Festive Syncing: How to Thrive this holiday season
You can feel it creeping up—like a stealthy tidal wave, pulling away your energy before the festive season crashes in. It’s that time of year again. The one where calendars overflow, presents need sourcing, school events pile up, and boilers mysteriously demand fixing. All while work insists on wrapping up with the metaphorical giant bow.
It’s chaos, but this year, it doesn’t have to annihilate you.
This year, you can embrace the madness with lightness, soak in the joyful moments, and fill your life with true festive cheer. How? We’re about to let you in on a game-changing approach that will transform how you experience the next month.
Say hello to cycle syncing this Christmas.
That’s right: You’re going to plan the holidays in line with your body. Instead of fighting against your natural rhythms, you’ll flow with them, leaving the festive period feeling restored, happy, and connected. Ready to make the season fabulous? Let’s dive in.
Step 1: Map Out Your Cycle
Start with your calendar. Pinpoint where your Menstrual, Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal phases will land over the next two months. If you’re not tracking your cycle yet, now’s the perfect time to start!
Mark these phases clearly and pay extra attention to:
The last days of your luteal phase and the start of your menstrual phase (your low-energy days).
Any “energy drop” days post-ovulation (common for many).
Step 2: Understand Your Hormones
Your sex hormones—oestrogen, progesterone, and testosterone—aren’t just biology trivia. They shape how you feel, think, and operate. Each phase of your cycle brings unique strengths and challenges. Get familiar with them (this blog should help)!
For instance:
Menstrual phase: Energy is low, but clarity is high. You’re naturally reflective.
Follicular phase: Energy builds. You’re creative, strategic, and ready to take on the world.
Ovulatory phase: Peak energy. You’re magnetic, social, and sharp.
Luteal phase: Focused and detail-oriented, but prone to fatigue as it progresses.
Step 3: Sync Your Schedule
Already Planned Events
Check which phase you’ll be in during key events.
If a big day falls during your luteal or menstrual phase, build in time for rest and preparation. Travel a bit earlier, keep plans light the following day, and delegate tasks where possible.
If it’s a high-energy phase like ovulation, lean into it—this is your time to shine!
Planning New Commitments
When scheduling events:
During your follicular and ovulatory phases, say yes to social gatherings, parties, and anything that requires big energy and charisma.
During your luteal and menstrual phases, limit commitments. These are the times to keep things calm, cozy, and restorative.
Step 4: Tame the To-Do List
Make a master list of everything you need to tackle: work, family, home, and social life. Break it down into categories:
Administrative tasks
Creative projects
Social events
Communication tasks (emails, presentations, etc.)
Strategic or big-picture thinking
Now assign each task to the phase of your cycle where you’ll perform best:
Menstrual: Reflect, edit, and rest. Fix what’s broken and simplify what’s working.
Follicular: Plan, strategize, and dream big. Brainstorm those holiday menus or organize family trips.
Ovulatory: Shine! Attend events, deliver presentations, and tackle social or high-energy tasks.
Luteal: Execute and finish. Wrap gifts, finalize work reports, and handle admin like a pro.
Step 5: Eat for the Occasion
Support your body with the right nutrition for each phase. During your luteal and menstrual phases, limit sugar, caffeine, and alcohol—your body will thank you. Lean on nourishing, anti-inflammatory foods like leafy greens, healthy fats, and warming soups.
Step 6: Stay True to Your Cause
The holidays love to overfill your plate—literally and figuratively. Be mindful when saying yes to last-minute plans. It’s easy to overcommit during your high-energy ovulation phase, only to regret it during your low-energy days.
Pro tip: Before saying yes, check your calendar and ask yourself, Does this add joy to my season or just stress?
Step 7: Check In and Adjust
Congratulations! You now have a roadmap for thriving through the holidays. But the key to success is flexibility. Life happens—kids get sick, plans shift, and some days, you’ll need to scrap the plan and roll with it.
Take time each week to review your schedule, tune into your body, and make adjustments as needed.
This year, let’s rewrite the holiday script. With a little planning and a lot of self-awareness, you can enjoy the season your way. Embrace your natural rhythms, savor the moments, and make this festive period one to remember.
Here’s to a f**ing fabulous Christmas! 🎄✨
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Hormones are a superpower. You can use your cycle to live a more productive and successful life. Phase can show you how.
P.S. Everyone's experience with menstruation is unique, so you might notice that your energy levels don't always match the typical patterns described above. How you feel during each phase can also vary from one cycle to the next. It's important to observe and adapt to your body's signals, as your personal experience may differ.
