Cycle Syncing: How To Work in Alignment With Your Cycle To Optimise Productivity

If you’ve been curious about cycle syncing, you’re in the right place. I’ve been working in alignment with my energy and cycle for a while, and in this post I’ll break down what it is, and how you can start doing it for yourself.

By aligning your tasks with your hormonal changes, you can optimise productivity, tap into your creativity, and create a more harmonious work-life balance.

This blog post is aimed at women who bleed and want to sync their work to their hormonal cycle. However, cycle syncing isn't limited to individuals who menstruate. It can be adapted to suit different situations and preferences. If you don't menstruate but are curious about aligning with your subtle energy changes throughout the month, consider syncing your work with the moon cycle or adapting to the changing seasons.

One of the biggest benefits of taking this approach, whether you bleed or not, is that you make space for rest and different types of work. If like me, you experience fluctuating energy levels, mood swings, and days when you just don’t want to ‘show up’ - cycle syncing might be for you!

Understanding Hormonal Cycle Syncing and Its Application in Business: 

For you to effectively implement cycle syncing into your work, it's important to understand the four phases of your cycle: menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal. 

Each phase offers unique strengths and characteristics that can be leveraged in your business. Again, you don’t need to bleed to apply these to work. It can be a way to simply cycle your different work approaches and focuses throughout the month.

(please note: hormonal cycles vary drastically from person to person. below is a typical representation of an average cycle. in order to best know your cycle, track your symptoms using a period tracking app like Clue or Flo)

MENSTRUATION - Phase one - Days 1-5 - This phase starts from the day you bleed. This counts as Day 1 of your cycle. This typically lasts 1-5 days. Many women experience low energy levels and tiredness.

FOLLICULAR - Phase two - Days 6-12 This phase starts once you’ve finished bleeding and typically lasts between 6-7 days. Typically the phase when you have most energy.

OVULATORY - Phase three - Days 13-16 - This phase is when you typically ovulate and lasts a few days. Typically associated with increased confidence.

LUTEAL - Phase four - Days 17-28 - The longest phase of your cycle. As you prepare to start bleeding you may notice energy shifts. This phase sees you focusing on detail-oriented tasks.

Here’s what to focus on at each phase of your cycle:

MENSTRUATION PHASE:

During this phase your intuition and decision making skills are at their highest, as your left and right brain are communicating with each other. Use this time to reflect on your goals, what you want to create next, and give yourself the time and space to consider all your options. Your hormone levels are at their lowest so it’s normal to feel lethargic and like you need to rest.

• Rest when needed: Allow yourself to rest and recharge during this phase. Take breaks when necessary and get enough sleep to support your energy levels. Take days off and finish work early if needed.

• Focus on low-intensity tasks: Engage in activities that don't require high concentration or physical exertion. It could involve administrative work, planning, or creative brainstorming.

• Practice self-care: Incorporate self-care activities like gentle exercise, meditation, and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and discomfort.

PUT INTO PRACTICE: Once you can estimate when you’re likely to bleed - you can close these days off in your calendar to make sure you don’t take meetings or have to deliver any high intensity work.

FOLLICULAR PHASE:

During this phase, hormone levels begin to rise, promoting an increase in energy, focus, and creativity. Your creativity levels are at an all time high so use this time to brainstorm new ideas, birth new creations with your work, and plan your big goals.

• Plan and setting goals: Maximise your increased energy and mental clarity to set goals, plan projects, and outline your priorities for the upcoming weeks.

• Brainstorm and tap into creativity: Take advantage of your enhanced creativity and explore new ideas. Engage in brainstorming sessions, creative projects, or problem-solving activities.

• Undertake challenging tasks: As your energy levels rise, tackle more complex or demanding tasks that require focused attention and critical thinking.

PUT INTO PRACTICE: Carve out time in your calendar during this phase for ‘project work’. You know, the work that will bring your new ideas to life and move to needle of your business forward.

OVULATORY PHASE

This is when your confidence and communication skills are peaking. So use this time to meet new people, give presentations, and make big decisions.

• Collaborate and network: Leverage your increased sociability and confidence to engage in collaborative work, team projects, or networking activities. Head to that breakfast brunch and say yes to socialising.

• Run workshops: Use your heightened communication skills to deliver presentations, participate in meetings, or engage in public speaking opportunities. Network baby.

• Create Content: Take advantage of your increased focus and mental agility to plan and create compelling content.

PUT INTO PRACTICE: Sign up to a networking event that's running over these days of your cycle, or commit to hosting a workshop as your confidence will be on point.

LUTEAL PHASE:

The longest phase of your cycle is great for ‘deep work’. You might find yourself going further inwards so use this time to say ‘No’ and instead concentrate on bigger projects. This is right before your period so your energy levels will start to dip as you approach your bleed.

• Focus on creative projects: Capitalise on your increased attention to detail by working on tasks that require precision, organization, and meticulousness like a rebrand or project outline.

• Complete admin work: Use this phase to handle administrative tasks, such as emails, paperwork, and organising files.

• Practice self-care and stress reduction: Incorporate stress-reducing activities, such as exercise, meditation, or journaling, to manage any mood swings or fatigue. Plan in some yin yoga and gentle walking.

PUT INTO PRACTICE: Sign up to a yoga class or journal more. Mark this time in your calendar for deep work and say No to commitments that will zap your dwindling energy.

Remember, only you can give yourself permission to work in a way that suits you! As a business owner, it's crucial to give yourself permission to work in a way that honours your natural rhythm. By adapting your schedule and tasks to your menstrual cycle, you can create a work environment that nurtures your well-being and drives success.