How to Tune into the Power of Your Menstrual Cycle as a Creative
We can’t always plan for things to happen when we want them to but by tuning in to your menstrual cycle you can support your life and career for the better.
For way too long, society has denied, demonised, and rejected the menstrual cycle. We've been taught to see it as a weakness, something that holds us back—But here’s the thing: your menstrual cycle isn’t a burden—it’s a superpower.
Remember those old ads with blue blood on sanitary pads? What was that about? And the messaging that encouraged us to “protect” ourselves from our own blood? We’ve been taught to fear our own bodies. When Rupi Kaur posted a simple photo on Instagram of her lying on a bed with a few drops of period blood visible, it got removed twice for “violating community standards.” The stigma is real, and it’s still here in 2024.
Yet, this natural process holds immense potential for personal growth and creative expression. For actors, performers, and creatives, tuning into the menstrual cycle isn’t just about managing the demands of an unpredictable industry—it’s also about unlocking a deeper well of creativity and intuition. When you harness this power, it becomes a game-changer.
Why Your Menstrual Cycle Is Your Secret power as a creative
The performing arts industry is intense. It glorifies the hustle, the grind, and working yourself to the bone. We’re often pushed to be “on” all the time—auditions, rehearsals, networking, hustling, working a muggle job, you name it. But constantly operating at full throttle can lead to burnout, anxiety, and loneliness. The key to surviving (and thriving) in this environment is learning to work with your body’s natural rhythms instead of against them. That’s where your menstrual cycle comes in.
Your cycle can actually help you pace yourself, plan your creative work, and know when it’s time to push and when it’s time to rest. Think of it as a built-in roadmap to living and creating in a way that’s not just sustainable but deeply alive and fulfilling.
the Four Seasons of Your Menstrual Cycle
Your menstrual cycle has four distinct phases, each with its own vibe and energy. Once you understand these phases, you can align your work and life with them. This makes your creative process so much smoother and helps you avoid unnecessary stress.
Inner Winter: Menstruation (Days 27 - 5 approx.)
What’s Happening: This is your time to hibernate. You might feel like curling up with a good book, going for a walk, doing some yoga, or just taking it easy.
Best For: Reflecting, journaling, and brainstorming new ideas.
Why It’s Powerful: Your intuition is strong right now, so use this phase to tap into what’s really important to you. Let yourself rest and recharge—this is not the time for socialising or big projects.
Inner Spring: Follicular Phase (Days 6-11 approx.)
What’s Happening: You’re coming out of your cocoon and feeling more energised.
Best For: Planning, collaborating, and starting new projects.
Why It’s Powerful: This phase is all about fresh starts. Use this time to get clear on your goals, set intentions, make connections, and set things in motion.
Inner Summer: Ovulation (days 12-19 approx.)
What’s Happening: You’re at your peak! Energy, confidence, and creativity are all firing on full blast.
Best For: Auditions, performances, and networking.
Why It’s Powerful: This is when you’re most magnetic. Take advantage of it—record a self-tape or update your showreel and pitch your ideas. Your confidence will help you shine.
Inner Autumn: Luteal Phase (Days 20-26)
What’s Happening: Things start winding down, and your inner critic might get louder. This is your pre-menstrual phase my friends :)
Best For: Finishing projects and tasks, setting boundaries, cooking nourishing warming food (in preparation for your Inner Winter) and saying no.
Why It’s Powerful: This phase is about wrapping things up and making sure everything’s in order. It’s also the time to practice self-care and protect your energy by setting clear boundaries.
No Cycle? No Problem—Use the Moon Instead
If your menstrual cycle is irregular or you don’t have one, you can still tap into this cyclical energy by syncing with the moon. The new moon is like Inner Winter, and the full moon is like Inner Summer. While it’s not as physically connected as a menstrual cycle, it still gives you a framework to work with.
Wrapping It Up
We can’t always plan for things to happen when our menstrual cycle says so but by tuning in you can work smarter, not harder. Embrace the power of your cycle—it’s a natural guide that helps you balance your work, creativity, and well-being. Instead of pushing through every day like it’s a marathon, learn to flow with your body’s natural rhythms. Your cycle can be a secret weapon that can help you create, perform, and live with more ease and joy. So, next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask yourself: how can I tune into my cycle to find my way home?
If you’re ready to dive deeper into this journey and reconnect with your body’s natural rhythms, join me at my upcoming Women’s Rewilding Retreat. It’s the perfect space to explore your cycle, connect with like-minded women, and rediscover the power within you. Let’s rewild together!
Photo by Anna Avilova via Pexels