If you sometimes find it hard to cope with periods and PMS, it could be because you are not honoring your menstrual cycle. A lack of synchronization with your menstrual cycle is not uncommon. The world is so fast-paced and competitive. Too many women ignore the physical and psychological effects of their menstrual cycle and suffer the consequences.

Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases. You are likely to feel quite different during each of these four phases. If you care about your health, ignoring your physical and psychological needs during each of these phases is a mistake. This article provides a guide to self-care during each of these phases so that you can honor your menstrual cycle more effectively.

The Follicular Phase

Week one of your menstrual cycle is called the follicular phase. It begins as soon as your monthly period ends. During this week, many women feel lively and inspired. If you often feel a burst of energy during the follicular phase of your cycle, meet your friends, work hard on creative projects, and exercise more. Getting a lot done when you have the motivation to do so will help you succeed in all areas of life.

Make sure you eat a healthy balanced diet during phase one of your menstrual cycle. Do not be afraid to eat a little more of the correct types of food if you burn more calories. Eating enough when you are more active helps you stay ahead of your game.

Ovulation Phase

If you are not on any form of birth control, you will ovulate during the second phase of your menstrual cycle. During the second phase of your menstrual cycle, you will be at your mental and physical peaks. Perhaps you will feel more desirable, and your sex drive will increase. However, you may notice your energy levels drop a little toward the end of this phase.

During ovulation, care for yourself by scheduling time for exercise while you still have plenty of energy. Go out with your friends. If you are single, go out on a date or visit a nightclub and dance with a sexy stranger. If your sex drive increases during this phase, take advantage of it and enjoy yourself (safely) in whichever way you prefer.

The Luteal Phase

The luteal phase of your menstrual cycle can be tough to endure. This phase is when many women suffer from unpleasant premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, depression, insomnia, and mood swings.

The severity of premenstrual symptoms varies from one individual to the next. Some individuals suffer from Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder or PMDD. Severe PMDD sufferers can sometimes have suicidal thoughts and inclinations. If you have PMDD, extra self-care during the luteal phase of your menstrual cycle is critically important.

During your luteal phase, spend more time relaxing alone at home. Avoid scheduling too much work. Communicate with your loved ones about your feelings. That way, they will understand if you want to be by yourself a bit more. Stick to a lighter form of exercise. Take the time to meditate for a while to restore your mood when you feel irritated. Include plenty of healthy fats in your diet.

The Final Phase

During the final phase of your menstrual cycle, you will experience menstruation. While you are menstruating, be extra kind to yourself. Relax as much as you can. Do things you enjoy. Get plenty of rest. Eat nutritious food when you feel hungry. Do not use having your period as an excuse to lie on the sofa and eat fast food. Stick to a whole-food diet and avoid succumbing to food cravings. Go out for a short walk in the local park. Maintain healthy boundaries, too. For instance, it is perfectly reasonable to avoid going out to dinner with family if your flow is heavy and you have severe cramps.

Everyone Is Different

Everybody is unique. You might not experience the four phases of your menstrual cycle in precisely the way this article has described. What is more, you might find ways of honoring your menstrual cycle that work better for you than the self-care suggestions you have read about here. The important thing is that treat yourself kindly. Listen to your body and react accordingly. Avoid pushing yourself harder than you should just because modern society demands it.