Making The Most of Your Natural Cycle
Aiko 
The key to making the most of your natural cycle is understanding it.
There's no getting around it: your natural menstrual cycle influences your day-to-day life. But that doesn't mean you have to let it dictate your every move. There are plenty of ways to make the most of your cycle, not only your menstrual cycle, there is a cycle in life, in the year, in the day. We are cyclical beings. But let's focus on your menstrual cycle.
I'm going to share some tips on how you can take advantage of the different stages of your menstrual cycle, from understanding your moods and energy levels to using them to your advantage in the bedroom. Keep reading to learn more!
Understanding Your Natural Cycle
The menstrual cycle is something that affects all women, but it's often a topic that's considered taboo. We're taught from a young age to be ashamed of our periods and to keep quiet about them. But the menstrual cycle is a natural process that happens every month, and it's something we should be proud of.
The key to making the most of your natural cycle is understanding it! Each woman's cycle is unique, and there's no "right" or "wrong" way to experience it. But by paying attention to the changes your body goes through each month, you can learn to work with your cycle instead of against it.
For example, during your luteal phase, your body is preparing for ovulation. So this is the time to focus on healing and restoration, using gentle skin care products and eating foods that are healthy for your body. During your follicular phase, on the other hand, your body is gearing up for ovulation. So this is the time to focus on boosting your energy levels and adding more stimulating activities to your day-to-day routine.
I speak more in detail about all the phases of the menstrual cycle here.
The Benefits of Synchronizing With Your Cycle
There are so many benefits to synchronizing your daily routine with your natural menstrual cycle. When you do things in harmony with your body, you're working with it, rather than against it, your natural tendencies. This can lead to a more balanced and fulfilling life, both physically and emotionally.
One of the best ways to take advantage of your natural cycle is by syncing up your daily routine with the four phases of your menstrual cycle. During the follicular phase, your inner spring, you want to focus on activities that energize you. This is the time to go for a run, hit the gym, or get out in nature.
The luteal phase, which starts after ovulation, your inner autumn, is all about winding down and taking it easy. During this time, it's best to stick to gentle workouts like yoga or Pilates, and favor relaxing activities like reading and being creative.
By following this advice, you can naturally align your body and mind with the ebbs and flows of your cycle, creating a more harmonious daily routine.
The Impact of Hormones on Mood and Productivity
Hormones have a significant impact on mood and productivity. We all know that feeling of being on top of the world when our hormones are balanced and we're in sync with our natural cycle—but unfortunately, that feeling doesn't always last.
There are times when our hormones can work against us, leading to feelings of fatigue, stress, and even depression. This is especially true during the premenstrual phase and right before our period. It's important to be aware of these fluctuations to make the most of our menstrual cycle.
Here are a few tips for making the most of your menstrual cycle:
- Plan your most demanding tasks for the times of the month when you feel most energetic
- Take some time for yourself during the premenstrual phase and menstrual phase
- Pay attention to your body and listen to what it needs
Using Biohacking to Maximize Natural Cycles
So, how do you make the most of your natural cycle? One way is to use biohacking to maximize your natural cycles. Biohacking is the practice of using technology and biological methods to improve your physical and mental performance and well-being.
To get the most out of your menstrual cycle, biohacking can involve incorporating tech-driven tools such as apps, wearables, and supplements into your lifestyle. For example, you could use a circadian rhythm tracking app to monitor sleep, energy levels, and hormones throughout the day; a wearable device that tracks activity; or supplements that can help support a healthy brain and body.
Of course, journaling with your handwriting is also great. That's actually what I'm doing, personally. But I'm very aware of how helpful can be to use technology if you're not a "journal person".
Additionally, biohacking can also include lifestyle changes that are designed to optimize well-being such as diet shifts, exercising at specific times, getting enough daylight exposure each day, and focusing on mental health practices like mindfulness or therapeutic activities.
By using tech methods alongside lifestyle changes in combination with natural cycles, you can maximize your performance and well-being in ways that come naturally to you!
Leveraging Lifestyle Tactics to Optimize Your Cycle
You can also think of the natural rhythms of your cycle as an opportunity to optimize. By leveraging lifestyle tactics, you can use your cycle to hack into your body’s natural energy ebb and flow.
For instance, if you're more productive when you're groggy in the morning and experience a crash in the afternoon, plan to do work that requires more mental energy in the morning and save less intense tasks (like stretching or reading) for later on.
You can also choose activities to suit each stage of your cycle. When it’s time for ovulation, a period of fertility and heightened creativity, take advantage and create something new! Similarly, take care to be gentle with yourself during menstruation—allow yourself to rest or take it slow when needed.
Overall, by learning how to harness the different phases of your cycle, you can make the most out of each month and use these natural rhythms as motivation rather than an obstacle.
Making the Most of Your Cycle With Self-Care
Making the most of your menstrual cycle involves more than just tracking. You should also make sure to take time for some self-care during different parts of your cycle.
For example, during the follicular phase, when estrogen levels are rising, try some stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation. Or do something creative like painting or writing. This is a great time to be active and will give you that extra kick of energy and motivation to focus on getting things done.
In the luteal phase, when progesterone levels are at their peak, it's a great time to slow down and focus on relaxation and nourishment. Pamper yourself with a massage, take an herbal bath, or read a book — whatever makes you feel replenished and restored!
Finally, during the menstrual phase, it's helpful to do activities that ground you like yoga, or journaling. This can help foster acceptance and gratitude for your body during this time. By tuning into these practices throughout your cycle, you can have a greater appreciation for all that your body does for you year-round!
Conclusion
It all comes down to understanding your natural menstrual cycle and working with it, not against it. So, how can you make the most of your natural cycle?
One way is to track your menstrual cycle. This can help you to better understand your body, and it can also help you to plan your life around your cycle. For example, if you know that you are more productive during the first half of your cycle, you can use that knowledge to your advantage.
So in order to make the most of your natural cycle is very important to listen to your body. If you are feeling tired or run down, take some time to rest. If you are feeling energetic, go for a run or do some other type of activity. And, finally, remember that you are not your cycle—you are so much more than that.
Categories: : Female Emtrepreneurs, Inner Seasons, Menstrual Cycle, Menstrual Harmony
