If you've ever wondered why some days you feel full of energy and others you just want to rest, the answer may lie in your menstrual cycle. Throughout the month, our hormones fluctuate, affecting our mood, energy and productivity.
Instead of forcing ourselves to follow the same rhythm every day, we can synchronize our schedule with our menstrual cycle to make the most of each phase. Here's how to organize yourself according to each stage and what products can make each one more manageable.
Why is it important to organize yourself according to your menstrual cycle?
Many times we demand ourselves to function the same way every day, ignoring our body's natural changes. However, menstruation is not just “a few days of bleeding,” but an entire cycle that impacts our physical, emotional and mental well-being.
Benefits of synchronizing your schedule with your menstrual cycle:
- Increased productivity: Planning tasks according to your energy prevents burnout and helps you perform better.
- Better emotional well-being: Understanding your cycle allows you to anticipate mood changes and manage them better.
- Less stress: Accepting and adapting your routine to your cycle reduces frustration and the feeling of “failing”.
- Self-awareness: Connecting with your cycle helps you understand yourself better and make decisions more aligned with yourself.
The 4 phases of the menstrual cycle and how to take advantage of them
1. Menstrual phase (Days 1-5): Rest and self-care
What is happening in your body?
During this phase, estrogen and progesterone levels drop dramatically, causing the lining of the uterus to shed (menstruation). It is common to feel more tired, less concentrated and in need of rest.
Recommended products:
- Reduce your workload and prioritize routine tasks.
- Avoid social engagements if you feel less energy.
- Dedicate more time to self-care, such as relaxing baths and meditation.
Productos recomendados:
- Absorbent menstrual panties to take your mind off worries and feel comfortable.
- Reusable pads, ideal for resting without discomfort or irritation.
- Relaxing infusions with ginger or chamomile to relieve cramps.
2. Follicular phase (Days 6-13): Energy and creativity
What happens in your body?
Estrogen levels begin to rise, which boosts the production of serotonin (the happy hormone). This makes you feel more energetic, more motivated and better able to concentrate.
How to organize your agenda:
- Ideal time to start new projects or learn something new.
- Resume physical exercise and high performance activities.
- Schedule meetings and tasks that require creativity.
Recommended products:
- Menstrual bikinis, ideal if you start moving more.
- Menstrual cup, perfect for light flow and total comfort.
- Snacks rich in protein and omega-3, such as nuts, to keep your energy up.
3. Ovulatory Phase (Days 14-17): Confidence and sociability
What happens in your body?
In this phase, estrogen peaks and testosterone also increases slightly. This makes you feel more confident, mental clarity and enhanced social skills.
How to organize your schedule:
- Schedule important presentations and key meetings.
- Socialize more: networking, appointments and events.
- Take advantage of your increased energy to do intense exercise or new activities.
Recommended products:
- Seamless menstrual panties, to feel free and confident all day long.
- Reusable panty liners ideal for the increased cervical flow during this phase.
- Facial masks or skincare products, since the skin is at its best.
4. Luteal phase (Days 18-28): Reflection and preparation.
What is happening in your body?
After ovulation, progesterone levels rise and estrogen begins to drop. This can lead to mood swings, increased emotional sensitivity and premenstrual symptoms such as bloating or fatigue.
How to organize your schedule:
- Focus on analytical and planning tasks.
- Reduce your workload if you feel more tired.
- Practice relaxation exercises such as yoga or walking.
Recommended products:
- Absorbent underwear for light flow, ideal for the premenstrual phase.
- Turmeric and ginger infusions to reduce bloating.
- Relaxing essential oils, such as lavender, to improve rest.
Sleep rhythm and rest throughout the cycle
Sleep is a cornerstone of wellness, and hormones play a key role in its quality throughout the menstrual cycle.
How hormones affect rest
During the luteal phase, progesterone levels increase, which can lead to daytime sleepiness and, paradoxically, difficulty falling asleep at night. In contrast, during the menstrual phase, many women experience insomnia due to the decrease in estrogen and progesterone.
Strategies for better sleep in each phase
- Menstrual phase: Avoid caffeine in the afternoon and try relaxation techniques before bedtime.
- Follicular phase: This is the best time to implement new sleep habits.
- Ovulatory phase: Maintain a regular sleep routine to harness your energy.
- Luteal phase: Try relaxing herbal teas and reduce the use of screens before bedtime.
Relationship between premenstrual insomnia and progesterone
The sudden decrease in progesterone before menstruation can cause insomnia or nocturnal awakenings. To mitigate these effects, it is advisable to maintain a diet rich in magnesium and to practice relaxation techniques before going to bed.
Your cycle, your rhythm
Organizing your schedule in sync with your menstrual cycle helps you optimize your productivity and well-being. Instead of fighting hormonal changes, you can learn to use them to your advantage to make the most of each phase.
Discover here the ideal products for each stage of your cycle at Ecowoman and make your menstruation more comfortable and sustainable.