We're at the halfway point in your cycle and this is often your peak in outward expression!  You're probably feeling more inclined to be more visible and put yourself out there.  

Even an introvert (like myself) feels a bit extra social during this phase of my cycle.  [As I text friends and family random "Hi!  How's it going?' messages]

What's up with my hormones now?

Your pituitary gland releases luteinizing hormone (LH) stimulation the egg to release from the follicle. Your estrogen & testosterone peak and your energy, mood, and libido are at their highest.

What does that actually look like?

The surging of Estrogen to its peak level lead to a boost in synaptic connections within the brain which increase sharpness and communication skills as well as creativity.

This is likely when you'll feel most social, outgoing & verbal.  It's also the time to have any difficult conversations.

What's the best options for movement?

Take advantage of the surge in energy and get sweaty

How does this affect my work flow?

The verbal and social centers of the brain are stimulated making this a great time to put yourself out there and work with others.  Think of this as a time to be of service to others & your community.

 If you're interested in using cycle specific self-care practices to live in sync with your cycle through what is called Cyclical Living, check out the Women's Moon Wisdom Self-Care Framework at https://www.rebeccarankinyoga.com/begintoday

The follicular phase starts the first day after your period ends - the first day you are no longer bleeding.

With a boost in hormones and a fresh outlook, you might find yourself saying 'Yes!' to ALL the things.  

What's up with my hormones now?

Estrogen & testosterone levels begin to increase. Your pituitary gland releases follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) which triggers a follicle in the ovary to mature enough to prepare to release an egg at ovulation. Energy, mood, & libido all rise.

What does that actually look like?

Your estrogen levels rise and boost your brains ability to plan, strategize, & solve problems.
This is when hormonal levels spark creativity and make it a great time to start something new.

What's the best options for movement?

Challenge yourself in this phase or try something new

How does this affect my work flow?

With your hormones heightening your ability to plan, strategize and see the zoomed out picture, this is the optimal time to lean into:

So... this might be the part of your phase that you are most familiar with.

It might also be the part of the phase that you feel is the most inconveniencing. I get it.

Well... let's go over the 101 basics of the menstrual phase and see if you can acknowledge just how amazing your body and cycle really are!

The beginning of each cycle starts the first day of your period. It's the time that we honor releasing the old to make room for a fresh start.

In this phase, the shedding of your uterine lining occurs. Estrogen & progesterone are at their lowest, triggering your bleeding. This also causes your energy, mood, & libido to be low.

What does that actually look like?

Estrogen, progesterone, and testosterone are at their lowest levels and enables the right & left hemispheres of the brain to be in greater communication with each other which allows you to judiciously evaluate aspects of your life. This is the time to tune into your intuition and listen to what your gut is telling you needs to change and what you need more of in your life

What's the best options for movement? Take it easy. No, seriously.

How does this affect my work flow?

This is a great time for reviewing and analyzing aspects of your work. You may find that you are especially geared towards evaluating aspects of your work flow that aren't working and starting to set some initial foundations for how they could be enhanced.

Get clear with what isn't working in your life and move in the direction of releasing old habits that are no longer serving you.

And in turn, you are making room for more of what you want. Evaluate what it is that you want more of in the coming cycle.

Set your intentions that you want to move towards in the coming cycle.

*BONUS* - Inner New Moon Sound Journey - Craving a moment alone where you can put into practice setting an intention?  Enjoy this 45 minute Sound Journey https://www.rebeccarankinyoga.com/inner-moon-sound-journey

Cyclical living is the most powerful way to live in harmony with your body's natural rhythm so that you can step into the life of your dreams as the best version of yourself.

Your inner cycle is your inner guidance system that guides you in making choices that give you the greatest sense of power, confidence and ease!

Cyclical living means aligning your daily activities (work, nutrition, exercise, mindset, social engagement) with the natural cycles like the seasons, the Lunar cycle, and your menstrual cycle to improve mental and physical health, have more energy, happiness, productivity, and promote spiritual growth.

I was going through old school photos of myself from my prepubescent teen years. Oh my! They were cringe worthy. Mostly, because it brought back the feelings I had as an awkward teen. It also didn't help that I was a "late bloomer"!

At least though, as girls we are somewhat educated on what to expect with starting a period and reaching menarche. (And yes, we can do way better with this!).  Fast forward to us now in the years between menarche and menopause, how many of us are actually educated about perimenopause?!

This natural maturation of our inner cycle happens over the course of years that leads us to menopause, but yet it's not widely talked about. And this transition, just like the transition towards puberty and menarche, can leave us feeling like we are losing it!

You're not alone. Listen for one of my helpful tips to navigate perimenopause that will allow you a bit more grace in your daily life!

Cyclical living changed my perspective on being a woman and how I viewed my cycle. It also equipped me with a greater understanding of my hormonal super powers. Now, I align my movement, work flow, nutrition, and even mind set to align with my hormonal strengths during each phase of my cycle.

Want to learn more about cyclical living?  Check out this Free Workshop with actionable steps to live in sync with your cycle.  www.rebeccarankinyoga.com/cyclical-living

Also, let's connect!  You can find me on Instagram at WomensMoonWisdom

I'm in! Here's to a new journey ahead and why coming to a growth edge usually allows for more... growth! I'm letting this be messy in order to just start already.  Thanks for joining along on this journey.

I'd love to connect with you further. Let's connect on Instagram at WomensMoonWisdom

Want to learn more about what I am up to?  Head over to www.rebeccarankinyoga.com