How to Work with Your Body’s Natural Rhythms for Maximum Energy and Joy
Ever notice that certain times of the month you feel like you can conquer the world, while at other times you want to hibernate and avoid everyone? You’re not alone! As women, our bodies are guided by the rise and fall of hormones throughout our menstrual cycle, and one of the most energizing phases is the follicular phase. This phase is where your body starts to feel alive, creative, and full of possibility.
In this blog, we’ll take a deep dive into what happens in your body during the follicular phase—whether you’re menstruating, peri-menopausal, or menopausal—and how you can harness its power for work, relationships, exercise, and more.
What Is the Follicular Phase?
The follicular phase begins right after your period ends and continues until ovulation (around day 14 in a typical 28-day cycle). During this phase, your body is preparing for the possibility of pregnancy by maturing an egg, but it’s also a time when you’re feeling revitalized—mentally, emotionally, and physically.
Here’s a quick overview of what’s happening hormonally:
Estrogen: The star of the follicular phase! Estrogen steadily increases throughout this phase, boosting your mood, energy, skin health, and overall vitality.
Follicle-Stimulating Hormone (FSH): This hormone helps stimulate the growth of follicles in your ovaries, one of which will release an egg during ovulation.
Testosterone: Though present in smaller amounts, testosterone rises in the follicular phase too, contributing to increased motivation, strength, and sex drive.
These hormones create a symphony that has a significant impact on how you feel and how you interact with the world.
How the Follicular Phase Impacts Your Body and Mind
Mood and Energy: With estrogen rising, you’ll likely notice a lift in your mood. You’re more upbeat, optimistic, and social. That cloud of premenstrual moodiness lifts, and suddenly, you feel ready to take on challenges. You’ll also have a noticeable increase in energy—think of it as your personal springtime, where everything starts to blossom!
Motivation and Focus: Thanks to higher levels of estrogen and testosterone, your brain is firing on all cylinders. This makes the follicular phase a great time to tackle tasks that require creativity, problem-solving, and focus. You’re likely to feel more motivated to set new goals, start projects, and work through your to-do list with enthusiasm.
Physical Strength and Exercise: Feeling stronger? That’s the rise in testosterone and estrogen working together to enhance your muscle-building capacity and stamina. This is an excellent time for high-intensity workouts, strength training, and trying new physical challenges. If you’ve been wanting to hit the gym or take up a new exercise routine, now is the time to go for it!
Skin and Appearance: Your skin tends to look its best during the follicular phase. Estrogen promotes collagen production, which can give you that radiant, healthy glow. Your complexion is often clearer, and you might notice your hair is shinier and stronger too.
Digestion: Estrogen helps regulate digestion, so you’re less likely to experience bloating or digestive discomfort during this phase. Your body processes food more efficiently, making it a great time to focus on nourishing your body with whole, nutrient-dense foods.
Communication and Relationships: The combination of higher estrogen and testosterone makes you more sociable and communicative. You might feel more confident, assertive, and articulate. This is a great time for important conversations—whether it’s negotiating at work, connecting with a friend, or having a meaningful talk with a partner.
What Activities Are Best During the Follicular Phase?
Now that you’re feeling on top of the world, how can you use this phase to maximize your productivity, happiness, and relationships? Here’s a guide to working with your body’s natural rhythms during the follicular phase.
1. Work and Creativity
The follicular phase is the perfect time to dive into creative and strategic projects. Your brain is sharp, your energy is high, and you’re likely feeling more motivated than usual. This is the time to brainstorm, start new projects, and tackle tasks that require focus and out-of-the-box thinking.
To-do List:
Plan creative projects or start something new.
Brainstorm ideas for upcoming goals.
Schedule presentations, interviews, or meetings.
Focus on work that requires problem-solving or strategic thinking.
2. Exercise and Movement
With testosterone and estrogen on the rise, you’ll feel stronger and more capable of taking on physical challenges. This is the time to push yourself—whether it’s lifting heavier weights, trying a new fitness class, or incorporating more cardio into your routine.
To-do List:
Incorporate high-intensity or strength-based workouts.
Try new forms of movement, like dance, HIIT, or outdoor activities.
Set new fitness goals or challenge yourself physically.
Enjoy the increase in energy and strength—your body will thank you!
3. Relationships and Social Life
You’ll feel more open, communicative, and outgoing during this phase, making it the perfect time to schedule social events or deepen connections with others. Whether it’s a romantic date, catching up with friends, or networking at work, your energy will be magnetic.
To-do List:
Plan social events or outings.
Deepen relationships with meaningful conversations.
Set up meetings for work or personal growth.
Enjoy being in the spotlight and connecting with others.
4. Chores and Home Life
Feeling motivated to clean, organize, and tackle that long list of chores? Use this phase to your advantage! You’ll have the energy to breeze through tasks that might feel overwhelming at other times of the month.
To-do List:
Organize your space or tackle a home project.
Finish any lingering chores or errands.
Set up systems for efficiency—whether that’s meal prepping or organizing your closet.
Knock out your to-do list with enthusiasm!
5. Self-Care and Appearance
With your skin glowing and energy soaring, now is the time to indulge in self-care. Book that haircut, try a new skincare routine, or simply pamper yourself. You’re likely feeling more confident, so embrace it!
To-do List:
Schedule beauty treatments or self-care rituals.
Try a new style or update your wardrobe.
Pamper yourself with skincare, baths, or massages.
Let yourself shine—literally and figuratively!
How Perimenopausal and Menopausal Women Can Still Work with the Follicular Phase
If you’re in the perimenopausal or menopausal stage of life and no longer have regular periods, you might think, “How does this apply to me?” While your menstrual cycle may no longer follow the same pattern, your body still operates in natural rhythms, often influenced by the moon or even personal energy cycles.
Here’s how you can still tap into the energy of the follicular phase, even in the absence of a period:
Track Your Energy Levels: Start by tuning into your body’s natural energy flow. Many women find that they still experience cyclical patterns of high and low energy, even after menopause. You can align your life with these natural rhythms, noticing when you feel more energetic and creative (your personal follicular phase).
Sync with the Moon: Some women choose to follow the lunar cycle as a guide, with the waxing moon (from new moon to full moon) acting as their “follicular phase.” This is a time of growth, energy, and action.
Honor Your Energy When It’s High: Whether or not you have a monthly cycle, you’ll still have times of increased motivation, strength, and creativity. Use these times to focus on high-energy tasks, fitness, socializing, and starting new projects.
Even in the absence of regular cycles, your body is still magnificent and wise. You can continue to work with your energy, creativity, and motivation by listening to your body’s signals and embracing the natural flow of life.
In Conclusion: Embrace Your Body’s Natural Rhythms
The follicular phase is an amazing time when your body is working in your favour to help you feel your best—energized, strong, and motivated. By understanding and embracing what’s happening inside, you can sync your life with your body’s natural rhythms and get the most out of work, relationships, exercise, and everything in between.
Whether you’re menstruating, perimenopausal, or post-menopausal, your body is always giving you signals. Learning to listen to and honor those signals is key to thriving—emotionally, physically, and mentally. Your body is magnificent, and by working with it, you can unlock new levels of energy, joy, and fulfillment every day.
So go ahead, lean into the magic of your follicular phase, and let your body guide you toward a life that feels vibrant, aligned, and full of possibility!
Comments