Let’s discuss the beautiful world of cycle syncing—a practice that can transform the way you navigate your monthly cycle. I only recently adopted this practice in my life & I can already feel and see the benefits of it. 

What is Cycle Syncing?

Cycle syncing is the practice of adapting your lifestyle habits to fit the four phases of your menstrual cycle. By alerting your workout routine, diet, sex life, and even your skin & hair care routine (+more) you can better support the hormonal changes that your body goes through each month. 

Just a heads up, this post is simply a brief overview of each cycle with some benefits and resources listed below. As I learn more, I plan to share in-depth information about each phase along with recipes and tips.

Embracing Your Inner Rhythms

As women, our bodies are blessed with a unique superpower: our menstrual cycle. It’s not just about those few days of bleeding; it’s a monthly journey through different phases, each with its own gifts and challenges. With cycle syncing, you can work with the natural ebb and flow of your body to enhance your well-being.

Phase 1: Menstruation – Rest and Renewal

Day one of your cycle marks the start of your menstrual phase. Instead of seeing it as a burden, think of it as an invitation to pause. Your body is shedding what it no longer needs. Honor it by resting, nourishing yourself with warm, comforting foods, and engaging in gentle movement like yoga or walks.

Phase 2: Follicular – Creative Energy

As you transition into the follicular phase, your energy begins to rise like the first blooms of spring. This is the perfect time to tackle tasks that require creativity and innovation. Fuel your body with fresh, vibrant foods, and embrace activities that inspire you.

Phase 3: Ovulation – Peak Vitality

Ovulation is your time to shine! Your energy and confidence soar. Use this phase to connect with others, both socially and romantically. Load up on nutrient-rich foods to support your vitality, and engage in workouts that make you feel strong and empowered.

Phase 4: Luteal – Self-Care and Reflection

As you enter the luteal phase, your body may appreciate a little extra self-care. Your energy begins to wane, so opt for calming activities like meditation or gentle stretching. Nourish your body with foods rich in magnesium, like leafy greens and dark chocolate, to ease any premenstrual symptoms.

The Benefits of Cycle Syncing

Enhanced Productivity: By aligning your tasks with your natural energy levels, you can boost productivity and reduce stress. Knowing what you are capable of during each phase can help you set boundaries to decrease burnout. 

Hormonal Harmony: By eating certain foods during each phase that supports various processes happening in your body, it can help regulate hormones and ease menstrual symptoms like cramps, acne, and mood swings.

Improved Relationships: Understanding your cycle can enhance communication with loved ones and partners, making for healthier relationships. Aligning our calendars with our cycles would be ideal but it’s definitely not practical. Use this knowledge as a tool to be gentle with yourself if you feel like you need to stay home vs hanging out with loved ones. 

Optimized Nutrition: Tailoring your diet to your cycle’s needs ensures you receive the right nutrients at the right times. Our bodies are constantly working. Focusing on certain foods or cooking styles can help support our bodies and even ease digestive issues. 

Greater Self-Awareness: Cycle syncing encourages mindfulness and self-reflection, deepening your connection with your body. Use each phase as a time to self-evaluate what you need to prioritize in order to help support your overall well-being. 

What Cycle Syncing Isn’t:

This isn’t a strict meal plan or rule you NEED to follow each cycle. Life happens. By following cycle syncing method, you are hopefully more aware of the different needs your body is going through. If you don’t consume ALL of the foods recommended for your cycle phase you will be fine. If you consume foods or do physical activity that is not encourage for your cycle phase, you will be fine. For each phase there are suggested guidelines to help you feel optimize during each phase, not written in stone rules. At the end of the day, you have to do what is best and most sustainable during your phase of life.

Resources for Your Journey

To delve deeper into the world of cycle syncing, here are some resources I recommend:

 “Meals She Eats” by Rachael & Tom Sullivan: A quick guide to start cycle syncing + delicious recipes, beneficial information to help you feel empowered to take control of your cycle and cute stories about the sweet couple. 

Tracking Apps: I personally use Natural Cycles to help track moods, symptoms, sexual activity, and basal body temperature. I enjoy this app because it can present all information in an easy to read chart at the end of each cycle + it can help predict ovulation and period. For a more in-depth look at how my body is functioning, I use the Creighton Model fertility tracking to monitor the quality of my cervical mucus. This helps me to determine if I am actually in certain phases of my cycle or if something is off. 

I will go over each phase in depth in future blog posts. I hope this brief overview and breakdown of cycle syncing peaked your interest. Remember, as women, our body’s rhythms are a source of wisdom and power. I hope you feel a sense of empowerment to embrace cycle syncing, to help you live in harmony with your body in order to flourish. Together, let’s celebrates the beautiful, ever-changing tapestry of womanhood.

With love and wellness,

Beth 🌼🌿

Sources:

Baker, F. C., & Driver, H. S. (2007). Circadian rhythms, sleep, and the menstrual cycle. Sleep medicine, 8(6), 613–622. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2006.09.011 (https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sleep.2006.09.011)

D’Eon, T., & Braun, B. (2002). The roles of estrogen and progesterone in regulating carbohydrate and fat utilization at rest and during exercise. Journal of women’s health & gender-based medicine, 11(3), 225–237. https://doi.org/10.1089/152460902753668439 (https://doi.org/10.1089/152460902753668439)

Escalante Pulido, J. M., & Alpizar Salazar, M. (1999). Changes in insulin sensitivity, secretion and glucose effectiveness during menstrual cycle. Archives of medical research, 30(1), 19–22. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0188-0128(98)00008-6 (https://doi.org/10.1016/s0188-0128(98)00008-6)