The Journey Of The Cycle 

The Menstrual Phase 

Contrary to what society has taught me about women’s bodies during “their time of the month”, this period (… yes, pun intended) has proven to be more energizing than I expected. While it may not bring my peak energy levels, I have still climbed literal mountains, worked long days, skied fun lines, and tried new tricks while menstruating. I remember I nailed my first (and second and third and fourth) one-hander on my bike after just trying it on a whim. And then shortly after, I received my gift from Mother Nature. Experiencing these particular moments during each of my cycles helped me realize the power in my menstrual phase.

Just because I’m on my period, doesn’t mean that my body isn’t capable of doing things I love. I may just have to go about it with a different mindset. 

The period is literally shedding old things in order to start anew. I bring this metaphor into my everyday life and embrace the fresh start that my body is giving me. It’s ideally a time to start envisioning new ideas and planning out the details in order to execute. I may or may not execute those things right away, but I give compassion to my mind and body to honor whatever that process might be. I listen to the cues my body shares. I slow down before reacting. And I give myself time and space to celebrate this monthly ceremony that is very much a considerable indicator of my physical and mental health. 

The whole cycle is a time to connect with my body; however, I would say that this phase is the most obvious way to feel that connection. Things are physically being expelled from my body, and it’s hard to ignore. The area around my sacral chakra feels some tenderness, and my saddle is slightly sore, similar to a long day on the bike without a chamois. 

These signs naturally lead me to more restful activities. I warmly welcome the slow and restorative practice of yin yoga, stretching my body in a manner that is congruent with my energy levels. I am still finding my physical limits, while also honoring wherever I am. 

Other restful activities for me include but are not limited to: 

Reorganizing and cleaning my spaces

Propagating and potting plants

Cuddling with my cats

Baking new recipes and meal prepping

Painting and drawing

Sewing projects and patching any hole-y gear or clothes

Browsing book stores and reading

Spending time outdoors, such as going for an easy hike, hammocking, or dipping into some water

Getting a massage

Taking a bath

Meditating, journaling, and just letting myself sit and be 

Now I won’t say no to some fun blue flow lines while riding my own personal red flow, but mountain biking is usually on the backburner. I don’t seek intense long rides that will completely drain my energy, but rather go after trails that I know will bring me confidence and ease. I always check in with my body to ensure that I don’t overexert, while also allowing myself to conduct life as I normally would.

Cycles do have parallels from cycle to cycle (hence, why they are defined as “cycles”…), but some aspects may change how things operate. Hydration levels. How the body is fueled. How much rest. Sleep quality. Daily activities. Stress. All of these are factors in how my cycle manifests the next time around, so it’s important to take note of the present. I believe it truly tells a story of the past. 

If I get bad cramps or bloating, it may be due to the fact that I wasn’t properly hydrating as I lead up to my period. But instead of getting on my case about how I could have done things better, I take initiative in the moment, listen to those cues, and act on them. 

Take a drink of water. 

Eat some juicy fruit. 

Sip on coconut water for extra electrolytes. 

Opt for shade over sun during the hottest parts of the day. 

It takes a certain consciousness to actually listen and act, but it truly has changed the “worst time of the month” into the best. 

And while we’re on the topic of absolute game changers for menstruation mitigation… let’s talk methods for remedying the actual flow. 

The past couple of years during my cycle journey, I found myself switching from popular brand name tampons with plastic applicators to organic applicator-less cotton ones. While they were convenient, I wasn’t crazy about the environmental impact of one-use tampons, so I worked my way to a reusable cup. However, as I have started to consciously track my cycle, I realized that I rarely need the full capacity of the cup, and I usually find myself falling back to the flannel cotton pads and period underwear. Not only do these reusable tools fit some of my greatest values – sustainability and eco-consciousness – but I’ve also noticed that it alleviates symptoms like cramps and heavy bleeding. 

When in a pinch during one of my cycles, I decided to try and revert back to a tampon, and it immediately led to the most intense cramping that I had experienced in a long time. Because I was in tune with how my body felt during this time, I was able to take action and get that thing OUT OF ME.

I felt instant relief. 

It’s interesting because I recall reading American Girl’s “Keeping and Care of You” as a tween girl. It got me excited to use tampons because I knew that’s what the older women I looked up to were using. And I can’t be the only one that vividly remembers the confidence and victory that came with successfully inserting the first tampon. But at the end of the day, I honor the journey I have gone through to realize what works best for me in this present moment. Venturing away from these typical societal norms has proved to better fit my values, and in turn, my body and my mind. 

Recently, I saw a video on TikTok from Earthly Threads, which encouraged me to make my own period underwear and pads from scrap fabrics. However, if you don’t have access to a sewing machine, Glad Rags will send you your first panty liner for free, and you just pay for shipping. This is not a paid promotion or affiliate link. I am just hoping to share information for those of you who are interested in trying out this method.

The reusable period devices require a bit more attention due to cleaning and maintenance, but they have truly impacted my cycle in the best way possible. I have come to enjoy the small ceremonial practices that come with it, and it forces me to slow down and act intentionally.  

I’m not saying that everyone reading this needs to promptly switch to this same new process, but don’t completely disregard the possibility that it might bring some unexpected comfort.

I know that rest and low-energy activities are key during this time of the month. But the last piece of the puzzle? Nutrition and fuel. During this time, I eat a pretty equal amount of carb-rich food and nutrient-dense fruits and veggies. Think salads with lots of whole food toppings like quinoa and berries. Or roasting dark leafy greens alongside protein packed beans and fresh vegetables. I steep cooling teas like mint or rose to relieve soreness. And I intentionally drink each drink and eat each bite, as it is fueling me through this internal process. 

Being vegetarian, I am frequently told my iron levels are probably low. Pair that with being a woman on her period, and I’ve created society’s perfect poster child for iron deficiency. However, iron is actually very present in alot of plant-based foods. Legumes, tofu, spinach. All are very iron-rich, but it is a specific type called non-heme. Non-heme iron should be paired with Vitamin C in order to be properly absorbed. Which brings me full circle to those colorfully balanced salads with a good mix of fruits, vegetables, and beans and a homemade dressing with a spritz of citrus. 

Since becoming more plant-based and focusing on eating whole foods, I have begun to read into exactly what my body needs, and see the patterns that arise. I note my cravings and find my own ways to settle them.  

After the conclusion of my period, intuitively following these feelings only ramps up as I continue on through the next chapter filled with growth and energy: the follicular phase.