Cycle Syncing: How to sync your productivity with your menstrual cycle as a creative
There’s been a lot of hype surrounding cycle syncing, and how to customize it to work in your favor. Over the years, I’ve felt myself yearning for the same answers but didn’t have the proper knowledge up until now. Little did I know, I was actually working against my body and its needs that whole time, instead of properly catering to it throughout the different phases of the month. But like all things, when we know better we do better! So let’s do better, together.
WHAT IS CYCLE SYNCING?
First things first, what is cycle syncing? According to Healthline.com, cycle syncing is when you change lifestyle habits to match the phases of your menstrual cycle. The lifestyle habits that are most talked about as it relates to cycle syncing are habits that surround your diet or exercise routine.
Syncing my cycle with my workouts has been an absolute game-changer for me! I feel like I’m finally collaborating with my body, instead of working separately. I’m understanding the kind of workouts that my body needs while knowing when to take time for rest. This has helped me inch closer to the results I want to see, while before I was working toward my goals but not seeing consistent results.
I’m still working on syncing my diet with my cycle, but for now…a win is a win!
What I will say is that I've found very little information about how to sync my cycle as a creative to help foster productivity while leaving space for rest without feeling guilty.
I don’t know about you, but I never realized how crippling my productivity can be when my menstrual cycle comes into play. I’m going through all the motions, while still attempting to work in the same capacity that I would if I were feeling 100%. Isn’t that wild? We have to learn to make our minds and body work with us so that everything flows in its natural course. Let’s break down what the phases of our cycle are so that we know how to optimize our time and creativity during those moments.
UNDERSTANDING YOUR MENSTRUAL CYCLE PHASES
THE MENSTRUAL PHASE
This phase is also known as bleeding or menstruation. This takes place at the beginning of your cycle (the first day of bleeding), and usually lasts between three to seven days. During this time your energy levels are likely at their lowest.
THE FOLLICULAR PHASE
This phase is when an egg matures in one or more follicles, which are sac-like structures containing fluid that surround an immature egg in the ovary. During this time you may find yourself feeling more tired than usual due to estrogen levels being low.
THE OVULATORY PHASE
On days 13 to 15 (assuming a 28-day cycle), if all goes well with the earlier follicular development, then ovulation will occur at this time (when an egg is released from an ovarian follicle). During this time your hormone levels are at their peak, increasing your energy levels.
THE LUTEAL PHASE
After releasing an egg during ovulation, our bodies release another hormone called progesterone which helps prepare our uterus for pregnancy. During your luteal phase, you may feel more empowered.
SO HOW DO YOU STAY PRODUCTIVE?
Your menstrual phase is optimal for rest, so it's best not to put too much on your plate during this time. Leave yourself room for reflective activities that help you reset and realign with your goals.
Here are a few ways to optimize your productivity during this time:
Journal your thoughts and feelings
Meditate and reflect on your goals & dreams
Stimulate your mind with reading & podcasts
Take mini breaks throughout the day for a walk
Your follicular phase is optimal for restoration after your menstrual cycle, but it's also the time when you may feel most creative. Take this time to think BIG and do all your brainstorming.
Here are a few ways to optimize your productivity during this time:
Plan out your goals & create a clear strategy to execute
Take time to work on your budget and finances
Take time to declutter your inbox
Tackle projects you've been procrastinating on
Your ovulatory phase is optimal for doing all your in-person networking and coffee dates with friends! During this time, you'll feel super social and ready to get back into the world. Don't let this time go to waste, as your focus and communication will be strong.
Here are a few ways to optimize your productivity during this time:
Get out & network with likeminded people
Get in front of the camera & record content
Work in a cute cafe instead of at home
Pitch yourself for your dream brand partnerships
Your luteal phase is optimal for getting ish done. During this time, you'll feel the urge to organize your plans and your environment. You'll receive the strength needed to cross things off your to-do list and really get in motion.
Here are a few ways to optimize your productivity during this time:
Do some mind-mapping to re-align with self
Clean & organize your space to give it a refresh
Batch create your content and schedule it all out
Get rid of any products or items that are expired
I hope these tips have you feeling excited and motivated to implement them throughout your cycle to look and feel like your best self. As a creative, it can be difficult to remain focused and productive when your cycle is going through all the motions, but now you have a guide to help you through it.
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