When we bleed it is a sacred time, although it’s often internalized as a curse. When a woman experiences PMS and a symptomatic cycle, it often means she is spreading herself too thin and not listening to her internal rhythms. Scheduling your life, as often as possible, so that you’re not taxing yourself when your cycle can’t handle it will keep you from senselessly depleting your energy. When you feel tired, slow down. It’s not that anything is wrong with you, but that you are not listening to yourself. The body speaks in very clear terms about what it needs and desires from you. During your bleeding phase it’s time to dream more and sleep more. As you lose blood, you also lose minerals and it’s easy to feel depleted. Some women even become anemic. Carrying on as if nothing is happening will result in you pushing yourself too far, which in turn can result in moodiness, low blood sugar, and symptomatic headaches, etc.
During your bleeding phase, just say no, to everything. Even if you feel like you have the energy, allow yourself the opportunity to rest. A practice of setting boundaries, resting, dreaming, eating well, phone fasting, and meditation will help you to get the most out of your bleeding phase and boost your glow power. Whenever possible, you should steer clear of making any major commitments that will put you through a lot of pressure or unnecessary stress. For example, I will not take on any late appointments or commit to evening events that will keep me out late at night during my period I want to be finished with my work day by 2pm. I work from my desk at home the first two days of my period and temper with much-needed rest during this time. I essentially mark a red line through the times I bleed and I request this of my clients as well. Reclaim that time to rest your body. And fortify with foods that support your hormonal health.
After Period- Renewal Phase Eat heartier meals containing healthy fats like avocado, walnuts, quinoa, black beans, and almonds. One of my favorite recipes for Rosemary Almonds comes from Alicia Keys It’s one of my go-to glow foods to carry while in the renewal phase, made with peeled almonds, rosemary, olive oil, and sea salt. Have a smoothie containing low glycemic berries, like blueberries, along with hempseed oil and Maca powder (an adaptogen that works on the reproductive system). Goji berry tea helps to restore the body after menses and offers an array of amino acids. Simply place 2 tsp of dried goji berries into a cup of boiling water. Allow them to soak and release their power into the water, then drink.
