We are constantly pushed to be more productive, efficient, and organized. So, we promise ourselves that we will get more done and catch up on our tasks, but lo and behold – just when menstruation arrives, our energy and drive hit rock bottom.
However, let’s look at it differently: What if our bodies are clearly telling us that we need to manage our energy wisely and invest it where it’s currently needed most? And that doesn’t necessarily have to be in unanswered emails.
The female body undergoes a regular cycle. Luckily, this cycle is very predictable – it has four phases during which the levels of sex hormones fluctuate significantly. As a result, our energy, mood, and even physical and mental well-being change naturally throughout each month.
What are the individual phases of the cycle?
- Follicular Phase
After menstruation ends, the follicular phase begins. This lasts about 10–14 days during which the egg gradually matures and the body prepares for ovulation. It’s a time of new beginnings – we are full of energy, active, and creative.
Tip: Plan, implement, create! Now is the right time to be proactive, try new things, or kick off a dream project.
- Ovulatory Phase
Ovulation is the peak of the female cycle. The egg matures over 3–4 days, is released, and is ready for conception. With increasing enthusiasm and vitality, sexual desire also grows; we become social, subconsciously seek contact, and are reportedly more attractive.
Tip: Have a dinner for two, organize a gathering with friends, or take a trip together. Support your body with foods rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and iron to enhance (not just) hormonal health.
- Luteal Phase
10–14 days after ovulation is the phase when the body prepares the uterine lining for a fertilized egg. We may notice a slight drop in energy; this is a time when we turn inward, and we might feel a bit anxious or irritable.
Tip: Allow yourself some calm and minimize stress. Breathing exercises, nature walks, or meditation can help relieve tension.
- Menstrual Phase
If fertilization doesn’t occur, menstruation begins. Bleeding usually lasts 4–7 days and can be accompanied by overall fatigue, exhaustion, and for many women, pain and discomfort. During this phase, we should be especially kind to ourselves, avoid overexertion, and rest adequately.
Tip: A good cup of tea, self-care, gentle yoga, and peaceful evenings with a book or a series are ideal – they help you relax and recharge.
Finding a balance between the pace set by society and respecting the needs of your own body may not be easy at first, but it is certainly not impossible.
If your “days” are associated with pain, it’s time to stop and look for the cause. Take time for appropriate pelvic floor care, reduce stress, and breathe. Menstruation, ovulation, and sexual experiences should not be painful. Pain is a signal that our bodies clearly send us to reflect on changes in self-care.
The pelvic floor is also a barometer of emotions. If you are under stress for a long time, forget to breathe, and are tense – you fall into a vicious cycle of pain, fatigue, and loss of energy. Therefore, it’s important to regularly nurture your pelvic floor.
Just like nature, we also operate in cycles. The alternation between active and restful phases is natural for us, and one cannot exist without the other: to shine, be energetic, creative, and vital, we need to be calm, relaxed, and rested. In the spirit of the saying, “To be your best, first you must rest.
