Honoring Your Rhythms
What would happen if you followed your own cycles instead of resisting them? What if you took the time to dive into the feelings that arise during the shifts without judging them? What would you learn about your body and spirit?
Ladies, we have an immense gift of being intimately tied to the moon. Just as she moves through her cycles, so do we! You shift through each season with each cycle.
“With each period, you shed the energy from your past cycle and embark on a new journey” - Lara Briden, ND
The Follicular Phase - Spring
🌙The start of a new cycle as your follicles grow and create ample estrogen to support ovulation. You may feel a sense of hope and inspiration as you dive into the power of creation
Lifestyle: feel the creative energy flowing! practice your favorite form of art, brainstorm, and dream bigger
Exercise: get things moving with your favorite kind of cardio like running, dancing, or spin
Diet: eat clean and enjoy plenty of fresh veggies & grass-fed animal protein
Journal: Plant seeds of inspiration for your future. What do you want? What do you really want? How will you get there? Now is time to actively outline steps to achieve your goals. Each small step counts. Think of what is actionable.
Ovulation - Summer
🌙Your ovary releases an egg into the abdomen which is swooped up by your fallopian tubes in hopes of creating a new life (truly AMAZING). This life energy helps you to feel vibrant and ready to take on the world. You may notice you feel more physically strong and sexually confident
Lifestyle: Put yourself out there. This is the perfect time to make connections, socialize, and pitch new ideas.
Exercise: Take advantage of your energy, strength, and motivation. This is a great time for strength training, HIIT, or boot camp style workouts
Diet: Your internal fire will help to support digestion making it a bit easier to break down uncooked plant fibers. Feel energized with smoothies, juices, steamed veggies, and of course, plenty of healthy protein/fat!
Journal: Practice ASKING for what you want. Make your intentions clear. Focus on meaningful connections with friends and individuals who inspire you.
The Luteal Phase - Fall
🌙 There is a clear shift from energy moving outward to introspection and rest. This is impart due to higher levels of progesterone which help us to slow down and feel nourished. Give yourself permission to rest, reflect, and retreat from the world
Lifestyle: Don’t over do it! Practice saying no to things that are not in alignment with your needs.
Exercise: Enjoy moderate levels of activity like yoga, barre, and pilates
Diet: Focus on grounding and nourishing foods like roasted and baked veggies, soups, and stews
Journal: What isn’t working in your life? Be honest. What ca you let go of? What would letting go look like?
Menstruation - Winter
🌙 A time to release energy from the previous cycle and to integrate your lessons. It is natural to want to hibernate - do not resist it. Take time to yourself and practice the act of putting yourself first
Lifestyle: Practice being gentle with yourself. This is a wonderful time to journal, reflect, and go inward. Avoid pushing yourself, saying yes when you know you should say no, and overcommitting yourself. This time is for you. You don’t owe anyone anything.
Exercise: Skip 100% guilt free, or enjoy walking, stretching, or yoga
Diet: Focus on easy to digest foods like broths, soups, stews, and anything that your sweet womb is craving
Journal: How do you wish others would show up for you? How do you show up for yourself in that way? What parts of yourself are you ready to shed with this cycle?
Your body is intelligent and is constantly trying to communicate with you. What can you learn from your cycle?
Want to learn more? Listen to this epic podcast episode and check out my Hormone Balancing Webinar.