Cycle Seasons: Understanding The Four Seasons of Your Menstrual Cycle

Menstruation is something half the world does for a week at a time, yet it remains largely misunderstood. Many of us as women aren’t period pros. Sure, we get the basics – bleeding, not pregnant, cool. But what about the other three weeks of the month?

Do you know exactly when your hormones are having a wild party, influencing mood, productivity, metabolism, and basically all your life areas? Your period is not your menstrual cycle but rather a small part of it. Your menstrual cycle extends far beyond the days of bleeding. It involves four different phases:

• Follicular Phase (Inner Spring)
• Ovulation Phase (Inner Summer)
• Luteal Phase (Inner Autumn)
• Menstruation (Inner Winter)

If you haven’t heard of these terms or aren’t familiar with their meanings, that’s perfectly okay – that’s why ILIK is here! The average 28-day cycle can be likened to having four different seasons just like the seasons of the year– from the introspective, emotionally charged “winter” vibe during your period to the confident, dynamic, outgoing “summer” vibe of ovulation.

These hormonal shifts throughout the month bring about changes in your mood, energy levels, metabolism, personality, athletic ability, appetite, sleep quality, and practically every aspect of your being.

Mapping your menstrual cycle to the seasons can be seriously helpful and empowering. It’s like having a cheat code for understanding those mood swings and energy shifts. Get to know your cycle, and you’re getting to know yourself on a deeper level.

Remember that every woman’s cycle is her own unique masterpiece. Your cycle might do its own thing – longer, shorter, more time in certain seasons – and that’s all okay and natural.

It’s about recognizing the natural inner 4 seasons within you and harnessing this power every month.

Understanding the 4 Cycle Seasons. Discover Your Inner Seasons:

Think of your menstrual cycle as your personal weather forecast! ILIK thinks that getting in sync with the four phases of your cycle is like unlocking the secrets to feeling good. It’s not just a biological thing; it’s like riding a rollercoaster that matches the ups and downs of your body, mind and soul.

Just like nature has its growth, bloom, harvest, and chill-out moments, your body has its own rhythm. It’s a simple process of aligning what you do each day with how you feel during the different phases of the menstrual cycle. Whether it’s taking it easy during your period or letting your creative side loose during the follicular phase. Navigating the emotional and physical changes throughout the month is a great way to live in a harmonious flow with your cycle. 

Each phase represents a unique season, and by aligning your daily activities with your emotional needs during each season, you can foster a deeper connection with your body. 

Let’s explore practical tips for harmonizing your life with The Four Seasons of You.

1. Winter – Menstruation Phase (Week 1 – The bleed):

• Prioritize self-care: Warm baths, cozy blankets, and gentle activities.
• Practice mindfulness: Meditation and deep breathing to connect with your inner self.
• Allow for introspection and self-reflection: Journaling or silent reflection to honor the stillness within.
• Self-Reflection: Embrace the stillness; this is a time of inward reflection. Journal your thoughts and feelings to understand the root of any emptiness.
• Boundaries: Set clear boundaries; honor the need for rest and solitude. It’s okay to say no and prioritize self-care.
  
  

2. Spring – Follicular Phase (Week 2 – The Rebirth):

Life feels good again.  During the inner spring phase, catch up with friends, use this creative energy to brainstorm new ideas, and plan new projects. Dive into light exercises, plan social hangouts, and unleash your creative beast. It’s your personal blossoming season—explore, set goals, and push gently out of your comfort zone.

• Engage in light exercises: Yoga or brisk walks to boost energy levels.
• Plan social activities: Enjoy connecting with others and expanding your social circle.
• Set goals and plan: Leverage the renewed energy for productivity.
• Protrude Your Self: As energy begins to rise, push gently out of your comfort zone. Explore new activities or reconnect with old passions to fill any void with positive experiences.
• Creativity: Channel the budding energy into creative outlets. Whether it’s art, writing, or any form of self-expression, let your creativity flourish.
  
  
  
  

• Intense workouts: Take advantage of peak energy levels for more vigorous exercises.
• Socialize: Attend events, connect with friends, and engage in group activities.
• Plan date nights: Enjoy intimacy and quality time with your partner.
• Sexuality and Intimacy: Embrace the heightened energy and connect with your sensuality. Share intimate moments with a partner or with yourself to dispel feelings of emptiness.
• Boundless Energy: Utilize the peak energy for physical activities. Exercise not only boosts mood but also aligns your mind with the vibrancy of summer.
  
  

4. Autumn – Luteal Phase (Week 4 – Hybrid of both worlds):

Think calming exercises, skincare rituals, and stress-busting mindfulness.  During your inner fall, nurture yourself like the queen you are and acknowledge your accomplishments. It’s the perfect blend of rest and preparation.

• Gentle exercises: Opt for calming activities like swimming or nature walks.
• Prioritize self-care rituals: Focus on skincare, massages, and calming baths.
• Manage stress: Practice mindfulness and relaxation techniques to ease tension
• Proactive Self-Care: As energy begins to wane, proactively engage in self-care. Address feelings of emptiness by nurturing your well-being with soothing activities.
• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness to stay present and prevent thoughts of something being wrong. Cultivate gratitude and acknowledge your accomplishments.
  
  

Navigating Your Emotions Through The Cycle Seasons

Understanding your menstrual cycle is like getting to feel the different vibes each season brings. Every phase is like a mini-season, and if you match your routine with your cycle seasons, you’ll be best friend with yourself in no time.

Getting in tune with your emotions at each phase is like having your own secret recipe for dealing with those “blah” moments. It’s not rocket science—just throw in some self-reflection, set a few boundaries, let your creativity run wild, and sprinkle in some intimate moments. Voila! You’re on your way to feeling balanced and fulfilled throughout the four seasons happening inside you.

It’s all about recognizing and respecting what each phase needs (or let’s call them seasons, shall we? 😅). Picture it like creating a chill and healthy lifestyle that vibes with your natural cycle. Whether you’re cozied up in the restful winter, blooming with energy in the spring, soaking up the sun in the summer, or giving yourself some extra self-love in the fall. 

This trick isn’t new; ancient civilizations used to sync women’s menstrual cycles to nature because it was the only way to keep track on their cycles. Syncing your daily activities with your changing emotional needs is a crucial part of being a woman, adapting and evolving just like Mother Nature herself.

Once you get familiar with each season in your menstrual cycle, embracing them can be seriously powerful. If you want to level up your well-being game

Your Voice Matters:

How do you handle the shifts in your emotions during the month? We’re all ears!

ILIK’s blog is your safe space for shared experiences and collective growth. Join the conversation to build a supportive dialogue around women’s emotional and mental well-being. 

Share your stories and thoughts in the comments and let us know your current season! ❄️🌸☀️🍂 

Stay fabulous,

ILIK