How to Embrace the Cycle Syncing Method to Be a Better Mom
Lately, you may have heard the term “cycle syncing method” floating around the internet. Whether you’re following a health and wellness expert or time management guru, cycle syncing may be a topic of conversation.
I discovered the cycle syncing method back in 2018, at a time when I was exhausted and in desperate need to simplify my life and regain control. No amount of time blocking and scheduling out my days seemed to bring relief. I was also working to conquer the anxiety and panic attacks I’d been experiencing, and more than anything, I just wanted to feel like me again. And to feel like I was winning at the daily demands of a busy stay-at-home mom.
What is the Cycle Syncing Method?
First, let’s take a moment to dive into what it is. Cycle syncing is a holistic approach to time management. It aligns daily activities and self-care practices with your monthly cycle’s natural hormonal fluctuations. As our hormonal levels shift into the four distinct phases of our menstrual cycle, our strengths and abilities also shift.
It was a lightbulb moment! All this time, I was trying to manage my energy in a 24-hour day (masculine cycle). I was completely missing the beauty of following my own biological rhythm. The 28-day cycle my female body was designed to thrive in!
Read on to learn more about the breakdown of the four-cycle phases and how to honor their distinct characteristics. Harness the intentionality and feminine energy you’ve felt just beneath the surface, but haven’t been able to tap into?
Understanding Your Menstrual Cycle
There are four distinct phases of your 28(ish) day cycle: Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal phases. Each phase is characterized by different hormonal patterns, each bringing its own energy, much like the four distinct seasons. Here is a simple breakdown of each.
Phase 1: Follicular (7-14 days)
During this phase, hormone levels start to rise, and you’ll likely experience a surge in energy, curiosity, and creativity. Consider this phase much like springtime!
This phase is ideal for setting your intentions for the weeks or even months ahead. Grab your planner and let your ideas flow. What are you wanting to accomplish in the weeks and months ahead? Have decisions you’ve been putting off? Now is the time to make them. Now is a great time to knock out that meal planning and have it feel effortless. So, dust off that paper meal planner, or zip through it with my favorite meal-planning app, Plan to Eat. It’s also the perfect time to explore somewhere new or to engage in some hands-on, creative projects! Looking for the ideal time to meal plan? Now’s the time!
Phase 2: Ovulatory (3-4 days)
Estrogen levels are at their highest during this phase helping to bolster energy and enhance your communication & socialization skills. You’re naturally more nurturing, playful, and communicative in this phase. Making it the perfect time to collaborate, communicate, and…go on a date.
This is a great time for group projects and field trips. Weather permitting, this is the perfect time to take a family bike ride or go on a nature hike. If this phase were a season, it would be Summer.
Phase 3: Luteal (10-14 days)
Progesterone levels rise to their highest point during this phase and energy levels tend to fall. This allows for increased levels of introspection. Take time to meditate and journal write. Lean into your strengths of conquering administrative tasks, completing projects, getting organized, and doing deep work.
You know that feeling where you’re completely in the zone and getting things done? Yep, you are most likely in your luteal phase. I’ve often thought this phase feels like a milder version of nesting during pregnancy! This is a great time to do a “gut check” and to trust your intuition.
It’s also a great time to include your kids more in things like chore work and problem-solving. Take time to organize school supplies and handle school-related administrative tasks. Pro tip: Double prep a meal or two this week. They’ll be great to have on hand when “just can’t even…” (which will most likely occur in the next phase).
Phase 4: Menstrual Phase (3-7 days)
At this point, all of your hormones are at their lowest point, triggering a winter-like effect. Lower energy levels and general discomfort will create the need for rest. It’s really important that you don’t push yourself too hard during this phase. Take time to relax and practice self-care. Extend self-compassion as you reflect on the past month and determine what has worked and what hasn’t. Continue tapping into your intuition to really feel what is serving you and what you’re best off letting go of.
Consider engaging in lighter, less demanding activities with your kids, like watching educational videos or spending more time reading together. Engage in gentle exercises like yoga or stretching (the kids will love this too!)
How To Get Started with the Cycle Syncing Method
The first step in honoring your feminine energy through your 28-day cycle is to start tracking. Do it the old-fashioned way by charting with a thermometer and a notebook. Check out the book Taking Charge of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler. Or you can utilize one of the many great apps available today. If you have an iPhone, you can even track your cycle in the Health app! This will help you track important factors like your cycle start/end dates and the length of each phase.
Be open with your family about your cycle-syncing approach as you work to better understand your needs and how it will benefit everyone in the long run. Be flexible in case you need to adjust plans based on how you’re feeling on a particular day.
Monitor and Adjust
Pay attention to how you feel during each phase and adjust your activities and self-care practices accordingly. Everyone’s body is different, so it’s essential to tailor this method to your unique needs.
By incorporating cycle syncing into your daily routine, you can optimize your productivity and well-being, creating a more harmonious home environment for your family while also taking care of yourself.
Remember, the goal of cycle syncing is to optimize your well-being, not to add more stress. Be kind to yourself and allow for flexibility in your schedule! By tuning into your body’s natural rhythms, you can create a more harmonious and productive home life.
