For years, I dismissed my menstrual cycle as something I simply had to “get on with.” I believed success came from showing up every day the same way, powering through regardless of how I felt. But as my body changed, especially after becoming a mum, I started experiencing intense mood swings, anxiety, and fatigue before my period. I later discovered I had PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), a severe form of PMS, and it was turning my world upside down.
Suddenly, the “just push through” mindset stopped working. I realised I needed to stop fighting my cycle and start working with it. What followed was one of the most powerful shifts I’ve made in both my business and personal life.
The 4 Phases of Your Cycle, And How to Use Them
I learnt that our cycles have four distinct phases, each impacting our energy, mood, and mental clarity. Once I understood them, I started planning my work and life around them, and everything changed.
- Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5):
This is when your period starts, energy is at its lowest. Instead of pushing through, I now give myself space to rest, reflect, and do low-energy tasks like admin, journaling, or light content editing. I avoid client calls and high-pressure work and allow my body and mind to reset. - Follicular Phase (Days 6–14):
Energy and creativity start to rise here. This is when I feel most inspired to set goals, plan launches, and start new projects. I schedule content creation, digital course building, and brainstorming sessions during this window because I feel energised and motivated. - Ovulation Phase (Days 15–17):
This is the peak of your cycle, you’re confident, vibrant, and social. I plan events, retreats, public speaking, and big team meetings during these high-energy days. It’s the perfect time to show up and shine. - Luteal Phase (Days 18–28):
This is when mood dips, energy drops, and PMDD symptoms hit hard for me. I now focus on completing tasks rather than starting anything new. I prioritise self-care, delegate more, and limit intense meetings or decision-making during this time.
How to Make It Work in Your Business
Even if you don’t suffer with PMDD, learning to understand your cycle and structure your work around it can be a total game changer. Here’s how to get started:
- Track Your Cycle:
Use a cycle tracking app like P Tracker or simply journal how you’re feeling each day. Over time, patterns will emerge, you’ll spot your energy highs and emotional lows. - Plan Strategically:
Align your business schedule with your cycle. Book launches, meetings, or live events during your high-energy phases. Reserve admin and slower tasks for the lower energy days. Don’t feel guilty for resting, it’s a power move, not a weakness. - Communicate Openly:
Start talking about it, with your team, your partner, even your clients if needed. Let them know when you’re not at your best and when you’re thriving. You’d be surprised how understanding people can be when you’re honest. - Prioritise Self-Care:
Schedule that massage, take that walk, or allow yourself a quiet evening when you need it. Your wellbeing is not a luxury, it’s the foundation of your success.
As women, we’ve been conditioned to perform at the same level every single day, but our bodies aren’t built that way. Once I stopped punishing myself for the days I felt off, and instead leaned into the natural rhythms of my cycle, I became more productive, more creative, and more in tune with myself.
This isn’t about doing less. It’s about doing things smarter, with more compassion and alignment.
So, whether you run a business, lead a team, or manage a household, try working with your cycle. It might just change your life like it changed mine.
If you ever want to talk, just reach out!
Katie Godfrey
www.instagram.com/kg_katiegodfrey
www.kgbusinessmentor.com
