I tryn to do nothing on the first day because I usually am in a lot of pain and feel very ill and grumpy. I just take a lot of pain relief and lie down for the day.
No specific rituals, but I do eat a ton of yogurt that week and cut down on my sugar intake... otherwise, I always seem to get a yeast infection the week afterward.
other than the really bad cramps the only pain i have is feeling fat and gross and ugly- also my knees and back hurt but thats minor. rituals hmmm i light candles and take a bubble bath and listen to bob marley and smoke cigarettes- and exfoliate- thats feels soo good- then watch a good movie but nothing romantic unless you dont get hormonal- i also eat boxes and boxes of fruit rollups- also bad sitcoms make me feel better like the nanny or something- and heart to heart talks w/ your buds- you should do yoga before bed and then lie on a heating pad