cycle syncing self-care: soft rituals for each phase of your menstrual cycle.
After years of struggling to show up the same way every day despite the affects hormones were affecting my mood, energy and confidence I finally started cycle syncing and it was a life changer. Our hormones change so drastically during our menstrual cycle from the oestrogen peak that fills us with energy during ovulation and the hormone drop during our period that affects serotonin and dopamine which in turn as a huge impact on mood regulation and focus.
Cycle syncing self-care is all about honouring the natural phases of your cycle and responding to what your body actually needs – whether that’s rest, socialisation or more softness. Rather than feeling guilty and exhausted trying to keep up, cycle syncing invites you to slow down and live a little softer with the help of rituals that support you through each phase.
menstrual phase – rest and renewal.
Your cycle starts with day one of your menstrual phase, the winter season within your body. You may feel slightly more low energy during this phase which is 100% normal since you’re literally shedding an organ. This is a perfect time to let some restorative energy take root. Prioritise self-care especially nice bubble baths with epsom salt to soothe your cramps. Gentle movement like yoga and stretching is also really helpful if you’re feeling crampy (although don’t force yourself if you’re not feeling up to it). It’s one of my favourite times in my cycle to do some reflective journaling. This is the time in your cycle where prioritising alone time to relax is so perfect.
follicular phase – growth and creativity.
During the follicular phase, you’ll likely start to feel your motivation kicking in again. The follicular phase is all about putting what we reflected on in the menstrual phase into action. Take whatever you journaled or thought about and start taking some action on those things. Think of this phase like spring, things are slowly starting to wake up again. Have a little space refresh so you feel supported by your environment, make a vision board for your current goals, try a new hobby – this is the time to start something new.
ovulation phase – shine and connect.
Our ovulation phase is really our that girl era. This is the phase in the cycle where we usually feel the most energy. It makes sense that it’s the summer of the cycle. Oestrogen hits it’s peak during ovulation so that means a huge energy and confidence boost. It’s time to take full advantage of this energy. Make those social plans you’ve been putting off. Get creative in whatever way fuels your soul. Put together a new outfit that makes you feel good. Get those high energy workouts in.
Luteal Phase – nurture and grounding.
Finally we reach the luteal phase before it all starts again on day one of the menstrual phase. This truly is the autumn of the cycle. The high energy from ovulation phase will start to dwindle a little towards the middle of your luteal phase. Use this time to tie up any loose ends with projects you’re working on. Give your space a tidy so it’s cosy for later in the cycle. Have yourself a pamper night. Do some calming activities such as colouring or reading. Allow yourself to slow down a little.
Cycle syncing is one of the most powerful things you can do to work with your body rather than against it. It may look slightly different for everyone but once you get to know what your body needs during each phase, you’ll be golden.
Love ya, Cait xo
