Finding Balance in Chaos: My Journey into Cycle Syncing as a Busy Mom and Artist

Life as a busy 42 year old mom of two, wife, ceramic artist, natural medicine enthusiast and "interested in just about everything kind of person", can be tough. Between managing daily tasks, nurturing my budding garden and medicinal herb obsession, carving out time for studio work, finding time for friends and momming in general, I often feel like I'm teetering on the edge of burnout. Recently, while researching herbs to ease menstrual cramps, I stumbled upon the concept of cycle syncing. This discovery shifted my perspective on how to approach my days and weeks. Instead of pushing through, I need to pay attention to my body's natural rhythms. This blog post is my honest account of learning to live in flow with my cycle using the process of cycle syncing (and seeing if it makes a difference!)..

What Is Cycle Syncing and Why It Caught My Attention

Cycle syncing is about aligning your lifestyle—work, diet, exercise, and self-care—with the phases of your menstrual cycle. Instead of treating menstruation as a monthly inconvenience, cycle syncing encourages embracing each phase's unique energy and needs. For me, this was a revelation. I had always focused on managing symptoms like cramps with herbs but never considered the bigger picture of my entire cycle.

The menstrual cycle has four phases:

• Menstrual phase (days 1-5): Rest and recovery

• Follicular phase (days 6-14): Growth and creativity

• Ovulation phase (around day 14): High energy and social connection

• Luteal phase (days 15-28): Reflection and winding down

  
  

Understanding these phases helped me see why some days I felt energized and others drained. It also gave me a framework to plan my activities and self-care.

How Cycle Syncing Fits into My Busy Life

As a multitasking introvert, I often find myself pushing through exhaustion to meet family needs and creative deadlines. Cycle syncing offers a way to work with my body instead of against it. Here’s how I plan on integrating it (at a glance). I will post detailed journal entries as I move through the process. I started a couple weeks ago and am currently in the mentrual phase. I haven't noticed significant changes but I'm only ten days in and this takes time and integration.

• Menstrual phase: I allowed myself to slow down, focusing on gentle activities reading and light organizing. I used calming herbs like chamomile and cramp bark to ease cramps and support relaxation.

• Follicular phase: This phase is the time for learning and experimenting. I plan on trying new ceramic techniques and doing research for my continuing education classes.

• Ovulation phase: This is the time for social activities and collaborative projects during this high-energy window.

• Luteal phase: I will gradually shift to more solitary work, like refining my pottery pieces, website updates and herbal school work.

  
  

I look forward to implementing more of the process as time passes and journaling about what works and what doesn't for me.

Practical Tips for Moms and Creatives Interested in Cycle Syncing

If you’re curious about cycle syncing, here are some steps that helped me get started:

• Track your cycle: Use a journal or app to note physical and emotional changes daily.

• Plan your week around your phases: Schedule demanding tasks during high-energy phases and rest during low-energy ones.

• Incorporate herbs thoughtfully: Research herbs (or follow me here and let me do the research for you!) that support each phase and experiment with teas or tinctures.

• Be patient: It takes time to learn your unique rhythm and adjust your routine.

• Listen to your body: Cycle syncing is about tuning in, not forcing change.

  
  

What my kitchen counter looks like most mornings.