Jessica Canzanese lives in Toronto and works as a pre-planning funeral director by day, and a content creator and influencer by night.
Morning Rituals
What’s the first thing you do when you wake up? Any non-negotiable rituals?
I start my day with a guided meditation in bed before stretching to wake up. Then I move onto doom scrolling on social media to see what’s going on and also to have a laugh before I start my day. Skincare is next—a non-negotiable, because you must include a little self-care before work.
Walk us through your morning routine when you’re on your period…
My period morning routine is a bit different: it’s a slower wakeup as having a period with endometriosis can be very painful and difficult. While still in bed, I take my pain medication and try to start moving. After my body starts to wake up, I am able to hop in the shower to have the water help with leg cramping and migraines. I usually don’t book any families at work as I can just do some desk work and not have to worry about not being 100% there for them.
Are there any things that make you feel grounded or energized?
I do some meditation and self care, whether it’s a bath, a walk or a sweet treat, I also have to have one self-care thing per day—you have to nourish yourself before you can nourish others.
Walk us through your typical day (if you have one!): where are you going, who are you seeing, what are you working on?
My work day is a typical 9-5. I work for the funeral industry, so each day is very different. I meet with families on some of the worst days of their lives. I guide them through. These families put their trust in me to help plan their final arrangements while they are still alive, so they can help take care of their family during these difficult times.
Do you ever do things differently when on your period? If so, can you tell us about that.
My period is very rough on my body, so I will try to set up my days to be less forward facing—more office work where I am not always in front of families. This puts my anxiety at ease knowing I can do my job without having to use energy I might not have for the families. I can’t always plan according to my period though, so on those days, I just have to grin and bare it and help families through their pain as best I can.
How does the Diva Cup fit into your routine when you’re bleeding?
It allows me to be with families or out at funerals for hours at a time without worrying about leaking. This has given me the confidence to do more on my period. It also allows me to see how much I am bleeding so I can have answers for my specialists who help me live with endo.
Any good strategies for emptying your cup when you’re at work/ travelling/ on the go?
I keep wet wipes (like cottonelle or baby wipes) for those times when I am in a public washroom and I can’t wash it properly. It lets me just wipe it down and not have to do it in the sink.
How has your relationship with your period evolved over the years?
I have an in-depth relationship with my period as I got mine when I was 9 and it turned heavy fast. It has always been something I’ve talked to my doctor about, my mom about and other women. As each period has brought different symptoms, I had to adapt and write it all down to help with my diagnoses in my teens.
What are you wearing today? Does your style shift when you’re on your period?
My uniform at work is a 3-piece suit, so I’m wearing that there and then at home, I’m most comfortable in sweats. I still have to wear my uniform when I’m on my period, so work is uncomfortable.
Do you have any rituals that keep you feeling confident and supported during your period?
Allowing myself to have rest—this helps with my crippling cramps. My husband is a great support taking on more tasks so I can lay on the couch and not move.
Finish this sentence: Being on my period means…
Honoring my body’s strength, listening closely to what it needs, and celebrating how far I have come in learning to care for myself with compassion.
One thing you’ve unlearned about periods is…
It’s not normal to have bad cramps. It could be a sign of something else going on.
See Jessica in The Origins of DIVA campaign video here:
