The last phase of the cycle is often intended to be the most restful. During the luteal phase, there is a wild roller coaster of hormone changes, and it’s important for me to not resist the ride. 

There is a lot going on in my body, and I must sense every part of it in order to feel the extent of the release that will come at the end of the phase. 

I may feel drained because extra energy is being used on those inner bodily functions. 

Even throughout the process of writing and sharing this journey, I can feel a certain decline of motivation as I get closer to this restorative era. 

I am completely willing to surrender to whatever the day might bring. Surprisingly, sometimes it can be pushing myself to try new bike park features. On the contrary, it also may be taking a midday bath surrounded by plants. Reading the final few pages of one of my books. Or a slow and stretchy yoga session in the evening. 

There is so much power in the luteal phase. It’s, quite honestly, a test. Whatever I am doing, I must remain present. If I lose sight of pure presence, it can lead to pain which manifests through emotional turmoil, such as anxiety, or physical signs like cramps or acne. I must consciously choose to be responsible for my own body and mind, and through presence, I will be at peace. 

I’m no longer discouraged by this phase. I have learned that it is possible for me to do the things I love to do, without fighting against my body. I surely recognize a slight decline in mental and physical stability, and I choose not to give in to it and let it spiral, but rather, accept it and tell myself that everything is as it should be.

Changing my mindset around how I operate during the luteal phase ensures that both my mind and body stay happy, but most importantly…  RESILIENT. I don’t give any power to the voice in my head that tells me I am at my weakest during the luteal phase. I am not powerless after all.  There is the strength that comes with resiliency. 

I cannot see this stage as a punishment. It is asking me to reflect on the past month and to appreciate all that life has given me. It is a time to celebrate the completion of a cycle. 

As for nourishment, I always crave a total menagerie of foods. I like to get creative with whatever I have on hand to come up with out of the ordinary combinations. Figuring out what produce is on the verge of going bad. Using up leftovers. Maybe (usually) even mixing the two together. 

My options usually vary from season to season. In fall, I will opt for a plethora of roasted veggies topped with microgreens. Winter is crock pot soup with all the random veggies in the fridge and legumes in the pantry. Spring is a breakfast hash with eggs and a side of fruit. And summer is a giant fresh salad with a homemade vinaigrette.

The possibilities are endless during this phase. I allow my body to enjoy what it craves. 

And the rumors about chocolate? That’s one thing that society has right. Due to the magnesium content, dark chocolate is one of my favorite indulges leading up to my period. I whisk melted chocolate with aquafaba to create a mousse or dip bananas in it to make bite-size frozen treats. I’ll heat it up with coconut milk, cayenne, and cinnamon sugar to make my own hot cocoa. Or maybe just eat a square of it every now and then. I opt for as dark of chocolate as I can find because I love the bitterness, but sometimes I add a dollop of honey for a slightly sweeter profile. 

Magnesium is such a vital mineral for hormonal reactions, so I also use magnesium spray on my stomach to alleviate premenstrual symptoms. By focusing on ingesting and absorbing magnesium, I recover muscles, promote sleep, and relieve anxiety.  I learned about this practice from Come Alive Herbals, and while I’ve read mixed results, it has proven to be helpful for me. 

Other topicals that I love to use during the luteal phase include: 

Coconut oil: Used as a hair mask or skin moisturizer

Turmeric, honey: Used as a face mask 

Tea tree oil: Used on acne for the antibacterial and antifungal properties 

Cocoa butter, jojoba oil, frankincense: Used as a face moisturizer 

Lavender oil: Used to encourage sleep and relaxation 

Honey, sugar: Used as a lip scrub 

CBD oil: Used to soothe sore muscles and aches

Baths are quite possibly one of my favorite luteal phase activities. I set up a calming environment. Some soothing music. Low light. Epsom salts with essential oils. Maybe curling up with my current book or just allowing myself a quiet time to reflect on the past month. 

By accepting the previous cycle, I can feel the entirety of the catharsis that comes at the end of the luteal phase: the menstrual phase.

Conclusion 

It’s crucial for me to recognize that all parts of the cycle are intertwined. 

How I fuel my body, how much I rest, and how I choose to spend my time will influence the next stage and beyond. 

Because before I know it, the impact of each phase has created a waterfall that cascades into the next month.

And then the next year. 

Next five years.

Next ten years.

Taking action towards honoring this cycle helps break the whirlwind of life into present moments.  

And presence is truly a gift to our bodies and our minds. 

How lucky are we, as women, that we get to experience this extreme awareness in our everyday life. 

All we have to do is listen. 

Plus the craziest thing I have learned through these month-long journeys? How much my cycle aligns with the lunar cycle. Rest is associated with the new moon, just like my menstruation phase while a certain power comes from the moon in its fullest phase, similar to ovulation. But  this phenomenon is for another time. 

Cheers to biking like a girl. And being damn proud of it.