The Embody your Cycle Series | Part Four

Aligning with Ovulation

Hi Friends! Welcome back. You have made it to the final part of the Embody your Cycle Series.  Today we will talk ovulation and all of the ways in which you can align your everyday life with this phase of your cycle.  Adjusting your productivity, movement, and nutrition with each phase of your cycle allows you to fully embody the gift we have been given as women.  It gives you permission to embrace the changes that your body experiences throughout the month. In return, you will feel more aligned and in tune with your body. As women, we have been misinformed that our body is against us. Well I say fuck that. Now let’s dive in…

Hormones

Ovulation is often referred to as your internal summer because it is the phase in which your sex hormones are at their peak. Due to high levels of testosterone, you may feel an overwhelming amount of energy.  Your sex drive may also feel elevated. As a result of high levels of estrogen, your skin may feel more soft and glowy. For myself, I notice I feel the most feminine during ovulation. This is the time in which I most enjoy doing my hair, putting on makeup, and throwing on a cute outfit. If you align with this, allow yourself to feel seen during this season. 

Nutrition

Your metabolism is rather slow during this time, however, I have read that intermittent fasting may mess with ovulation (correct me if I am wrong).  For myself, I like to tap into my intuition.  If my body is up for a fast, I will dive in.  If not, I will opt for a lighter breakfast.  My favorite breakfast during ovulation phase is June Coconut Yogurt (the unsweetened vanilla flavor) with wild blueberries, chia seeds, and almond butter.   I recently just bought Truvani Protein Powder (the vanilla flavor) to add to my yogurt during this ovulation phase.  I will follow up and let you know how it goes!

During ovulation phase, estrogen is at an all time high in our bodies.  This can be good, however, due to hormone disruptors and environmental toxins, it is very easy for our bodies to produce too much.  This can lead to acne, bloating, and painful periods.  Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, cauliflower, and brussel sprouts, can help to balance estrogen in our bodies during this season.  Fatty fish, high in Omega-3, such as wild caught salmon and black cod, can help to support ovulation by increasing blood circulation in the body.  Lastly, drink plenty of water during this time.  Your body temperature naturally rises when you are ovulating so it is easier to dehydrate.  Water, also, helps to move hormones and developing follicles (eggs) through your body.

Movement

Since testosterone is at its peak during ovulation, this may be a good time to take advantage of the increased energy moving through your body.  For me, daily movement is always essential because it supports my emotional health, physical wellbeing, and quality of sleep.  As my energy increases during ovulation, vigorous workouts feel more fundamental.  Movement during ovulation can be anything from HIIT workouts to running/jogging, if that is your thing.  Personally, I like to do 20 minutes on the stair stepper or 12-3-30 on the treadmill, both followed by weight training.  I also like to dive into a power yoga class (Process at The Well Studio is optimal for ovulation phase because it combines vinyasa with cardio). Utilize this time to move because once your sex hormones begin to drop during luteal phase your motivation for physical movement will follow.

Productivity

This is a beautiful season to optimize your productivity. During ovulation your creativity may feel heightened and (as I’ve been saying) your energy may feel amplified. Utilize this time to update your website, batch content, or lead a presentation at work. A goal of mine during my next ovulation phase is to plan out my blog posts for the following three months. You may also feel more sociable during this time. Plan a dinner with a friend, go to a concert, or have a date night with your love. Over the last three months, I have been mindful to plan my friend dates around my follicular and ovulation phase and it has benefited me significantly. Before, I noticed that I would be so excited for a friend date until the time actually came. Especially when the date aligned with my luteal or menstruation phases, I would often want to cancel  Scheduling time with friends, especially when I know my energy will be elevated, has allowed me to show up as a more reliable friend.

Connecting with the natural rhythm of your body not only optimizes your physical and emotional wellbeing, but it allows you to show up as a better partner, friend, coworker, and loved one.  I have been working with cycle syncing for almost a year now and it has completely changed the game for my health.  Do I always follow it perfectly? No. But even the smallest shifts in your daily habits make a difference. If you are not sure which phase of your cycle you are in, download the MyFlo app. I prefer this app over the others because it also gives you recommendations for nutrition, movement, and productivity in accordance with your cycle.  Congratulations! You have made it to the end of this four part series. If this landed for you, send it to a friend or loved one. Shoot me an email or DM and let me know what you aligned with you & what didn’t.

xoxo

b