Wondering what is cycle syncing and how do I know which season I’m in? Here’s what you need to know about this life changing practice.
By Charlotte Cruz
Cycle syncing is this intriguing idea that women can tune their lifestyles to sync up with the various stages of their menstrual cycle. Think of it as a kind of life hack for your hormones. You can match your activities, eating habits, and even your social life to each phase of your cycle. Though it’s worth mentioning that not all scientists or doctors are on board with this idea, so take it with a pinch of salt.
Now, the menstrual cycle has been rather poetically divided into four ‘seasons’: Winter, Spring, Summer, and Autumn. Let’s break down what these mean.
“YOUR CYCLE MIGHT NOT FIT NEATLY INTO THIS FRAMEWORK, AND THAT’S COMPLETELY FINE. THE KEY IS TO LISTEN TO YOUR BODY AND MAKE YOUR OWN OBSERVATIONS.”
Winter (Menstrual Phase)
This is usually around days 1-5 of your cycle, give or take. This is the time when you’re menstruating. Your uterus is shedding its lining, and you might be feeling a bit low-energy.
The Syncing Strategy
Take it easy, love! It’s a great time to pamper yourself, stay in, and indulge in some quality ‘me-time’. Some women find they’re more into solitary or low-key activities during this phase.
Spring (Follicular Phase)
This ‘season’ spans from after your period is over, up until you ovulate. So that’s around days 6-14. It is when your body’s revving up the oestrogen, which often means you’ll start feeling a bit more lively and upbeat.
The Syncing Strategy
Spring is often seen as a time for new beginnings. Got a new project or goal in mind? Now’s the time to dive in!
Summer (Ovulatory Phase)
This is right around the middle of your cycle, say days 14-17. But keep in mind, this can vary. This is when ovulation is happening, and your oestrogen levels are peaking. Many women find they’re at their most social and confident during this phase.
The Syncing Strategy
Fancy a get-together with mates or a networking event? This is your moment to shine. If you’re into public speaking or collaborative projects, go for it now.
Autumn (Luteal Phase)
This is after ovulation and before your next period, roughly days 18-28. Progesterone is the star of the show now, and if you don’t get pregnant, it’ll drop, kicking off the cycle anew. You might also get some PMS symptoms.
The Syncing Strategy
Start winding things down. Finish off those projects and maybe begin turning inward for a bit of self-reflection. A bit of self-care wouldn’t go amiss, either.
Remember, everyone’s different. Your cycle might not fit neatly into this framework, and that’s completely fine. The key is to listen to your body and make your own observations. If you’re thinking about fertility or contraception, it’s a good idea to chat with a healthcare provider. Cycle syncing is more of a personal practice than a precise science, so make it work for you.
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