When I first started taking action into developing my creative business, I would do the typical “productive” morning routine :
- 6AM- Workout
- 7AM- Meditation and Journaling
- 8:00 AM- Breakfast / Get Ready
- 9:00 AM- Start the hustle
It may seem obvious now but back then I couldn’t figure out for the life of me that even though I was doing all the “right” things everyone talked about, I actually felt more depleted and discouraged than I had ever felt.
It wasn’t until 2 years later after a series of trials and errors to find the “perfect” routine, I was inspired by Alisia Vitti, HHC, AADP, integrative nutritionist, & hormone expert podcast interview on cycle syncing.
( You can find the exact interview here!)
I learned that our moods, bodies and even our strength and flexibility changes during the different phases of our menstrual cycle.
And I was actually harming my creative business by not optimizing these phenomenal changes.
We’re going to dig into the research into how cycle syncing enhances productivity & success in your creative business.
WHAT IS IT
“We know hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month.There are going to be corresponding fluctuations in other hormones that are definitely going to affect emotions, processes of thought, and physical well-being.”
Diana Schwarzbein, MD, endocrinologist, author
At its most basic level, cycle syncing is altering your social, nutrition, and exercise activities around the four phases of our menstrual cycle so that we can perform at our very best. This is due to the varying levels of hormones during each phase which alters the way we think.
For us to thrive creatively in our businesses, we need to be working with our hormones not against them. We simply can’t thrive off of the same thing every day hustle mentality!
“We know hormone levels fluctuate throughout the month,” says Diana Schwarzbein, MD, an endocrinologist and author of Menopause Power. “There are going to be corresponding fluctuations in other hormones that are definitely going to affect emotions, processes of thought, and physical well-being.”
THE PHASES
1. Menstruation
(days 1-5 roughly)
“It’s about being receptive to your environment, to the people around you, slowing down, looking after yourself, going inwards, and just honoring what your body needs, what your heart needs.”
Monica Yates
Mood: Analytical, Insightful, Intuitive
Hormones: estrogen & progesterone are at their lowest, iron levels drop
HOW TO USE THIS TO ADVANTAGE:
This is the time to reflect on how everything in your business is going so far. What needs improvement? What’s working and what’s not? And most importantly, how are you feeling creatively? As this is a time you’re more quiet and introspective, reconsider your next business goals and intentions.
BE WARY OF:
Now isn’t the time to over do yourself on the social calendar. If you can, try to schedule as little meetings, big project creation, and client bookings as possible. And don’t be afraid to ask for that extra support.
2. Follicular phase:
( days 6–14 roughly)
Hormones: Follicle Stimulating Hormone (FSH) triggered, estrogen rises ( aka reproductive hormones rising)
Moods: Increasing Energy, Optimistic, High creative energy
HOW TO USE THIS TO ADVANTAGE:
Definitely one of my favorite phrases, I like to call the “spring phase of the month!” It’s an exciting phase because my body, mind and spirit finally feels ready to get to work on all the reflections I made during the menstrual period. This is your moment to be open to exploring different creative avenues in your business. This could look like: a new project, course, masterclass, the list goes on and on. This is also the perfect time to schedule appointments, and networking appointments.
BE WARY OF:
I’ll admit. I’m guilty of getting really inspired about an upcoming project then boom! I launch or do too much before I’m truly ready. So, make sure to pace yourself and protect any of the amazing ideas you have to add to your business.
3. Ovulatory phase:
“A woman’s knowledge of how the hormonal changes during her cycle can influence her brain chemistry can help elucidate perspectives that were not salient in another part of her cycle. I think of it as just one of the dynamic tools that adds to the diversity of skills sets in the workplace.”
Dr. Larry Tiglao, Ob/Gyn, Los Olivos Women’s Medical Group at Stanford University
( days 15–17 roughly)
Hormones – Estrogen rises while testosterone surges, LH triggers egg to release
Mood: Confident, Communicative, Collaborative
HOW TO USE THIS TO ADVANTAGE:
The ovulatory phase is all about prioritizing important conversation. Now is the ideal time to launch, host live events / workshops, and connect with your audience.
4. Luteal phase:
(days 18–28 roughly)
Hormones: Progesterone and estrogen rise, then drop if egg isn’t fertilized, triggering period
Mood: Task oriented, Focused, Introspective
HOW TO USE THIS TO ADVANTAGE:
The extra estrogen and progesterone helps to make you more prone to details which is perfect to prioritize admin tasks, check off last minute things to your to list, and finish up any remaining projects. Although, you might start to notice your energy slowing down and you’re nowhere near as bubbly as the beginning phases, this is the time to finish off those pesky tasks.
BE WARY OF:
Due to rising progesterone ( helps to make cortisol which is higher in stressful situations) you might feel more irritated. Make sure to prioritize self care and limit outside stress factors such as having an overwhelming amount of meetings and projects due.
GREAT RESOURCES TO DIG DEEPER:
- Cycle Syncing – How to optimise your food & exercise during different menstrual cycle :
- https://www.floliving.com/
- How to Tap Into Your Feminine Energy for a Better Life and Business
THE TAKEAWAY:
When we are in-tune with the uniquely beautiful aspects that each phase offers us our creative business will thrive. By honoring the different versions of ourselves, we take advantage on the different areas of strength of each phase, saying “goodbye forever!” ( and we won’t miss you!) the hustle and grind of the repetitive routine.