Let’s talk about something we were never really taught how to care for properly.
Your cycle.
For so long, I treated my period like an inconvenience. Something to push through. Something to work around. Something to ignore unless it was actively disrupting my day. I would overbook myself, drink extra coffee, skip meals, and then feel shocked when I was exhausted, emotional, or cramping in pain.
It took me years to realize that my cycle was not the problem. My lack of support for it was.
Menstrual wellness is not about being dramatic. It is about being informed. It is about understanding that your body operates in phases, and each phase requires something slightly different from you.
Once I stopped fighting that reality, everything felt calmer.
Your Cycle Is Not Just Your Period
Most of us only think about our cycle during the five or so days we are bleeding. But your menstrual cycle is about 28 days on average, and your hormones shift throughout the entire month.
There are four main phases: menstrual, follicular, ovulatory, and luteal. Each one affects your energy, mood, appetite, skin, and even your confidence differently.
And instead of expecting yourself to feel exactly the same every single day, what if you worked with those shifts?
That mindset alone changed how I treat myself.
During Your Period: Slow Down Without Guilt
The menstrual phase is when your body is shedding the uterine lining. Hormone levels drop. Energy often dips. You might feel more inward, reflective, or tired.
This is not weakness. It is biology.
This is the time to prioritize rest, warmth, and nourishment. Warm meals instead of cold ones. Herbal teas. Gentle stretching instead of intense workouts. Earlier bedtimes.
I used to force myself into high intensity workouts during my period because I felt “lazy” if I didn’t. Now I listen. And ironically, I feel stronger long term because of it.
Rest is not indulgent here. It is supportive.
Nourishment Matters More Than You Think
Cravings during your cycle are not random. Your body may be asking for specific nutrients.
Iron rich foods like leafy greens, lentils, and red meat can support you during and after bleeding. Magnesium helps with muscle relaxation and may reduce cramping. Healthy fats stabilize mood and hormones.
Hydration is huge. Dehydration can make cramps and fatigue worse. Drink water consistently, not just when you remember.
And please eat enough. Restricting food during your cycle often backfires emotionally and physically.
Movement Should Match Your Phase
During the follicular and ovulatory phases, energy tends to rise. This is when you might naturally feel more social, motivated, and strong. It is often the best time for harder workouts, creative projects, and big meetings.
During the luteal phase, especially the days leading up to your period, energy can dip again. You might feel more sensitive or introspective. That is not a character flaw.
It might just be your hormones.
Adjusting your movement and expectations slightly during this time can reduce frustration. Maybe you choose Pilates over HIIT. Maybe you reschedule the extra commitment.
Working with your cycle instead of against it is powerful.
Emotional Wellness Is Menstrual Wellness
Hormonal shifts can heighten emotions. You might feel more reflective, more sensitive, or more aware of what is not working in your life.
Instead of labeling that as “being dramatic,” try listening to it.
Some of my clearest realizations have happened the week before my period. That heightened emotional awareness can be information, not instability.
Journaling during this phase can be incredibly grounding. So can limiting overstimulation. Protect your peace a little more during these days.
Track Your Cycle
If you are not already tracking your cycle, start. Even a simple app or calendar note can help you identify patterns. Energy dips. Skin changes. Mood shifts.
When you notice patterns, you feel less blindsided. You stop thinking “what is wrong with me?” and start thinking “oh, this makes sense.”
There is so much comfort in that.
Pain Is Not Something You Just Have to Accept
Let me say this clearly. Severe pain, extremely heavy bleeding, or cycles that disrupt your life are not something you should silently tolerate. If your period is debilitating, advocate for yourself. Speak to a provider. Ask questions.
Menstrual wellness includes medical support when needed.
You deserve care, not dismissal.
Create a Period Ritual
This might sound small, but creating a little ritual around your period changes the energy completely.
Maybe it is fresh sheets. A heating pad. A favorite tea. A specific playlist. A bath. A skincare mask. Something that signals to your brain that this time is for support, not shame.
Your period does not need to feel chaotic.
It can feel contained. Cared for. Supported.
The Beautiful Takeaway
Menstrual wellness is not about perfection. It is about partnership.
Your body is not working against you. It is communicating with you.
When you begin to listen instead of push through, everything softens. Your workouts improve. Your mood stabilizes. Your skin even responds better.
Supporting your cycle is one of the most underrated forms of self care.
And once you start, you will never want to go back to ignoring it.
