How to work during the Luteal Phase of your Cycle

Do you ever feel like you have a lot of energy but are exhausted simultaneously? Then a few days later, you get your period; and you realize why you were feeling extra emotional.  That time is called the Luteal phase of your cycle.

The week or so before your period can leave you hungry, tired, overwhelmed, and questioning your life choices and commitments. Feeling exhausted and like you are caught in a whirlwind may not feel like the best time to work on meaningful projects for work, but your luteal phase has hidden gifts for you to tap into during this time. 

Studies show we get more work done when we are in a state of joy and contentment:

• Life is more manageable.
• Choices are more straightforward.
• We show up in more alignment and integrity.

It’s an easy link to see that when we go with our natural rhythm, it can influence our lives, especially our workflow.  The Agenda app understands what your body needs, what’s going on, and how you can utilize your flow, not in a boss-babe-your-life-and-squeeze-out-every-inch-of-productivity kind of way but a follow-the-breadcrumbs-and-progress-not-perfection type of way. So let’s dive into the luteal phase and how you can use it to be in the flow of your work state more often.

What the Luteal phase of your cycle is:

Progesterone rises, and Estrogen goes down, paving the way for your period in a week or so. This phase is about 7-10 days long. You may, like me, have more energy at this stage, but if you do not begin to slow down, you will regret it soon. Your body is transitioning to prepare to bleed, so use the energy well—don’t let it use you. Were you thinking of leaving your energy unregulated? In this 24/7, 365 world we live in, if you keep going at the pace you were earlier in the cycle, you will be crying into a box of brownies at three a.m. with a glass (or bottle) of wine.

Words of wisdom for this phase: Watch. Your. Words. 

When you share truth or opinions during the Luteal Phase of your cycle, they can become bitter, bitey, and unnecessary if not well-minded. It’s important to ask yourself if your words are true, kind, or necessary. Some things can be written into a journal or screamed into a fluffy pillow. Thoughts and impulses rising to the surface are your mind’s way of letting you know about crossed boundaries or unresolved issues. They’re critical red flags but should be addressed with care. 

 In Wild Power, they share, ‘You’re being shown exactly what needs your attention, what needs to change, and what isn’t working. You get feedback on your overall health and stress levels, how well you’re caring for yourself, your relationships, creative projects, spiritual life, and more. Your task is to stay present and receive the feedback with as much self-kindness as you can muster.”‘ 

When it comes to working, be careful when making shifts and giving feedback. If you have ideas, write them down so you can address them after your period when you have the emotional capacity to handle things if it goes sideways. When your gut tells you something is wrong, trust it, and trust yourself enough to tune in and shift when you think something is off. If you make changes this week after noticing a problem, give yourself grace if it doesn’t immediately improve. Some things take time. 

Tips for Organizing your Work 

When your gut tells you something is wrong, trust it. Trust yourself enough to tune in when you think something is off; this is especially helpful to see gaps in your work that you need to see. In any place where things aren’t moving smoothly, you’ll notice. Take note, and feel into what you can do about it.

If you make shifts this week after noticing a problem, give yourself grace if it doesn’t immediately improve. Some things take time. Regarding talking to others about these shifts, be careful when providing feedback during this phase. If you have ideas, write them down so you can address them after your period when you have the emotional capacity to handle it if it goes sideways. 

Your creative juices may also be flowing during this time, so go ahead and put your energy toward something productive. Find a new way to forge ahead on a project you have felt stuck on for a while.

Things to do work-wise during your Luteal phase..

*Review projects and workflow for any gaps in time, energy, resources

*Tackle a complex project that feels tricky

*Access working relationships or pitched ideas

*Wrap up a project

*Take stock of work in general and what shifts you need to make.

Questions to ask yourself during your Luteal phase

*Is there any places that feel off or weird in my projects?

*Where do I feel stuck, and how can I tackle it?

*What isn’t working in my business right now and why?

*What are the three most significant shifts to make in my business this next month?

Curious about what stage you are in? Download the Agenda App to track your cycle and sync your life and work to your body’s flow! Find it on Apple HERE, or Google Play HERE.