A Very Endo Night-In: Five essentials for your next endo night-in
We’ve all been there – endometriosis, pelvic pain, a particularly nasty period, whatever it may be - has us cancelling our plans and staying in. Make the best out of the worst and have these essentials on hand next time you’re having a night in with endo!
A Heat Pack
We’re all probably familiar with the trusty heat pack. For a lot of us, this a must-have. Heat is famously amazing for managing pain. Does it work miracles? No. But it certainly doesn’t hurt in most cases. Don’t have one already? If you’re feeling crafty, you can make your own. There’s no shortage of videos and how-to guides online, and you probably have all the materials lying around already! Or, check out a small business like the one featured in our blog ‘Heat packs with heart: Natalie van Dartel shares her journey’.
2. Entertainment (a movie, a book, a show, a jigsaw puzzle, whatever your heart desires)
Pick out something fun to entertain yourself with. That new romcom you keep meaning to watch? Throw it on. That book on your bedside table that you still haven’t gotten around to reading? Give it a crack. Now, let’s face it, sometimes when the endo gets you down, it can be hard to focus at all, let alone read a book or follow a movie. But if you can, the distraction is certainly worth it. Personally, a cute romcom paired with a jigsaw puzzle is where it’s at.
3. Snacks
So, what’s the perfect snack in this situation? It all depends. It’s not a secret that eating a diet rich in vitamins and nutrients boosts your health and can help reduce inflammation. You might opt for some fruit and nuts; you might do veggies with a little side of hummus. But let’s face it. The perfect snack for an endo night-in is the one that brings you the most comfort. Treat yourself to some chocolate if that’s your mood. Open a bag of chips, if that will satisfy you more. But, if you want to go for the bowl of nuts or the plate of veggies, go crazy. Do a little bit of both if you’re feeling some balance! Remember, this is night is all about you
4. Your comfiest pjs (Otherwise knowns as comfies)
Your finest comfies are a must for an endo night-in. Whether it’s a matching pj set or your oldest and most worn-out t-shirt, the only pre-requisite is that you’re comfy. Do not torture yourself by trying to do your endo night-in wearing anything short of comfortable. Tight waistbands? Absolutely not. Clothes you can’t move in? Nope. Now, if your comfies are cute, that’s a bonus point. It can be nice to feel cute when your endo is being anything but cute, but it’s not an essential. Being comfortable? That’s an essential.
5. Your kindest self
Be kind to yourself. It’s not a sign of weakness to need a night-in. In fact, giving yourself the space to have a night-in, to nurture yourself – that’s an act of self-compassion. And when dealing with endo – you need self-compassion in spades. You’re not being defeated by endo, you’re looking after yourself. You’re doing exactly what you need to do.
So, now you’ve got five essential for your next night-in. Hopefully the next time your endo forces you into a night-in you can make the best of it.
