As we step out of summer into fall, we can sense changes all around us: dips in temperature, changes in the direction of the sun, length of day, availability of fruits and vegetables. Everything starts to shift and slow down.

Nature and a woman’s body are not very different. Both work in cycles, seasons and rhythms. Several physical and emotional health challenges we experience as women today are a result of being disconnected from the wisdom of both Mother Nature and our body’s nature.

 

A woman’s body, like the seasons, goes through four main phases in each cycle of 29 and ½ days:

Spring = follicular phase

Summer = ovulation phase

Fall = luteal (or the dreaded PMS phase)

Winter = menstruation phase

Each phase brings with it a unique set of hormonal, physical, emotional and mental gifts.

When we understand these cycles and eat, work, love and play according to our natural flow, we get better at working with our feminine power and not against it. Let’s dive into this “season”, shall we?

The Fall Phase of our Cycle.

The fall/luteal phase is commonly referred to as pre-menstrual syndrome or PMS phase.

In the body:

Like the fall season, during this phase our energy naturally dips and we tend to physically feel withdrawn. Gentler, less strenuous forms of exercise such as Yoga, walks, Pilates serve us well during this time. This is also the time our body begins to crave warmer, comforting foods. Choose healthy options, especially of sugar and fats, and ensure high intake of fiber to support the body’s functions.

In the heart:

As progesterone levels increase in our body we experience a slower, more relaxed temperament. This is a good time to make self-care a priority, be comfortable, rest and curl up with a book, take long baths and not force yourself to be physically or socially active if your body and mind don’t support it. Our desire to nest increases during the luteal phase and you might find yourself re-arranging furniture or beautifying your home.

In the mind:

We have an enhanced awareness and attention to detail during this phase. We also tend to get anxious and fidgety during this phase, especially in the second half. There is a feeling of ‘getting things over with’ which is caused by the build-up of the uterine lining. It’s a great idea to channelize this energy to complete activities that require an attention to detail and problem-solving skills: spread sheets, bill payments, cleaning out and organizing filing cabinets, sales figures etc.

Most women I know and work with fight the luteal and menstrual phases of their cycle vehemently. Of course these are not the same as the active-festive-relationship-oriented follicular and ovulatory phases. This seemingly affects their work and productivity and ability to do and accomplish things. It is important for every woman to understand that fighting these phases is what causes complications in the menstrual cycle and other health issues plaguing women today. This understanding is very helpful for women entrepreneurs and leaders who can leverage these rhythms to carry out different tasks and activities during each phase.

If you’re interested in cracking the code of your hormonal blueprint and use it to work and live well (like an entrepreneurial goddess of creativity ;)) then I invite you to join me for  the Radiant Woman retreat. A one-day even on 10/12 where we will dive into our hormonal, emotional and spiritual gifts as women. Click here for more information

 

In the comments section, tell me how you feel about different phases of your cycle. Do you find your energy and productivity change throughout the month? What would you add to the gifts of fall?