Okay, so you know when you just feel... blah? Like your energy's completely drained or you're snapping at everyone for no reason? Yeah, that was me. All the time. I tried everything. More sleep, less coffee (total disaster!), even that awful celery juice cleanse I wasted money on. Nothing really stuck.
Then, I stumbled upon cycle syncing. Honestly? It's been a total revelation.
What's Cycle Syncing Anyway?
Basically, cycle syncing means tweaking your diet, exercise, and even your social calendar to match the different phases of your menstrual cycle. I know, it sounds a bit woo-woo, right? But trust me, it's rooted in science! Our hormones go up and down throughout the month, and these changes impact everything from our energy levels to our mood to our skin. It's all connected!
Cycle syncing's about working with those ups and downs instead of fighting against them. Look, here's the thing: you wouldn't try to run a marathon when you're exhausted, would you? Cycle syncing is about applying that same logic to your whole life!
I've been using a period tracking app (Clue, my favourite!) for ages, mainly to avoid any uh-oh moments, but I never really used the data. Now I'm obsessed!
My Cycle Syncing Journey (The Good, The Bad, and The Hangry)
Okay, so I'm not gonna lie, it took me a little while to get the hang of it. This didn't work for me at first. I was trying to follow these super strict rules about what to eat and when to exercise, and it honestly made me feel more stressed than anything else.
The Follicular Phase (Feeling Fresh!)
This is when oestrogen starts to rise, post-period. I felt my energy levels go up! I started scheduling creative tasks and social events during this phase. I found myself craving lighter foods like salads and fruit. I incorporated more flax seeds into my diet during this phase, inspired by all the seed cycling benefits I'd read about. I sprinkle Linwoods Milled Flaxseed with Fruit, Nuts & Seeds on my morning porridge. Seriously, the best! You'll thank me later.
Exercise-wise, I felt amazing doing HIIT workouts and trying new classes. I even braved a spin class (and survived!).
The Ovulatory Phase (Hello, Glow!)
This is when you're at your most fertile, thanks to a surge in luteinizing hormone. I felt super confident and outgoing during this phase. My skin was glowing (hello, oestrogen!), and I felt like I could conquer the world. This is when I planned important meetings or presentations.
Diet-wise, I focused on eating lots of fresh veggies and lean protein. I felt amazing and full of energy.
The Luteal Phase (Slowing Down)
This is when progesterone rises, leading to that dreaded PMS. This was the trickiest phase for me to manage at first. I felt my energy levels dip, and I was much more prone to mood swings. I felt like I was turning into a bear.
I started scheduling more downtime during this phase. Think: bubble baths, reading, and binge-watching my favourite shows. I found that gentle exercise like yoga and walking helped to ease my PMS symptoms.
This is also where hormone balance diet comes in. I started incorporating more magnesium-rich foods into my diet, like dark chocolate (yes!), leafy greens, and nuts. I also started taking a magnesium supplement (Magnesium Glycinate by NutriZing, if you're curious), which has made a huge difference. I also increased my intake of pumpkin seeds, as they're rich in zinc and magnesium, plus I love the taste!
The Menstrual Phase (Rest and Recharge)
This is when you're actually bleeding, and it's time to rest and recharge. I used to push myself to keep going during this phase, but now I give myself permission to slow down.
I focused on getting plenty of sleep, drinking lots of water, and eating nourishing foods like soups and stews. I also avoided strenuous exercise. Gentle walks were fine, but anything more intense just left me feeling drained. I made sure to eat iron-rich foods like lentils and spinach to replenish what I lost during my period. I love making a big pot of lentil soup – so comforting!
I've also found that using a hot water bottle (the classic!) and taking Epsom salt baths helps to relieve cramps and soothe my muscles. My skin can get a little sensitive during this time, so I'm extra gentle with it, using my Cetaphil cleanser.
Seed Cycling: A Little Extra Boost
I also experimented with seed cycling benefits during my cycle syncing journey. Seed cycling involves eating different seeds during different phases of your cycle to help support hormone balance.
* Follicular Phase: 1 tablespoon of flax seeds and 1 tablespoon of pumpkin seeds daily.
* Luteal Phase: 1 tablespoon of sunflower seeds and 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds daily.
I honestly don't know if it's placebo or not, but I feel like it's helped to regulate my cycle and reduce PMS symptoms. Plus, seeds are packed with nutrients, so it's a win-win!
My Favourite Cycle Syncing Products
Okay, so here are a few of my favourite products that have helped me on my cycle syncing journey:
* Clue App: My go-to period tracking app. It's super user-friendly and provides tons of helpful information about your cycle.
* NutriZing Magnesium Glycinate: This supplement has been a lifesaver for managing PMS symptoms.
* Linwoods Milled Flaxseed with Fruit, Nuts & Seeds: Perfect for sprinkling on porridge, salads, or yogurt.
* Neal's Yard Remedies Women's Balance Body Cream: This smells AMAZING and helps me relax during my luteal phase.
* Yogi Tea Woman's Raspberry Leaf: Soothing and comforting during my menstrual phase.
Is Cycle Syncing Right For You?
Honestly, I think it's worth a try! It might not be a magic bullet, but it's helped me to feel more in tune with my body and manage my energy levels and mood.
The key is to be patient and experiment to find what works best for you. Don't be afraid to tweak the recommendations to fit your own needs and preferences. And remember, it's okay to have a cheat day (or two!).
Cycle syncing isn’t about being perfect; it’s about finding a way to support your body’s natural rhythms and feel your best. It's a journey, not a destination, so enjoy the ride! Let me know in the comments if you've tried cycle syncing, and what your experiences have been! I'd love to hear from you!