The original version of this article appeared on the neswell.com blog on August 7, 2022
Journaling and keeping track of your daily schedule may be a familiar task for you. But what about keeping track of your period cycle? While it may sound odd, writing down the type of days you have throughout all four phases of your menstrual cycle has many benefits that can help you learn more about your body and how it works.
As you listen to and write about the type of day your body is having, you’re on your way to healing your body through journaling. Learning new things about your cycle can be beneficial on its own, but implementing it into your life through a process called cycle syncing can make all the difference you didn’t know you needed.
What Is Cycle Syncing?
Tracking your cycle and tailoring your social interactions, exercise routine, nutrition, and work to the four phases is cycle syncing. Corresponding your life and menstrual cycle together can help improve your overall mental, physical, and emotional health.
Journaling is a great way to keep track of everything that happens to better understand your unique cycle and how you can alter your lifestyle based on what your body tells you. It can help with your period, improving how you view yourself and your health.
Click the image to download your own cycle tracker
How Journaling Your Cycle Syncing Process Can Help
The secret to tracking your cycle is becoming aware of and in tune with your body. Numerous period-related issues can be helped by cycle syncing, including:
- Endometriosis or Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
- Low libido
- Conceiving implications
- Painful periods
As you journal, the four phases of your menstrual cycle as well as the sex hormones that cause them should be kept in mind while you track them. Writing out and looking back on your cycle can give you a better insight into how to prepare for the next one.
1: Menstrual Phase: Journal Everything
The phase that is most recognized and well-known is the menstrual phase. It's the first day of your cycle, typically lasting for one to six days. This occurs when the uterus walls are shed, resulting in bleeding, spots, cramps, bloating, and poor energy. The severity of these symptoms might change depending on your body.
Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest during the menstrual phase. If this stage often lasts more than eight days for you, you might want to consider consulting with your doctor. This phase will be crucial for your journaling as the symptoms are most easily recognizable, and knowing what to expect from your last tracking can help you prepare for what is to come.
A few ways to help with your cycle syncing process during this phase are:
- Staying hydrated
- Taking it easy at the gym
- Reduce stress with journaling
2: Follicular Phase: Get Creative
Despite starting at the same time as the menstrual phase, the follicular phase continues for another eight days. At this point in your cycle, you could notice glowing skin and increased libido, energy, and creativity. However, you may experience a decrease in hunger due to your hormone levels rising.
The two hormones that are increasing at this period are estrogen and progesterone. Estrogen is a steroid that all bodies generate and helps to retain female sex characteristics. As you enter ovulation, progesterone, a steroid hormone, helps your body get ready for what is to come by preparing the uterus for pregnancy.
Journaling during this part of the process can help you get to know your body and better understand the different phases, as you will be able to see how your body transitions from one stage to the next.
A few techniques to aid with cycle synchronization during this stage are:
- Increase workout intensity
- Tackle complex or creative projects
- Fuel your body with citrus fruits and probiotics
3: Ovulatory Phase: Listen To Your Emotions
One of the most critical stages of the process is the ovulatory stage. Due to your reproductive window remaining open for two to three days before your temperature rises, this is the ideal time to get pregnant.
The luteinizing hormone indicates the release of an egg, leading to ovulation when it is released. As testosterone and progesterone levels rise and estrogen peaks, you may notice increased energy, desire, and self-confidence. The process of cycle synchronization will progress more efficiently, and you'll feel better overall if you flush out extra estrogen.
As you journal during this phase, pay extra attention to your emotional feelings, as those will be the most prominent.
During this phase, you want to use your emotions to your advantage by:
- Going as hard as you can at the gym
- Socializing
- Getting intimate
4: Luteal Phase: Almost Done
The luteal phase is the last stage of your menstrual cycle. It is usual for you to start breaking out and experience typical PMS symptoms shortly before your period. As you finish your cycle, your levels of estrogen and progesterone drop. You might endure bloating, lethargy, and reduced libido during this period.
It's crucial to continue journaling while you conclude your cycle from days 15-28. Those last few days are essential to understanding your entire process.
Listen to your body and relax during this last phase while also making these small changes in your routine:
- Decrease your workout intensity
- Finish up outstanding projects
- Eat foods high in magnesium
Journaling your period cycle may not be for everyone. It can be time-consuming, or you may not fully understand what to write about. However, finding the time to sit down and find writing prompts can be a stress reliever while also allowing you to learn more about your body.
While there are a multitude of ways to improve your overall health, journaling about your cycle syncing process is cost-efficient and almost effortless if you just listen to what your body is trying to tell you. So instead of just going with the flow, or as some like to say “aunt flow,” be proactive, write down how you feel, and tune into your body to improve your overall health.
Author bio: Eve Miller is a content writing intern from Orange County, CA. Majoring in journalism and public relations at Chico State, she has been able to cover a variety of topics through her writing. In her spare time, Eve loves to stay active by surfing, playing soccer, working out, and also enjoys baking. To learn more, connect with Eve on LinkedIn.
Leave Comment