Bonita Bella News
EMBODY Your Schedule
As technology advances, medical studies also become so aggressive, naming medical conditions like it never did before. Though most of the things changed like how women are being welcomed in Universities proposing their own in-depth research and in the offices that are long dominated by alpha males, there are also things that time haven’t changed. Like how women are perceived as moody and indecisive on certain time of the month. Well, if you are a woman you definitely understand on what direction we are heading. Don’t frown just yet, we will not talk about how difficult menstrual cycle can be because we believe each of our experience may differ from one another. But there is something Science have proven about the changes on the level of our hormones that are actually beneficial not only for understanding our mood and body but for our career as well.
In one of the very inspiring talk of Alisa Vitti HHC, AADP (Holistic Health Counselor, American Association of Drugless Practitioners) and founded Laughing Sage Wellness, now the FLO Living Center LLC, in Manhattan she stated that “Women who get into partnership with their bodies end up being the fullest expression of themselves, and living as leaders, and change agents in their lives and communities.” This statement do not make sense to me at first but as she continue with her talk it just made a lot of sense to me and I hope it will also do the same to you.
So let’s dive in a bit about our hormonal ratio that we often dealt with simple “yes to pregnancy” or “no to pregnancy” line of thinking. But the changes on our hormonal ratio which is commonly known as menstrual cycle is actually divided into four beneficial phases.
Phase 1 Follicular Phase
It is when an egg follicle on an ovary gets ready to release an egg. And during this phase is when we have the most access to our creative energy to the entire month. This is the most perfect time to begin new project, make plans and dream big. If you are lazy starting a healthier lifestyle then it is the perfect time to pull out your workout clothes and hit the gym.
Phase 2 Ovulatory Phase
This menstrual cycle occurs in the middle of your menstrual cycle. An increase in the luteinizing hormone (LH) level causes the mature follicle to burst and release the egg, usually around day 14. And during this phase we have the best communication skills and the most energy we can have on the entire month. And having this in mind this phase can be the perfect timing for the type of conversation we often contemplate but cannot muster the confidence to discuss. So think about the idea of asking for a raise for your job, or go on a first date or have that conversation with your partner that you want him to say “yes” to. Because your charm works irresistibly on this phase, in short you’re a magnet at this time.
Phase 3 Luteal Phase
It occurs after ovulation (when the ovaries release an egg) and before your period starts. During this phase, the lining of your uterus normally becomes thicker to prepare for a possible pregnancy. At this time we become too detail oriented. So if you think your closet needs a little reshaping then this is the perfect timing for it, you might notice that you lack that little corset to add spice on your valuables. Or if you want to be financially on track this is the week to check your accounts, check the bills and review your records, who knows you are about to discover unnecessary expenses you often neglect.
Phase 4 Menstruation Phase
It is the phase during which the lining of the uterus, called the endometrium, is shed as menstrual flow out of the cervix and vagina. This is also the perfect time of the month when the left hemisphere and the right hemisphere of the brain is in perfect tune of communication. So if you want to evaluate how you do the whole month and be reflective about your life then go for it during this phase. The chances are you will receive more accurate gut feeling and body messages so take advantage of this moment instead of wallowing about the cramps or binging to unhealthy foods. During this time you are more objective about yourself therefore this can also be a good time to decide what you really need. You might be contemplating to go under knife and do some reworks on your body, hold it for a while and wait for this phase you might figure that what you really need is just a right push and compression to achieve the right figure for your frame.
Gloria Steinem once stated “Girls are thought to view their bodies as unending projects to work on, whereas boys were thought from the young age to use their bodies as tools to master their environment.” Though it’s sad to admit it but it’s the truth behind the constant desire within us to improve or fix something in our body, like a deep seated insecurity we tend to deny but irrefutably true with how we look towards ourselves.
Only if we can realize how we can work with our body and with the system that is working within us then we will not brush off the fluctuations in our hormonal ratio as something that trigger the regular mood swing. And instead of taking our menstrual cycle as a burden that visits our busy schedule to double up the restlessness we feel, then maybe we can take it as a guide on how we can effectively “embody” our schedules. A map towards productivity and fulfillment of our work life balance.