How to master the 4 phases of your menstruation cycle (to feel confident AF)
Periods take us through the motions alright, but have you ever stopped to think about how your cycle might play a role in your life beyond that monthly ‘what am I doing with my life’ dilemma and delicious Ben & Jerry’s binge?
As much as we HATE when people blame our mood swings on our periods, there could be a grain of truth to it. However, it goes much deeper than just a shift in mood.
In today's blog we're flipping what are often thought of as a negative PMS symptoms (mood swings = "crazy", cramps = low energy, bloating = low confidence) and using them to our advantage!
We’re empowering you with the information you need to be the master of your menstruation feels. And to make things simple, we've break up our cycle into four distinct weather seasons.
Menstrual Phase = Winter: Resting, reflecting & menstruating (Day 1 - 6 of menstrual cycle)
We're calling the beginning of your menstrual cycle "Winter" and this is when you are bleeding. Your hormones are at the lowest and your body is busy shedding your endometrium and (the innermost layer of your uterus), and that can leave you feeling more tired than usual. You may find yourself feeling sluggish and craving some much needed alone time. As alike nature, Winter, is time to rest, recover and Netflix binge. But instead of feeling annoyed with ourselves for the lack of energy, we can be allow ourselves this downtime for insightful inner dialogue and reflection.
Tips for Work + Play
While you might not feel up to partaking in debate or going on a date with someone new, this is the best time in your cycle to focus on inner, emotional work. With your body going through a sort-of cleanse and your heightened levels of insight, it’s the best week to schedule in rearranging, simplifying, planning, ideation and reflection to be able to connect with yourself. But it's also important to do rest if that's what your mind and body is craving.
Follicular Phase = Spring: Energetic & thriving (Day 7 - 13 of menstrual cycle)
Once your period ends and you enter the follicular phase, you’ll notice a steep increase in your energy levels, your brain function and your libido, heeeey oh! The increase in Estrogen also makes your skin look brighter, which is a great confidence booster after feeling bloated and sluggish during your period. Overall, you feel energetic and are ready to take on any challenge full speed ahead.
Tips for Work + Play
This phase translates well at work. "Spring" is the time to take life by the balls. Get started on those creatives ideas you had during your winter phase and embrace that internal fire you’ve got bubbling inside you. It’s the perfect time in your cycle to plan meetings, interviews, networking, start new projects and solve problems.
Ovulatory Phase = Summer: Confident goddess (Day 14 - 20 of menstrual cycle)
Summer is your season. You’re ovulating, which means Estrogen and Testosterone are peaking, sending you all the energy you need to wash your hair more than once this week ready for max socialising. During this phase in your cycle your body is preparing for reproduction and as such, you are feeling at your peak attractiveness (even though you're always cute to boot). Your social skills are on fire, and your skin is clear and radiant (thanks, Estrogen). The rise in Testosterone also boosts your libido, so you're feeling sassy and sensual.
Tips for Work + Play
It’s time to play to your confidence. Your social skills, as well as your senses, are heightened, making it the prime time for socialising. That translates well into dating and social life, time to say hello to the cute new neighbour. During summer, your sexual appetite is strong and you may find yourself going harder at Bumble than usual. This is also a good time to have a tricky conversation or to receive critical feedback, as you're feeling enough confident to take this on.
Luteal Phase = Autumn: Self-critical (Day 21 - 28 of menstrual cycle)
The last week before your period starts, Estrogen and Testosterone will begin to decline and Progesterone levels will rise. You may find yourself winding down, becoming more introverted as you draw closer to Winter and menstruation. Alas, what goes up, must come down. Be aware, your confidence levels will drop in this phase as your body starts to bloat and cramp and those pesky, negative thoughts may push out any lingering Summer afterglow. BUT, we all need a little RnR time, especially after a week of being a social butterfly.
Tips for Work + Play
This is the time to edit and hone in on your work. Your self-critical thoughts will do well to pick apart any nuances. Although, sometimes it’s too easy to let your internal self-critic destroy your confidence and undervalue your contributions, remember to turn your negative thoughts into constructive feedback. Its a good time to start planning your monthly introverted tasks as you get closer to your Winter hibernation.
Women are admirably complex beings. While we still have much to learn about our hormones, knowing that our bodies go through these four ‘seasons’ every month will empower us to own our bodies, our confidence and be more empathetic with ourselves.
If you need a pick-me-up during any season, a little retail therapy never hurts. Vee Underwear has got your back and your bits with its ass-entuating design, perfect for your everyday confidence. Shop here.
xx
References:
https://redschool.net/the-inner-seasons-of-the-menstrual-cycle/
https://risingwoman.com/4-archetypes-of-the-female-cycle/
http://www.bbc.com/future/story/20180806-how-the-menstrual-cycle-changes-womens-brains-every-month
