Cyclical Living
- A guide on how to live in tune with the cycles of your body
Cyclical living aligns us with the natural hormonal and menstrual cycles that shape our lives as women. It involves adapting our lifestyle, work, and self-care practices to the ebbs and flows of the menstrual cycle, embracing that our energy, focus, and needs change throughout the month.
The menstrual cycle is divided into four phases—menstruation, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. During menstruation, our bodies require extra rest and self-nurturing. The follicular phase, marked by rising energy levels, is a great time to start new projects and dive into creative work. The ovulatory phase, when energy peaks, is often a time when we feel more social and can do high focus work. The luteal phase, characterized by a shift towards introspection, is a time for reflection and self-care.
By understanding and respecting our cyclical nature, we can enhance our well-being and foster a deeper connection with our bodies and with Mother Nature. Tuning into our unique cycle, we can embrace rest and self-care when needed and harness periods of peak energy for more demanding tasks.
Image Rupi Kaur
“How might it have been different for you if on your first menstrual day, your mother had given you a bouquet of flowers and taken you to lunch, and then the two of you had gone to meet your father at the jeweller, where your ears were pierced, and your father bought you your first pair of earrings, and then you went with a few of your friends and your mother's friends to get your first lip coloring; then you went, for the very first time, to the Women's lodge, to learn the wisdom of women? How might your life be different?” -Judith Duerk
Cycle Tracking
Cycle tracking is a powerful method to begin to understand our body's signals during each phase, such as our energy levels, mood changes, emotions, and cravings.
It’s generally recommended to start tracking on the first day of menstruation. Write down your physical symptoms and your emotions and thoughts. Once you have a consistent practice you will start to notice the shifts in each phase of your cycle, empowering you to structure your daily life in a way that honors your cyclical nature.
The Four Phases
Menstrual Phase (3-7 days)
-Lower levels of energy.
-Opt for gentle practices such as yin yoga & restorative.
-Prioritise rest.
-Focus on eating nourishing and warming foods.
Follicular Phase (6-10 days)
- Embrace increased energy and creativity.
- Engage in more intense workouts, exploring new physical activities.
- Focus on projects that require innovation and strategic thinking..
Ovulatory Phase (3 days)
- Leverage peak energy and social skills.
- Plan social events, collaborations, and networking.
- Opt for balanced and nutritious meals to support heightened metabolism.
Luteal Phase (10-14 days)
- Prioritize self-care and relaxation.
- Choose lower-intensity exercises like yoga or walking.
- Adjust your schedule to accommodate potential mood fluctuations.
Continue to reassess and redefine your habits and lifestyle choices to support your body’s needs throughout your cycle. Your body will not only thank you, but you will feel so empowered knowing exactly how to support yourself in every phase of your life.