Access to a hot bath, for a relaxing warm soak.

Bubble bath--eucalyptus is especially calming, but choose whatever scent has a calming connotation for you.

Soothing music to ease your mind and body--Classical, New Age, or nature tapes work well. Just remember, the goal is to relax...not set your toes tapping and fingers snapping.

Herbal teas--chamomile, lemon or mint, for example.

Clothes to exercise in--shorts, T-shirt, running shoes. Loose-fitting apparel is probably a better idea than tight, form-fitting garb of the Lycra variety.

2torial #0752: Learn2 Cope with Menstrual Cramps No pain, no gain? No thanks! Menstrual cramps plague many women, with pain ranging from slight to severe, sometimes accompanied by chills, nausea and fainting. Many remedies have been suggested and tried throughout the ages. Though these days drugs like Advil or Motrin may take care of the pain, there are many natural remedies for alleviating all the symptoms, not just pain, which many woman prefer pills. Presented here are a variety of methods to make you feel better, in a healthy, natural way. Cramps are caused by the contraction of the uterus during menstruation, mostly at the beginning of your period; your body will often become tense and tired, and possibly bloated and sore. These remedies are intended to ease your body and stop the feeling of sluggishness that often occurs with cramps and the hormones surging in your body. It's important to remember that these techniques may not work for everyone, because everyone's body is different. If your cramping is so severe that you are ill, or cramping occurs in off-menstrual days, see a doctor at once. Also, keep in mind these techniques are not only for relieving cramps. Anytime you're tired, sore or stressed, you can also use them to relax.   Try to put yourself into a calm state of mind. Take a moment to push negative thoughts away so you can concentrate on relaxing. Force yourself to forget about work, school, kids, friends, et cetera---and that stuff you have to do. Feeling better is a priority, and you'll be more productive once you get your pain under control Step 1