How to make the most of your cyclical procsess ~ your menstrual cycle
- hello409273
- Nov 3, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Dec 28, 2024
Cycles are everywhere: the seasons, the moon phases, and even the rhythms of our day-to-day lives. They inform everything around us and within us, too, yet many people overlook just how influential cycles are, especially in mental health and personal growth. While we’re used to acknowledging the yearly cycles, it’s time to also make space for a cycle that happens much more frequently for many women—the menstrual cycle.
The menstrual cycle plays a huge role in physical, mental, and emotional well-being. While some may experience only subtle shifts throughout the month, others feel more dramatic changes that affect everything from their energy levels to their mood and self-confidence. By recognising and working with these inner cycles, psychotherapy can support clients in a way that’s more attuned to their natural rhythm.
Inner Seasons: Finding strengths, and genuine value in each phase
A helpful way to look at the menstrual cycle is through the concept of “inner seasons.” This framework divides the cycle into four phases that mirror the natural seasons, each bringing its own strengths and challenges:
Inner Winter (Menstruation): This is the time of bleeding, which often brings lower energy levels and a need for rest and introspection. Like the quiet of winter, it’s a great time for self-care and reflection.
Inner Spring (Pre-Ovulation): Energy starts to build, and creativity and focus often improve. This phase is perfect for starting new projects, making decisions, or taking on challenges.
Inner Summer (Ovulation): During this phase, many people feel more sociable, confident, and energized—ideal for connecting with others or putting yourself “out there” in personal or professional life.
Inner Autumn (Pre-Menstruation): The week or so before menstruation can feel more challenging, with emotions running higher and energy levels tapering. While this phase can be intense, it’s a great time to dig deeper into unresolved feelings or reflect on what’s working and what isn’t.
Each phase brings its own strengths and sensitivities, making it helpful in therapy to recognise these shifts rather than working against them. By honouring these inner seasons, people can feel more balanced and empowered throughout the month.
The Impact of Cycles on Mental Health
Understanding and respecting the menstrual cycle is especially important for clients dealing with issues like PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) or ADHD. PMDD can amplify emotional and physical symptoms before menstruation, while ADHD may increase impulsivity or emotional dysregulation, both of which can be influenced by hormonal changes throughout the cycle. For many, recognising these patterns can help explain why certain times of the month feel more difficult and provide a foundation for coping strategies.
Why Tracking Your Cycle is Helpful
Tracking your cycle is one of the most effective ways to understand how these phases affect you personally. It gives you a clear view of recurring patterns, helps you make sense of fluctuating moods or energy levels, and offers insight into when you might be more or less equipped to handle certain situations. By tracking, you can also identify ways to support yourself better—whether that’s planning downtime, scheduling important meetings when your confidence peaks, or understanding when extra support might be beneficial.
Starting with three months of tracking is a great way to begin noticing patterns. Track anything you’d like to work on or observe—communication, eating habits, anger, sadness, grief, creativity, self-care... the list is endless!
Download a printable PDF cycle chart here:
Comments