What to do (internally): Internally Thriving
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This is your complete guide to everything going on inside your head. Whether introverted or extroverted, our desires for social interaction and get-‘er-done attitudes all ebb and flow the same way throughout our cycle. Today, let’s look at what we “should” (I use that loosely) be doing to feed our internal needs and why we all seem to be marching along to the same (or at least similar) drums in this regard!
SAY IT WITH ME: I AM NOT A DOCTOR OR NURSE. I HAVE NO QUALIFICATIONS MEDICALLY NOR SHOULD ANYTHING I SAY BE TAKEN AS MEDICAL ADVICE! I AM NOT A PERSONAL TRAINER OR A DIETICIAN EITHER – SAME THING APPLIES! ANYTHING I STATE WILL BE REFERENCED TO WHERE I FOUND THE INFORMATION OR IS STRICTLY BASED ON MY OWN EXPERIENCE BUT MAY NOT BE APPLICABLE TO ALL READERS DUE TO VARYING CIRCUMSTANCES!
Menstruation (~days 1-6)
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: evaluate, reflect, rest/sleep more
WHY:
-progesterone and estrogen dips deplete your serotonin levels which = exhaustion
-amount of sleep will vary (7-9 hours is average but dependent on quality, discomfort, or insomnia) – LISTEN TO YOUR BODY!
WHAT:
-go for walks
-take a bath
-read
-do some baking
Follicular (~days 7-12)
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: be creative!
WHY:
-estrogen is rising
WHAT:
-painting or other art
-writing/journaling
-photography
-knitting/crocheting
Ovulatory (~days 13-17)
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: increase communication / social activities
WHY:
-estrogen & luteinizing hormones are making us feel better and have more energy; they maximize the way our body operates
-this is what your body was MADE to do (as I mentioned on Day 3, the main event!) so it makes sense that this is when we would feel our best! (this affirmation is courtesy of Anna Speirs, RN who helped me greatly with this course)
WHAT:
-get coffee with friends
-go for drinks
-connect with new people
-get out to community events
Luteal (~days 18-28)
WHAT YOU SHOULD DO: reflect
WHY:
-your body naturally wants to slow down in case you are pregnant
WHAT:
-organizing things
-planning a trip
-think back on how a presentation went
-reading
This is just a very brief overlay of what is going to come the most naturally to you throughout your cycle. It will vary from person to person but, generally, you will find that these things are the most life-giving and lead you to feeling more accomplished. Remember to always have grace with yourself because your body is doing amazing things at every moment! Listen to what it is telling you because it will naturally lead you through the stages of your cycle.
Another thing you may notice is the similarities between the Menstruation & Luteal phases and the Follicular & Ovulatory phases. Essentially, you will FEEL like your cycle is split into two halves with perhaps the exception of a couple, minor things. For Menstruation & Luteal things will feel slower, more reflective, and recovery-focused. The Follicular & Ovulatory phases will make you feel your best – physically and emotionally!
