I have been tracking my cycle for both cyclical living and contraception for well over 6 years. During this time I have become attuned to my emotional and physical changes during my cycle and how to live with them rather than against them.
For over six months my husband has been unwell, to the point that he is unable to walk or stand for any long period of time, this has left me in charge of all of the driving, cooking and clearing up for the family whilst trying to keep myself well and balanced.
I use my cycle to understand not just what my energy levels will be like but what exercise will suit me best, what foods benefit me, what type of work I will do best and even whether I can tolerate a glass of wine easily or not. Adding into this having to always be the one doing everything for a family of four (sometimes five) has been an interesting challenge.
I cook about 95% of meals freshly for my family, breakfast, lunch and dinner, I’d say I probably take about 1.5-2 hours a day to do this. It is essential to me, it supports my health and that of my family, it’s high on my list of values and I will continue to cook this way.
I have learned recently about the importance of supporting the parasympathetic nervous system,I then looked into it in relation to the fertility system. The vagal nerve which sends messages down from the brain to all aspects of the body, heart, digestive system and also the ovaries. Supporting our parasympathetic nervous system is important for being able to remain calm, support your immune system and in turn your reproductive system too. To support my central nervous system I have been using a breathwork technique 2-3 times a week – this definitely helps me remain in my body and respect my physical limitations whilst working through emotional blocks. I immediately noticed a difference in my ability to cope during my luteal phase when usually I struggled with this current living situation the most.
For the past four years I have been using yoni steaming to support my cycle through each phase as well as healing during post partum. Among other benefits I have not had any period pains since I began steaming.
This last week my husband has been in hospital, leaving me solo parenting our two children in the Easter holidays no less! At least I don’t have to worry about the school run! Whilst I know he is being treated necessarily now being completely absent is quite a challenge after the many months of trying to care for him myself! I have been maintaining the tools mentioned previously to ensure that I do not overload myself especially as I am now into my luteal phase so the fresh ovulatory energy has waned. My main super power is completing jobs, “getting stuff done” – not so easy whilst looking after two energetic children who constantly want my whole attention! I will get this house tidy somehow though!
Living cyclically is possible no matter the situation, you just have to understand what that means. It truly makes every situation easier without adding any further stress – women have so many hidden super powers, tuning into them only makes life better!
Get in touch if you’d like to learn more about tracking your cycle for health, contraception and more!
