Many people would never guess that I am a nerd when it comes to science and psychology! It’s something about knowing and learning about the human body and mind that lights me up. I do believe that men and women need each other. But I also believe that we were created differently, in many ways for many reasons. Our bodies and mental makeup are two areas men and women differ.
Think about the daily work cycle in most of society as we know it, today. It peaks in the beginning of the day and drops lowest in the evening, much like men’s testosterone levels throughout the day. Men can pretty much do the same things day in and day out, like exercise – work – eat – and chill out without burnout, they thrive when there’s a daily routine scheduled. Us ladies, on the other hand, crash and burn. Our bodies operate totally different! Learn how to break free from reactivity https://settingthefoundation.com/aligned-and-empowered-3-ways-to-break-free-from-reactivity/
Ever heard the saying “this is a man’s world?” Well, this idea is connected to that phrase. This shows how a man’s body is organized by one cycle, the circadian rhythm. The circadian rhythm is your body’s natural 24 hour time keeper and it helps regulate your physical, mental, emotional well being, and behavior.
But it ain’t nothing without a woman!
Women have two internal time cycles, whereas men only have one. In addition to the circadian rhythm, women also have the infradian rhythm. This cycle is experienced roughly over a 28-32 days each month. It helps regulates our immune system, ovulatory system, metabolism, microbiome (gut-related), brain health , and many other response systems in our bodies. Given that a woman’s body is driven by the circadian rhythm and infradian rhythm, it makes sense that women’s body’s function differently than men over the course of a month. This is reason why men and women should not live the same.
Infradian rhythm and cycle syncing
It’s so important for a woman to change up her daily routine over the course of a month according to her cycle. Women truly feel and function at our best when living, eating, and exercising in sync with our natural cycle.
This past month, I took 6 days off to rest. I’m used to heavy, achy cycles and always being on the go. Lately I have made it my business to adjust to my infradian rhythm and not only do I see a difference, I feel a difference as well. My life has done a complete 180 since I’ve learned to organize and balance my life around my body’s natural flow.
Your infradian cycle starts on the very first day of your period. There are four phases as listed below and when practiced properly you can expect mood improvement, reduced period symptoms, better energy, better sleep, better hormone balance, and overall more balance and beauty throughout your life.
- Mensuration phase- day 1-7
During this time your estrogen, progestogen, and testosterone levels all drop causing low energy. There’s an internal cleansing and renewal going on with your uterine line shedding. The fact that this happens every single month throughout a woman’s lifetime, blows my mind! Rest and recharge over the length of your period. Use this time toward journaling, creative visualization, and sleep. Eating foods healthy in iron and omega 3 like chia seeds, walnuts, spinach, and lentils support hormonal balance. Warm ginger and turmeric tea help to ease cramps. Stick to light movements for workouts like yoga or walking. Restorative practices such as deep breathing and meditation are ideal during this down time. Let me remind you, rest is productive and necessary.
- Follicular phase- day 8-15
Welcome to new beginnings, every month. Here is where your energy and creativity thrives as your estrogen levels begin to rise. So start the new project or task, complete creative work, or problem solve. Think – fresh fruits and leafy greens to fuel your increasing energy levels. Avocado, quinoa, and berries will do the trick! With increasing energy levels comes high energy workouts. Use this time in your cycle to try new group classes, introduce your body to some HIIT (high intensity interval training), or weight training.
- Ovulatory phase- day 16-23
Your body is geared for connection during this phase sis! So get up and get out of the house. Find something to do. Here, your hormones peak and it’s the perfect time for social connections. Your body is primed full of confidence and high energy. I can almost guarantee your skin is glowing! Pencil in the meetings and attend those networking events. High fiber and antioxidant rich foods support your increased energy levels and are key for you to push it to the max during your workouts. Your body can handle it and it will thank you for it in a few days!
- Luteal phase- 24-32
Now it’s time for our hormones to get even more wacky. Here your estrogen levels will decrease as your testosterones levels increase. After ovulation your body is getting ready to either, be pregnant or have your next menstrual cycle. Wrap up lose ends to any tasks and projects you may have started earlier in the month. Plan and organize for the upcoming month or months ahead. Add in some complex carbs to your diet to help decrease sugar cravings. Sweet potatoes, brown rice, and oatmeal are a few complex carbs, for starters. Dark chocolate and nuts help you to ramp up your magnesium intake to fight premenstrual symptoms. Look for 100% cacao not cocoa. Healthy fats and proteins like chicken or fish keep your energy stable. Moderate to low workouts help you wind down and get prepared for your upcoming flow.
Ease and Flow
I can’t stress enough, do what works best for you, always! I’m a fan of trying anything once if it will help me to live a well balanced, happy, and healthy life. By aligning your life with each phase of your cycle, you allow yourself to increase productivity, maintain hormonal balance, and get more in tune with your body. Test it out for yourself and meet me in the comment section. I’d love to know how this information worked out for you!
