I've been delving deep into the world of cycle syncing and seasonal/cyclical living lately, and it's been blowing my mind! It’s been reminding me just how INCREDIBLE women's bodies are, and wow, what a joy it is to be a woman!
In case you didn’t know, if you are a woman, you have natural ebbs and flows to your energy each month, much like the changing seasons.
Women typically run on an infradian rhythm, a 28-day cycle, give or take a few days. And guess what? These energy ebbs and flows aren’t just random occurrences; they are very predictable and can be aligned with the four seasons. Understanding and syncing with these phases can help you optimize your health, energy, and overall well-being.
The Four Phases of Your Cycle
Menstrual Phase: Your Inner Winter
Duration: Usually days 1-6 of your cycle.
What's Happening: This phase begins with the first day of your period and lasts until bleeding stops. Hormone levels are at their lowest, and the uterine lining sheds.
Energy and Mood: Just as winter is a time for rest and reflection, the menstrual phase is a time to slow down and conserve energy. You might feel more introspective and crave solitude.
Mental and Emotional: You experience heightened communication between both sides of your brain and a clearer perception of reality. It’s a time to recognize and release what no longer serves you.
Moving your Body: Rest and gentle activities like yoga or walking. It’s a time for rest, reflection and replenishing.*
Follicular Phase: Your Inner Spring
Duration: Usually days 7-12 of your cycle.
What's Happening: The body prepares for ovulation. Estrogen levels rise, leading to increased energy and improved mood.
Energy and Mood: Like spring, this phase is a time of renewal and growth. You’ll likely feel more energetic, optimistic, and ready to start new projects.
Mental and Emotional: It’s a time to cuddle, connect and create.* You may feel like you have more capacity for people and outward-facing activities and may also feel like keeping to yourself more. Listen to your body’s cues and go with it!
Moving your Body: High-energy workouts like cardio and strength training. It’s a great time to take on new challenges.
Ovulatory Phase: Your Inner Summer
Duration: Usually days 13-16 of your cycle.
What's Happening: Ovulation occurs, and an egg is released. Estrogen peaks, and testosterone levels rise briefly, enhancing confidence and libido.
Energy and Mood: Just as summer is a time of peak energy and activity, you’ll likely feel at your best during ovulation - flirty, fertile & fabulous.* Your confidence and sociability are at their highest. Social engagements, public speaking, and networking will probably feel really good in this phase as your energy and charisma are at their peak.
Moving your Body: High-energy workouts like cardio, strength training and HIITs, maybe a group class, are all going to feel good.
Luteal Phase: Your Inner Fall
Duration: Usually days 17-28 of your cycle.
What's Happening: Progesterone rises to prepare the body for a potential pregnancy, and if the egg isn’t fertilized, hormone levels will eventually drop, leading to menstruation.
Energy and Mood: Like fall, this phase is a time for winding down and preparing for the next cycle. You might feel more introspective and detail-oriented so home-related projects and tasks like deep cleaning areas and preparing your space may feel more appealing during this time. It’s similar to the third trimester nesting and burst of energy to prepare for baby that a pregnant woman feels. Prep, projects and peace* are the name of the game in this phase.
Moving your Body: Moderate exercise like pilates, intense yoga or slow jogging can help with mood stability.
Embrace the Seasons Within
You can harness the power of your body’s rhythms by understanding and aligning your lifestyle with these natural cycles. Just as nature thrives through the changing seasons, you too can flourish by embracing the unique energies and needs of each phase of your cycle.
An easy starting point? Start tracking your cycle - there are a million and one apps you can use that makes this easy. Stardust, Clue, and Glow have been some of my faves.
Start noticing how you feel each day and in each phase. Experiment with adjusting your movement and activities according to the energy of each phase and see how your body responds. Get curious!
Remember, there is such wisdom and beauty in each particular phase. One is not necessarily “better” or more “superior” than the other - so keep that in mind as you begin to observe the differences.
Have an irregular or even nonexistent cycle? Maybe you’re postpartum and your period hasn’t returned yet or maybe you’re dealing with health issues that have your cycle out of whack. Stay tuned for Part 2 on Lunar Anchoring where I’ll chat about a great framework to help you “cycle-synch” even without a regular cycle!
Happy synching!
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Other helpful resources: My friend and personal coach Beth from Rosewood Woman has been providing me with so much incredible insight on all things cycle synching, feminine biology, and business from a holistic perspective. Go give her a follow on instagram (@rosewoodwoman), listen to her podcast (The Freely Feminine podcast), and check out her offerings here.
*These little catchphrases for the four phases are her creative genius! Her cycle synching course is packed FULL of so much wisdom!
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