(And How My Cycle Explains Everything)
Today wasn’t easy.
You know how some days just feel heavier than others? Where even the simplest tasks feel like dragging bricks through mud?
Yeah… that was today.
But here’s what’s wild — I think I know why. And it has everything to do with my cycle.
🩸 The 4 Phases of the Female Cycle (Quick Breakdown)
Before I share what really went down today, let’s zoom out.
As women, we go through four main phases in our monthly cycle — and they affect more than just fertility. They affect everything from our mood and energy to our motivation and mental clarity.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Bleeding, low energy, emotional, introspective.
- Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Rising estrogen, energy boost, clarity, creativity.
- Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–17): Peak confidence, social, energetic, bold.
- Luteal Phase (Days 18–28): Rising progesterone, PMS symptoms, mood swings, low motivation, fatigue.
Living with PCOS: Why My Cycle Doesn’t Always Follow the Rules
I also want to share something important: I have PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) — a condition that affects how my hormones behave, which means my cycle doesn’t always follow the textbook 28-day pattern.
In fact, it’s been almost six months since I last had my period. So right now, I can’t even track my cycle the way most women do — because there’s no clear pattern to follow.
With PCOS, the four phases of the cycle can become irregular or even disappear for long stretches:
- My menstrual phase is unpredictable — sometimes it just doesn’t happen for months.
- The follicular phase can feel never-ending, as my body struggles to prepare for ovulation.
- Often, I don’t ovulate at all, which means the rest of the cycle gets skipped.
- This creates random dips in energy, mood swings, and physical symptoms that feel disconnected from any rhythm.
That’s why for me, self-awareness has to replace cycle-tracking — tuning in to how I feel, how I function, and how I show up, even without a calendar to guide me.
So if you’re in the same boat:
You’re not broken.
You’re just working with a different kind of rhythm — one that still deserves compassion, rest, and credit for every step forward. (I got you (*wink wink).
Anyway, based on how I’m feeling today, I’m pretty sure I’ve entered my luteal phase.
🌘 The Luteal Phase in Real Life
As you might know, I’m opting to scheduling things in a day-to-day basis.
And let me tell you how Day 2/90 (June 10, a Tuesday) actually went down.
- I didn’t go on my walk.
- I didn’t sleep at 10 PM.
- I didn’t check off half the things I wrote in my planner.
- My energy was nearly gone.
- And yes — the smallest things irritated me (even my boyfriend breathing, LOL).
But…
- I drank my tea.
- I worked.
- I studied (even just a little).
- I showed up — tired, sluggish, grumpy — but I showed up.
🧠 What I’m Learning (The Hard but Helpful Way)
1. Motivation Will Fade — Your Cycle Might Be Why
There are days where motivation just isn’t there. And if you’re a woman, your hormonal cycle plays a bigger role in that than you might think.
Knowing which phase you’re in helps you understand WHY your energy or drive suddenly dipped. It’s not laziness. It’s biology.
2. It’s Okay to Slow Down
The luteal phase is a time for winding down, not pushing harder. So instead of shaming myself for being “off,” I gave myself credit for what I did do.
3. Progress Doesn’t Have to Be Loud
Today wasn’t high-energy or productive in the traditional sense. But showing up at 25% still counts. It means I didn’t give up — I adapted.
“Even at 5%, showing up still counts.”
That one line? It’s been helping me give myself grace.
Final Thoughts: What Keeps Me Going?
So… what really keeps me going?
The thought of traveling.
Of going to new places. Feeling alive in unfamiliar cities. Walking down streets I’ve never seen before.
Each day is different. And it’s a beautiful life, in a beautiful world.
Some days feel like a reset button. Some days are slow. But even on the hardest days, I remind myself that I’m alive — in a world full of color, opportunity, and second chances.
I have a lot of dreams.
Big ones. Messy ones. Some that still scare me.
And I know that if I want to reach them, I need to keep going — even when I’m tired, even when I’m only showing up at 25%, or even at 5%.
(And yes, some days that just means waking up and breathing… but hey, that counts.)
I also know I need to keep improving myself — not for perfection, but for alignment.
To become someone I’m proud of. Someone future-me will thank.
So no, I may not always be motivated.
But I’m curious.
I’m hopeful.
And I’m committed to trying — every single day.
And for now, that’s enough.
✨ I’d Love to Hear from You
What keeps you going when motivation fades?
Drop it in the comments — your story might help someone else feel less alone.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the four phases of the female cycle?
The four phases are menstrual (Days 1–5), follicular (Days 6–14), ovulatory (Days 14–17), and luteal (Days 18–28). Each phase affects your hormones, mood, and energy.
2. Why do I feel unmotivated during the luteal phase?
The luteal phase causes a rise in progesterone, which can lead to mood swings, fatigue, irritability, and low motivation. It’s common to feel slower and emotionally sensitive.
3. How can I stay consistent when I don’t feel motivated?
Focus on small wins. Doing even 25% of your planned tasks is progress. Showing up imperfectly still builds momentum over time.
4. What keeps you going during tough days?
Knowing that each day is different, the world is beautiful, and I have big dreams to pursue helps me stay grounded. I aim to improve myself — even in small ways.
5. Can tracking your cycle really help with productivity?
Yes. Understanding your hormonal phases allows you to work with your body instead of against it. It helps in planning rest, work, and self-care more effectively.