What is Cycle Syncing?
Forget the big words, cycle sync’ing is simply the process of adopting a lifestyle that fits the various phases of your feminine cycle. These lifestyle adjustments include physical aspects like diet and exercise but also spiritual aspects like manifesting and hibernating. In this article however, we will begin with the more physical aspects.
The feminine cycle, also known as the menstrual cycle is a natural process. However, it is quite a complex cycle controlled by female hormones and is constituted of four cycles each characterised by varying levels of energy. Women who live disconnected from their feminine cycles are in disharmony with their bodies and usually experience discomfort and pain. These range from stress, unexplainable fatigue, depression, low levels of motivation at certain periods, intense menstrual cramps and feelings of awkwardness as they transition through different phases of their cycle.
To put it quite plainly, intentionally planning with the phases of your cycle will optimise your entire life.
Now let’s get to it.
The four phases of the feminine cycle are characterised by different energy levels and mental pre-dispositions. To understand the strengths and weaknesses of each cycle and adopt corresponding attitudes permits a flow that will carry you painlessly from more active states into the nurturing ones and back again.
The first phase is the menstrual phase. This phase is assimilated to an inner winter. Energy levels are the lowest during this period but reflective energy is high. Therefore, go for low impact exercises like yin yoga and long walks. On the diet side, prefer soups, sea food, bone broth, stir fries, vegetables, teas and reduce significantly processed foods, caffeine and alcohol. This is a good time to work on solo projects, review plannings and set goals.
The second phase is the follicular phase. This phase is assimilated to inner spring. The low oestrogen and progesterone levels from the previous menstrual phase begin to rise and along with it energy levels and motivation. On the physical level, engage in variation of sport that include a light cardio such as running, hiking, swimming or hatha yoga. For your diet, have cooked salads, lots of avocado, lighter proteins like chickens and eggs. It is recommended during this phase is to do more of the focused work that requires creativity or learning: research, online courses and writing.
The third phase is the ovulatory phase. This phase is assimilated to inner summer. Oestrogen and testosterone levels peak making you very social and confident. On the physical level, you can do more high impact exercises like dancing, vinyasa yoga, pole dancing and HIIT. For diet, you can adopt raw foods like salads and green juices, high fiber fruits, and lighter fish like macquerel and tuna. Because of the predisposition to be more social and outgoing during this phase, engaging in group work is easier. Also, if you have conferences planned, you will be able to make the most of it as your capacity to network is higher. Schedule interviews and on a personal note, have hard conversations at this time.
The fourth phase is the luteal phase, corresponding to an inner autumn. If not pregnant, progesterone levels decrease quickly making you feel sluggish and in depressive mode. For physical exercise, try low to meduim intensity variations of strength training, power yoga and cycling. Adopt a slightly larger calorie intake diet like complex carbs/protein and roots: sweet potatoes, apples, beans, beef. Because of the predisposition to be sluggish, avoid new projects or big launches. Focus on mundane and repetitive tasks like updating reports and organising schedules.
It may be challenging to switch between diets, duties or physical activities but see it more as variations on your existing lifestyle. For example, if you practice cycling as an exercise, you may want to practice for longer periods when you have high energy levels and over a shorter time when you in your low energy levels. The same goes for diet where you have have raw or cooked versions of the meals and equally for work where your approach on team or solo work will vary according to your cycle.
Being in harmony with your cycle has the potential of increasing your success on projects and improving your wellness.
A great resource to inform you on the phases of your cycle is the Flo app. Follow this link to their Instagram profile and download the app.
We hope this article covers the basics. As earlier mentioned, there are equally spiritual aspects of the feminine cycle. If you will like to know more about that and get new tips on how to grow your self care journey, follow us on IG and on Facebook.
Have any questions, email us at hello@kccollection.care or leave your question in the comment section.
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