channel your inner Maleficent this Halloween. “So you see, the story is not quite as you were told.”

Cozy Deer

Wait, so we can look cute *and* be toasty-warm?! We’re sayin’ yes to this fuzzy zip-up.

Sexy Stewardess

Get ready for liftoff in this flight attendant costume. If you’re a travel-lover, this is the perfect way to bring your passion into your costume.

DIY Jessica Rabbit Costume

This has to be the ultimate curvy bombshell character to channel on Halloween. The dress, gloves, hair, and makeup are bold and will definitely put your bangin’ bod front and center. (via Brit + Co)

Sexy Kitty

Frisky attitude not included. This plus size Halloween costume might look simple, but it’s anything but basic.

Flapper Girl

There’s nothing as fun — and a little dangerous — as the glitz and glamour of the ’20s. Throw on a long string of pearls or do your makeup to look like a ghostly flapper for that extra creative edge.

DIY Ursula Costume

We’ll always be a sucker for classic Disney costumes. And if you want to give Ursula that extra-special take, you can follow this relatively simple DIY for the costume contest win! (via Brit + Co)

Sea Siren Mermaid

This is — hands down — one of the best mermaid costumes we’ve ever seen. From the form-fitting metallic mermaid “tail” to the bustier top, this is for sure a look to emulate if you want to flaunt your curves.

Storybook Alice

Down the rabbit hole you go this Halloween. You never know what’s going to happen when you channel this fairytale classic!

Sea Siren

You had us at gold, sequins, and tulle. Oh, and we’re always down to rule the sea!

Ninja

Pop off this Halloween in a comfortable disguise that’s both sleek and sexy.

Beauty And The Beast Belle

We’ll always love our classic Disney princesses, especially this beauty.

Minnie Mouse

You don’t need a Mickey to look fly as heck in a retro-inspired Minnie Mouse getup.

Empress Divine

One of the best reasons to dress up as an ancient Egyptian is obviously the cat-eye makeup.

Goth Red Riding Hood

Pay homage to one of your favorite fairy tales with a sexy twist. Plus, if you haven’t worn a cape before, you truly haven’t lived.

Flirty Cop

It may be illegal to impersonate a police officer, but no one ever said a flirty cop was off-limits!

Cinderella Fairy Godmother

We could all use a fairy godmother, albeit notthis scheming one from Shrek. Still, this is a hilarious costume, and we’re definitely eyeing that wand and wig combo.

Commando Cutie

Serve your country by wearing this retro army green uniform.

Harley Quinn

We’re impressed with the mismatched thigh-highs and color-coordinated armbands on this plus-size Halloween costume.

Cozy Bat Costume

The name of this costume says it all. If you’re in the mood to prioritize comfort, you’ll feel extra-snuggly in this cozy bat costume.

Ghostbuster

If you loved the all-female Ghostbusters as much as we did, grab your friends and go as the whole crew. The best part? On Halloween, there will be plenty of monsters to bust, which makes a great conversation-starter!

Queen Bee

Everyone at this year's Halloween party will be buzzing about you in this flattering bee costume. You are the queen, after all!

Poison Ivy

Wow, here’s a sexy take on the evil Poison Ivy.

Oktoberfest Fraulein

The beer maid costume is always a safe choice. It’s cute and classic, and you get to wear pigtails.

Sexy Nurse

They’ll need a nurse after you knock ’em out with this costume!

Snow White

If you’re going to wear this outfit out on the town, you’ll definitely have at least seven admirers following you wherever you go.

Pinup Sailor

Sail the open seas with this cute and comfy sailor costume. This retro getup is all about the accessories!

Miss Muerte

Another way to celebrate Halloween is to celebrate the dead. Do it in style with this awesome costume.

Cozy Skeleton

If you’re into traditional bones, this comfy number will surely scare the living dead out of you.

Grease Pink Lady

This is the perfect Halloween costume for when you don’t really want to dress up. Flats? Check! Awesome jacket to keep you warm? Double check!

Supergirl

No one is going to mess with you in this costume, and you just might feel faster than a speeding bullet.

Spanish Senorita

With plenty of sass and a whole lot of ruffles, this costume will have you dancing for joy.

Mrs. Incredible

Be your own superhero with this sleek Elastigirl costume. You would look totally incredible in it.

Dark Alice

We wouldn’t drink the tea that this Alice serves. While we do love the original blue that Disney’s Alice wears, we are really digging this all-black dress too.

Batgirl

Trick-or-treat in the name of justice! Grab Superman and bring him along too, because you two are friends now, remember?

Hippie

Keep this Halloween totally tubular by donning this adorable retro dress with go-go boots and a fun '70s eye makeup look!

Friday The 13th Miss Voorhees

If you’re team Jason, then you need to buy this sexy number. While we’re not sure who would ultimately win this fight, we’re sure this outfit is already winning our hearts.

Justice League Wonder Woman

While Superman is cool and all, we are particularly fond of Wonder Woman. She’s a badass chick that we are ready to represent. Flying an invisible jet doesn’t hurt, either.

Cat Burglar

Feeling feisty? Go classic cat with a twist. Meeeow.

What foods are gentle on your stomach?

Foods like toast, rice, bananas, eggs, applesauce, and oatmeal are known to be easy on your stomach. I had to do a lot of trial and error over the course of a few months, and have cut my diet back to safe foods I know will leave me feeling good.

I rarely drink alcohol (shout out to these delicious mocktail recipes!!!), and I have one coffee every six weeks or so, opting for a daily chai or matcha instead. Sugar's also proven to be a pain point, so I usually stick to dark chocolate. But the most surprising foods I've started to avoid are gluten and oats. All this to say, it's all about what works for you and your lifestyle.

My go-to healthy foods for stomach problems are sweet potatoes, broccoli, Greek yogurt, eggs, chicken sausage or grilled chicken, bell peppers, and rice. I also love the occasional ginger ale.

Sweet Potatoes + Broccoli + Chicken Sausage

I will never go without sweet potatoes, like, ever again. I used to find them disgusting but they have become my saving grace on days my stomach feels awful. Whether I'm making fries, mixing them with other veggies, or turning them into vegan mac and cheese (yes, really), they're sooo versatile. One of my favorite recipes is roasting sweet potatoes and broccoli in the oven (I do 325 degrees for around 20 minutes), then adding in some cooked chicken sausage. I even add some ketchup and mustard on top for a deconstructed hot dog and fries!

​Vegan Mac and Cheese

This has been one of my go-to dishes recently, and I promise it's way easier to make than it sounds. I was inspired by this recipe from @itslivb, but since making it the first time, I've started eyeballing every measurement and adjusting the flavors. As someone who love pasta, this is one comfort food recipe that I can indulge in without feeling sick. All I do is boil cubed sweet potatoes until they're soft, then add them to a blender with nutritional yeast, salt, spices like garlic powder and onion powder, and cashews for a creamy consistency.

Gluten-Free Pasta

As someone whose comfort food is pasta, you can imagine how sad I was when I realized gluten makes me feel awful. I've been on the hunt for the best gluten-free pastas around, and after making some less-than-ideal chickpea pasta recipes, I'm totally obsessed with Trader Joe's rice pasta. Trust me on this. I can't wait to try it in this creamy avocado pasta recipe!

​Grilled Chicken

My taste buds have always loved chicken, and now that I've realized grilled chicken makes me feel so much better than fried chicken, my stomach does too! I always buy a bag of frozen chicken tenders so I can keep them until I'm ready to cook 'em up. After they've defrosted for a couple hours, I use this hack to remove the tendon, and then I'm ready to grill it! I'll eat grilled chicken with literally everything: pasta, sweet potato fries, a bunch of vegetables. I could eat it every day. Here's our ultimate guide toHow To Stop Grilling Dry Chicken For Good.

​Seafood

That being said, when I need to shake it up, salmon, shrimp, and other seafood are also great protein options. I just usually have to eat a little more to make sure I'm full. I'm dying to make These Flavorful Fish Tacos.

​Cooked Veggies

Even though I definitely prefer raw vegetables, ever since I realized cooked veggies are easier to digest, I haven't gone back. Roasting a ton of peppers, sweet potatoes, and broccoli at the top of the week sets me up for a successful — and tummy ache-free — week of meals. This Vegetable Galette is calling my name (with a GF crust, of course).

Greek Yogurt & Strawberries

I have the same breakfast every day: an egg and turkey bacon, either a chai latte or a matcha latte, and Greek yogurt and strawberries. I can't believe I never regularly ate Greek yogurt before, but now that I'm on the train, I'm never getting off. Sometimes when I want a little extra treat I add some chocolate chips, too! This dish helps fill me up without leaving me weighed down.