It’s that time of the month – day 1 has arrived, and you wake up feeling like you’ve been hit by a bus. Cramps? Check. Mood swings? Double check. Energy level? Somewhere between a sloth and a snail. While the general feeling of “blah” is the norm, there’s something magical about aligning your life with the phases of your menstrual cycle – it’s called cycle syncing.
Understanding cycle syncing
Cycle syncing is based on the premise that our bodies undergo distinct hormonal fluctuations throughout the menstrual cycle, influencing our energy levels, mood, and physical well-being. By syncing your activities, nutrition, and self-care practices with these hormonal changes, you can channel their power to enhance your overall health and productivity.
Tackling that time of the month
The menstrual phase is a period (pun intended) where your body may throw a few curveballs, leaving you feeling a tad under the weather. During this phase, you may encounter cramps, bloating, mood swings, and fatigue – let’s be real though, it kinda feels like a rollercoaster ride you didn’t quite sign up for. We’ve put together a few simple tips to help you alleviate the symptoms:
Cramps: Ah, the dreaded cramps. Alleviate them with warmth – whether it’s a heating pad, warm bath, or cosy blanket, heat can help relax cramped muscles and soothe discomfort.
Bloating: Beat the bloat by staying hydrated and incorporating anti-inflammatory foods into your diet, such as leafy greens, Fennel and Turmeric, or herbal teas like peppermint or ginger. Need a little debloat boost? Give our Debloating + Digestion vitamins a try! (They work wonders).
Fatigue: Feeling like you could use a nap at any moment? Embrace it! Allow yourself extra rest during this time, prioritise sleep, and indulge in gentle movement like restorative yoga or leisurely walks to boost energy levels.
Mood swings: Hormonal fluctuations can wreak havoc on our emotions, but mindfulness practices like meditation or journaling can help bring balance and perspective. However, we understand that sometimes that doesn’t quite do the trick. VitaminMe’s got your back with our PMS Support + Hormone Balance vitamins – these little wonders are like a gentle, happy hug for your hormones.
Honoring your body’s needs
Rather than pushing through the discomfort and carrying on with business as usual, cycle syncing encourages you to listen to your body and respond with compassion and understanding. Before you go diving under the covers and hibernating until it’s all over, let’s unpack how you can make this week a little more bearable – and maybe even enjoyable!
Give yourself permission to rest
Seriously, it’s okay to hit the pause button and take a breather. Your body is working hard, so give it the care it deserves. Whether it’s curling up with a cosy blanket or binge-watching your fave romcoms, embrace the power of slowing down and taking it easy.
Eat the rainbow
Cravings hitting you hard? Reach for nourishing foods that not only satisfy your taste buds but also support your body during this time. Think fruits, veggies, whole grains, and lean proteins – your tummy will thank you!
Get moving (gently)
While a high-intensity workout might not be on the agenda, gentle movement can do wonders for your mood and energy levels. Take a stroll, bust out some yoga poses, or simply dance like nobody’s watching.
Show yourself some love
Set aside moments to pamper yourself with gentle acts of kindness. Whether it’s soaking in a bubble bath, treating yourself to an at-home spa session, or simply indulging in your favourite treat, prioritise nurturing yourself. You deserve all the love!
And perhaps most importantly, remember to be kind to yourself. Your body goes through a lot during the first week of your cycle, and it deserves a little extra love and attention. After all, you’re a warrior, period.
