Embracing the Power of Our Cycle: A Woman’s Guide to Success and Balance
Welcome back to our blog, inspired by Femisticated Podcast! Today, we’re diving into a topic that every woman (and yes, even men!) should understand – the power of our monthly cycle. In our latest episode, we talked about how women can thrive by embracing their natural rhythms. Let’s take a closer look at how we can use the different phases of our cycle to unlock our full potential, avoid burnout, and live more balanced lives.
Understanding the Cycle: It’s More Than Just “That Time of the Month”
When we think about the menstrual cycle, most of us tend to associate it only with our periods. But there’s so much more happening throughout the month! As women, we experience distinct hormonal shifts that affect not just our reproductive health, but also our energy levels, mood, creativity, and productivity. Unfortunately, many of us never learn to fully appreciate just how powerful this cycle can be.
For years, we didn’t really connect with our bodies in this way, only noticing our cycles when our periods arrived or when we were dealing with reproductive health issues like pregnancy or fertility. But embracing these natural rhythms has been a game-changer. It’s not just about dealing with discomfort—it’s about recognizing the creative, emotional, and physical strengths we possess at different points throughout the month.
And here’s the best part: this information isn’t just helpful for us women! Men can benefit too by understanding how our cycles affect us, which can lead to more supportive and harmonious relationships.
So, let’s walk through each phase and see how we can harness its unique power.
Phase 1: The Follicular Phase (a.k.a. Spring)
We like to call this the “Pretty Woman Walking Down the Street” phase. It’s the first phase of the cycle, starting right after your period, when estrogen levels begin to rise. This hormone, often called the “beauty hormone,” gives us that extra glow, boosts our mood, and increases our energy.
Think of this as the spring of your cycle—a time for new beginnings, fresh ideas, and setting the stage for what’s to come. It’s the perfect time for creative work, brainstorming, and starting new projects. During this phase, we feel more social and confident, making it a great time for networking or attending events.
What to Do During the Follicular Phase:
• Start new projects or creative endeavors.
• Network and attend social events.
• Plan ahead with optimism and enthusiasm.
Phase 2: Ovulation (a.k.a. Summer)
Welcome to the “I’m Sexy and I Know It” phase! Ovulation is the peak of our cycle when our bodies are primed for reproduction. Estrogen is at its highest, and testosterone gets a boost too, making us feel strong, confident, and energetic. Our skin glows, our energy is high, and we feel more attractive.
In this summer phase, everything is in full bloom. It’s the best time to shine! Whether it’s taking on leadership roles, engaging in social activities, or tackling important projects at work, this is when we’re at our most magnetic and productive.
What to Do During the Ovulation Phase:
• Step into leadership roles or give big presentations.
• Be social—network and engage with others.
• Focus on tasks that require confidence and high energy.
Phase 3: Luteal Phase (a.k.a. Autumn)
And now we reach the “Hello from the Other Side” phase. This is where progesterone starts to rise, helping us feel more calm and introspective. Early in this phase, we may feel focused and ready to finish up tasks. However, as it progresses, both progesterone and estrogen levels start to drop, leading to what we all know as PMS.
In this autumn phase, our energy starts to wind down. It’s a good time for reflection, wrapping up projects, and organizing our thoughts. We might feel less social, and that’s okay—it’s a time to finish what we started and prepare for the upcoming period. This isn’t the phase for intense socializing or starting new things, but it’s perfect for completing tasks and taking stock of what’s been accomplished.
What to Do During the Luteal Phase:
• Focus on finishing projects and wrapping up tasks.
• Engage in reflective or analytical work.
• Give yourself permission to slow down and plan for rest.
Phase 4: Menstruation (a.k.a. Winter)
And finally, we arrive at the period phase—our “I See the Shadows in My Room” phase, as Lucia’s son playfully called it. This is when our hormone levels are at their lowest, and our bodies are calling for rest and introspection.
In this winter phase, it’s important to listen to our bodies. It’s a time to retreat, recharge, and reflect. We used to feel pressure to push through this phase and maintain the same level of productivity, but now we understand the value of honoring this time for rest and renewal. It’s also a deeply intuitive phase—many cultures actually consider menstruating women to be more spiritually attuned during this time.
What to Do During the Menstrual Phase:
• Rest and prioritize self-care.
• Reflect on the past month and set intentions for the next cycle.
• Engage in intuitive practices like journaling or meditation.
Why It Matters: Cyclical Living as a Path to Success
Learning to live in harmony with our cycles has been a game-changer. Instead of trying to maintain the same pace every day, we’ve found that recognizing and working with our natural rhythms has helped us avoid burnout, be more productive when it counts, and feel more connected to our bodies.
This isn’t just about personal well-being—it has a big impact on our relationships too. When men understand the cycles that women go through each month, they can become more empathetic and supportive. It’s a win-win for everyone.
Bringing This Awareness Into the Workplace
It’s exciting to see that some companies are already embracing this awareness. For example, Spain recently passed a law giving women three to five days of menstrual leave each month. Other countries and companies are following suit by offering more flexible working conditions during menstruation.
And it’s not just about policies—it’s also about education. Lucia teaches her sons about the different phases of the cycle, helping them understand how they can be supportive. Imagine how much more harmonious families and workplaces could be if boys and men were educated about how women’s cycles affect their energy, mood, and productivity.
At the end of the day, our message is simple: our cycles are not something to be ashamed of—they are a powerful part of who we are. By embracing them, we can live more joyfully, successfully, and in balance. Whether you’re a woman looking to optimize your life around your cycle, or a man eager to better understand the women in your life, this knowledge can lead to healthier, happier relationships and work environments.
Let’s celebrate our cycles, share this awareness, and use this knowledge to make the world a better place—one phase at a time. 🌸
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