Seasons: adding cycle syncing to my Work / Private calendar

This came up in a few coaching sessions so I decided to share how I do it. This was inspired by reading Womancode by Alisa Vitti, recommended by one of my roommates in college! Any questions, email me at dina@majorconfusions.com. 

How it serves me?

Of course, I can’t control when I schedule EVERYTHING! But, sometimes, I have a choice. For example, when I meet up with new people, or when to schedule a workshop for work where I have to be extra extroverted. And given that my period changes how I feel, I look at my calendar and increase my chances of ‘success’ by syncing it to my period. 

It’s fun. Sometimes, it’s also validating. I could be feeling a bit meh, and think okay - yup, it does make sense. Sometimes, I’m wrong and it makes me think “what else is contributing to this?” 

Of course, there are more tech savvy ways to do this and more sophisticated apps that do better predictions such as Natural Cycles. But this works for me! Because I want it to be a rough signal vs. exact science. 

Winter phase (1-7) - Rest & Reflection

  • Nutrition: Focus on warm, nourishing foods that are easy to digest. Include iron-rich foods to replenish what's lost during menstruation.

    • Examples: Bone broth, beets, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale), red meat (if you're not vegetarian or vegan), lentils, and quinoa. Also, incorporate foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids like salmon or chia seeds to help with inflammation.

  • Exercise: Opt for gentle, low-impact activities.

    • Examples: Walking, yoga, or stretching. It's a time for rest, so listen to your body.

  • Social and Self-Care: Prioritize rest and reflection. Solo activities or quiet time with close friends or family can be beneficial.

Spring (6-14) - Social, Energetic and Creative

  • Nutrition: Your body is preparing for ovulation, requiring more energy. Focus on foods that support estrogen production and energy.

    • Examples: Fresh fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. Include foods high in vitamin E like almonds and avocados. Fermented foods like yogurt and kimchi can also support gut health and hormone balance.

      • Leafy green vegetables

      • Flaxseeds and pumpkin seeds

      • Avocado

      • Broccoli

      • Nuts/seed mix

      • Probiotic yogurt

      • Olive oil

      • Zucchini

      • Fish (Salmon)

  • Exercise: Your energy levels start to rise, making it a good time for more dynamic and challenging workouts.

    • Examples: Cardio, strength training, and dynamic yoga or Pilates.

      • HIIT (high-intensity interval training)

      • Boxing

      • Strength training

      • Swimming

      • Running

      • Hiking

  • Social and Self-Care: You might feel more outgoing and open to new experiences. It's a great time for brainstorming and starting new projects

    • Brainstorming and planning

    • Try new things

    • Socializing

Summer (15-21) - Social, confident and decisions

  • Nutrition: Emphasize foods that support hormonal balance and energy. This includes high-fiber foods to assist in hormone regulation and plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables for antioxidants.

    • Examples: Continue with berries, flaxseeds, and other fiber-rich foods for hormone balance. Incorporate lean proteins like fish or chicken, and focus on hydrating foods like cucumber and watermelon to support overall hydration.

      • Quinoa

      • Eggs

      • Kale

      • Tomatoes

      • Flaxseeds & pumpkin seeds

      • Fruits: Berries, citrus fruits, papaya

      • Leafy green vegetables

      • Wholegrain: bread, pasta, rice

  • Exercise: This is still a great time for high-intensity workouts due to the high energy levels. Engage in activities that also promote connection and enjoyment.

    • Examples: Group fitness classes, dance, or sports that you enjoy and that allow for social interaction can be particularly rewarding during this phase.

  • Social and Self-Care: With heightened communication skills and potentially increased libido, it's beneficial to engage in social activities and prioritize relationships. It's also a prime time for creative projects and collaboration. The ovulation phase is the peak moment of your mindset. You will feel more confident and magnetic. Completely utilize this moment to indulge in:

    • Socializing

    • Public speaking

    • Planning and prepping

    • Collaborations

    • Examples: Organize get-togethers, attend social events, or plan date nights. Collaborative projects at work or in personal hobbies can also be very fulfilling.

Autumn (21-28) - Solo activities & reflection

  • Nutrition: Cravings may increase as your body prepares for menstruation. Focus on complex carbohydrates and calcium-rich foods to help manage PMS symptoms.

    • Examples: Sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oats for complex carbs. Broccoli, kale, and almonds for calcium. Magnesium-rich foods like dark chocolate and pumpkin seeds can also help with cravings and mood swings

      • Lentils

      • Dark chocolate

      • Caffeine-free herbal teas

      • Sesame seeds

      • Spinach

      • Brown rice

      • Protein(tofu, chicken, lean meats, fish)

      • Berries

      • Fruits (Apple)

  • Exercise: As energy levels begin to decrease, switch to moderate activities.

    • Examples: Light jogging, brisk walking, or low-impact aerobics. Gentle yoga or Pilates can also be beneficial for easing premenstrual symptoms.

      • Yoga

      • Strength training (light)

      • Pilates

      • Low-intensity cardio

  • Social and Self-Care: You might start to feel more inward-focused. It's a good time for solo activities, wrapping up projects, and self-reflection. During the luteal phase, you might be feeling more fatigued and less sociable. Your mind is also more prone to experiencing anxiety and overthinking.
    This is the best moment to indulge in:

    • Planning

    • Project preparations

    • Self analyzing