Latest Stories
Most recently published stories in Viva.
Glamorous Assistants
The last month’s been pretty good for feminism. The #MeToo campaign generated a lot of much-needed attention for issues that affect many women, yet have been dismissed for decades. First it was sexual harassment and assault, but now we’re talking about more nuanced feminist issues, and people seem to actually be listening. Hurrah, no more yelling into the void!
By Katy Preen8 years ago in Viva
Not a Word
I would give you a warning for this article, but there are no warnings in life. Right now, I could literally vomit. My insides are churning-spinning-and I just want to rip them out. I feel disgusted. With myself, my loved ones, the people that walk around me, and social media. I have felt this way for a long time, but have never chosen to say anything except to a few people...until now.
By Echo Jones8 years ago in Viva
Menstrual Pain Hacks
If you are a girl then in some way or another you have experienced or still experience that time of the month when mother nature just kicks you straight in the abdomen. Yes, I am talking about menstrual pain, cramps, irritability, PMS (premenstrual syndrome), cravings, being hot and bothered and everything else in between. At times it can feel like it is never-ending and just about nothing seems to work or simply help in easing your pain. Well fear not, I have a few tips that I use that may help you defeat or help subside that pain to a minimum the next cycle around. I am sharing with you some of my hacks that can help with your menstrual pain that I use and can say, has definitely helped improve my pain from month to month. So for starters, I would recommend investing in a heat pack because this on its own can be such an improvement and completely lessen your cramps by helping your muscles relax. Your cramps happen as a result of the muscles in your uterus contracting and by applying a hot compress to that area, you can instantly reduce pain. Applying heat to your abdomen will get blood flowing and relieve your menstrual pain while also blocking the pain signals that are being received by your brain. Dark chocolate is also said to help with menstrual pain and aids in regaining all the magnesium the body is losing as a result, and consuming anything whether a protein bar or an at home snack made from it will do your body wonders, by allowing it to rebuild that nutrient that it has lost. Some have said to be rather hot and bothered or in better terms, "horny" during their cycle and if that person happens to be you, then did you know that having sex can help with your menstrual pain? Well, more specifically, having multiple orgasms allows the uterus to contract during an orgasm and afterwards blood flow increases and your brain is hit with natural chemicals that automatically help your body relieve pain. That, by far, is a win-win if you ask me and if it helps your lady parts feel better then why not. Another option is by increasing your water intake and keeping your body hydrated. Dehydration can occur when your body is losing an excess amount of fluid every month and it is important to drink water regularly to assist your body in staying hydrated as well as helping it to recuperate. Taking a vitamin supplement like a Vitamin E can also play a part. Studies have shown that "women who took vitamin E supplements twice a day for four consecutive months reported lower pain intensity." So if you are looking to take a supplement to help with alleviating your menstrual pain, then of course always consult with your OB-GYN before you do so. There are also tons of apps out there that will help you track your cycle regularly and learning your own cycle can remind you when your menstrual is on its way and prepare you for the next couple of challenging days ahead. You can also incorporate lavender oil into your regimen because lavender is a great relaxer and it helps with acquiring better sleep, which in turn, can help with the discomfort. STAY away from caffeine and energy drink products as these can actually worsen your pain during your cycle. Caffeine can raise your PMS symptoms and elevate your estrogen levels and the same applies for energy drinks that contain caffeine in them as well. We all need a pick me up here and there but if you really suffer from horrible pain during your cycle then during that very crucial time staying away from these drinks can help in minimizing your pain every month. In terms of food and things you consume, if you lessen your salt intake during your flow you will be doing a great thing for your body. Salt makes your body retain water which makes you feel bloated and twice your actual size which is not a great feeling. So next time your friend comes around that next month, don't reach for that popcorn or if you are like me, sunflower seeds to help mend your pain, drink some water instead. I know cravings can get out of control but just cutting out salt will not leave you without options—there is always ice cream and who doesn't like ice cream. And last but not least, getting more sleep can help regulate your sleep cycle which can get messed up before and after your cycle. Not getting enough sleep can make your more cranky and less likely to make healthy choices like some of which I mentioned before. And as I have just told you healthy choices can actually help you conquer whatever Mother Nature throws at you. So next cycle try some of these hacks and tell mother nature she can shove it!
By Christal Sc8 years ago in Viva
Why Crocs Need to Leave
As a child, I lived on an alpaca ranch with 24 different alpacas and llamas. At the time, I was a young girl and Hunter rain boots weren't appealing due to their significant lack of fun patterns. So instead of buying myself a decent pair of rain boots, I, or rather my parents, bought me a pair of Crocs. To be specific, they were bright, hot pink and we made sure to get the charms that you stuck to the top of the clogs in shapes ranging from flowers to hearts and everything in between. I became OBSESSED with the Crocs, along with the rest of my classmates. I distinctly remember my grade school squad and I getting matching swamp green Crocs and Shrek charms to go with them, mind you I was young and foolish. So why would someone with such fond memories of the iconic American brand, want to get rid of them? Because my friends, it has gone too far.
By Alex Kemsley8 years ago in Viva
Stoned
To have put up a wall of silence for so many years caused her to be immune to all that had been done to her. Before she realized it, she was a prisoner trapped and encased in stone, unable to cry out in her pain. She couldn’t move; there was no need to, who would notice? All that was once good had long been buried within the cold and now familiar shell she had become.
By Donna Butler8 years ago in Viva
I'm a Teen Hearts MODEL!
Hey guys, so here's the deal! I have recently gotten chosen to be an online paid model, BUT of course to be paid I have to promote. Promotion on its own is a huge obstacle for me that I am barely learning to tackle. The point of this though, is not the promotion, more so just the opportunity I am getting to be a model.
By Melanie Guajardo8 years ago in Viva
Secret
I am 23 and counting. There is nothing unusual about me, I live in an apartment, I go to college online, I have a boyfriend, I work full-time. I have a caring family and kind friends. However normal my life may appear, we all know that looks can be deceiving. As much as I trust in my family and friends, there is a secret I keep from them. I am a victim of rape.
By Tati Elizabeth8 years ago in Viva
Beauty Is In the Eye of the Beholder
Why are some people considered “more attractive than others”? There has been a significant amount of research done on the effect that advertising in the fashion and beauty industry has on women. By creating advertisements with unrealistic images of beauty, it has resulted in anxiety, low self-esteem, and low self-confidence in many women. Most of these negative emotions come from unhappiness among body and appearance when they do not look like the girls in the magazines. Who sets these beauty standards and how far will we go to become “beautiful” in society’s eyes?
By Lily Papenfus8 years ago in Viva
Yet Another Story About Consent to Read with an Empty Stomach
My bones, my teeth, my skin aches when I think about the girl. I need to sit down and light another smoke. The girl was young, but she felt a like derelict of a sailboat left rotting on the bottom of the ocean, where silence screams with its mouth shut and fish stare back at darkness with dead eyes.
By Clara Malaussène8 years ago in Viva
