Self-Care during your menstrual phase of your cycle
Every month our hormones fluctuate and we are left feeling energized one week just to feel depleted the next. Our cycles are so connected to how we are feeling aka hormones. I know personally I didn't learn enough about my cycle in school to understand it as an adult. I was chatting with a friend from Australia who said the same thing. We just didn't learn it and I think that's a shame.
How can we really understand our bodies if we are not taught how they work. We are not taught how feeling full of energy and outgoing is normal one week but wanting to crawl in a cave the next week is "normal." My goal is to start to normalize working out with your cycle and helping us realize it's empowering to talk about your menstrual health not something to be ashamed of but embraced.
Self-Care during Menstrual Phase
(Also known as winter phase or new moon phase)
Avoid cold foods and fluids
Cold foods and fluids constrict the uterus making cramping feelings worse. Instead have warming foods and teas. They will help relax the uterus.
Drink hot tea
Take time to rest
Rest is best the first few days of your cycle. It can't always happen that way but see if you can plan time for you. Don't book meetings on the first or 2nd day of your bleed. If that's not possible say no to any extras that you don't really need to be doing at this time. What can you delegate or take off your plate?
Create a winter Spotify playlist
This is such a fun idea. I personally create my playlist during this phase of my cycle so I can feel the energy I'm having at this time of the month. If I feel moody, tired, or a little folksy tunes. I find it helps me step into my feelings at this time in my cycle.
Create a monthly moonly care package for your next bleed
This is a fun idea to give yourself a treat each month. I make sure mine is packed with my Thinx underwear, my favorite chocolate, and maybe a treat such as pens, essential oil blend, my hot water pack, or some little treat. I keep it in the same spot each month so I can find it and have it in a pretty box to make it inviting each month to get out.
Hot water pack on belly
This is one of my go to's now on day 1 and sometimes day 2 of my cycle. The warmth from the hot water really feels nice on my uterus. It helps it relax and reduces the constricted feeling that often occurs during this time of your cycle. I usually elevate my feet on pillows and put on a good Hallmark movie to watch and rest for up to an hour.
Yoga poses
Restorative yoga and walking is the most activity I get during this time of my cycle. As far as the poses go focusing on forward folds, child's pose, butterfly pose, restorative yoga poses such as legs up the wall, child's pose over the bolster.
How can you devote a few self-care practices into your regular monthly routine?
Learn how to workout with your cycle to have lasting energy all month long.
Self-Care with your cycle
Download the self-care with your cycle guide below if you want all of the podcast notes in one place!
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