Using Cycle Syncing To Plan Your Creative Content

Have you ever noticed that your mood, creativity, and productivity fluctuate drastically during the month?

Growing up in the 90s, I heard all the typical (patriarchal) comments about how you can't blame your cycle for all the ups and downs. Your period only lasts three days. What's your excuse the rest of the month?

I gotta tell ya, I internalized alllll of those comments, and made it my goal in life to work like a man: no change in productivity or demeanor, no matter what time of the month it was. That's what empowered women do, right?

Wrong. After having three kids and being thrown into early perimenopause, I was forced into a decision: either befriend my cycle, or go on hormone therapy. I chose to learn all I could about my hormones, and realized that most of my inattention, mood swings, and autoimmune issues were traceable to my cycle. Once I made the distinction, I was able to give myself some grace, and quit beating myself up when I was struggling.

The good news? You can actually use those hormonal shifts to your advantage! Enter cycle syncing—a way to align your business tasks with your body’s natural rhythms. It’s like getting a productivity boost from Mother Nature herself.

What is Cycle Syncing?

Cycle syncing is the practice of tailoring your activities—like exercise, diet, and, yes, even business tasks—to the four phases of your menstrual cycle. Each phase comes with its own set of hormonal changes that affect your energy levels, creativity, and focus. By aligning your work with these phases, you can tap into your natural strengths, avoid burnout, and create more with less effort.

The Four Phases of Your Cycle

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): Rest and Reflect

   • What’s Happening: Both progesterone and estrogen levels are at their lowest, which can make you feel tired, but also put you in the mood to clean.

   • Business Tip: This is your time to rest and recharge. Instead of pushing through, use this phase to reflect on what’s working in your business and what isn’t. This is a great time to look at your to-do list and get rid of the things that aren't serving you.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6-14): Plan and Create

   • What’s Happening: Your energy starts to rise as estrogen levels increase. You’re likely to feel more motivated, optimistic, and ready to take on the world. This is likely where you're the most focused, so use this time to be productive!

   • Business Tip: This is your powerhouse phase! Use this time to brainstorm new ideas, plan out projects, and start creative tasks that require a lot of energy and enthusiasm. Whether it’s designing a new product, writing content, or mapping out your marketing strategy, this is when you’ll be at your creative peak.

3. Ovulatory Phase (Days 15-17): Connect and Communicate

   • What’s Happening: Estrogen is still high, and now testosterone peaks, giving you a confidence boost. You’re likely to be more social and communicative. Side note: this is when your skin and hair are at their best, and your metabolism is at its highest. Take advantage of this by doing your photography or filming during this phase!

   • Business Tip: Perfect timing for collaboration! Schedule meetings, network, pitch your ideas, and launch new projects. Your communication skills are on point, making it easier to connect with others and make a lasting impression. If you’ve been holding off on a big presentation or webinar, this is the time to do it!

4. Luteal Phase (Days 18-28): Focus and Complete

   1. What’s Happening: Progesterone rises, and you may start to feel more introverted and focused on detail-oriented tasks. This is the phase where your body is conserving energy to protect a (potential) pregnancy. It's when you feel like eating more, staying home, and being cozy.

   2. Business Tip: Now’s the time to buckle down and get stuff done. Focus on completing projects, tying up loose ends, and handling any administrative work that needs attention. Your ability to concentrate is heightened, so take advantage of it to polish and perfect your work.

How to Get Started

1. Track Your Cycle: If you’re not already tracking your cycle, start now! Use an app or a simple journal to note the start and end of each phase. Over time, you’ll start to notice patterns in your energy levels and moods.

2. Plan Ahead: Once you have a sense of your cycle, start planning your business tasks around it. For example, schedule brainstorming sessions during your follicular phase and set aside time for detailed work during your luteal phase.

3. Be Flexible: Life happens, and so do unpredictable cycles. Use this as a guide, but don’t stress if things don’t go perfectly. The goal is to work with your body, not against it.

4. Prioritize Self-Care: Your cycle isn’t just about work; it’s also about taking care of yourself. Make sure to prioritize rest, nourishment, and activities that make you feel good throughout your cycle.

Conclusion

By syncing your business tasks with your menstrual cycle, you’re not just improving your productivity—you’re also honoring your body’s natural rhythms. This approach allows you to work smarter, not harder, and brings a whole new level of flow to your creative business. So, go ahead, harness those hormones, and watch your creativity soar!