Harnessing the Power of Your Cyclical Energy
- Laia Sastre
- Jun 14
- 4 min read
For what I think it has been too long, the traditional approach to productivity has been a one-size-fits-all model, often leaving women feeling drained and burnt out. The truth is, our energy isn't linear; it's cyclical. But this is something that no one teaches us growing up, and I hope changes over time. By understanding and aligning with our natural monthly rhythms, we can unlock a more sustainable and fulfilling way to work and live.
The Cyclical Nature of Women's Energy
Unlike men, who operate on a more linear energy cycle, women experience a distinct monthly rhythm that profoundly impacts their focus, creativity, social connection, and overall needs. This cycle is aligned with our periods.
Ignoring this part of our biology and pushing through every week as if our energy remains constant (and high - due to the daily demands) this is a recipe for exhaustion - and won’t get us the results we want, especially if we constantly operate in low energy levels.
Instead, imagine a world where your professional life, or your business strategy, aligns seamlessly with your body's natural flow.
I am not saying that we need to do less; it's about doing with intention, leveraging the unique strengths each phase of your cycle offers.
Let’s now talk about the four seasons of our inner cycle, a topic that fascinates me. The more I learn about it (and the more I experience it), the more I know that this is a sustainable way to live our lives and run our businesses.
The Four Seasons of Your Inner Cycle
Just like the year has its distinct seasons, so does our energy cycle. By recognizing and working with these "inner seasons," we can optimize our tasks, goals, and business focus for greater efficiency and well-being. If we work with the energy we have, we’ll be able to sustain it at healthy levels, which has a direct impact in of mind, souls and body.
Inner Winter (Menstrual Phase): The Power Pause
Your inner winter is a natural invitation to slow down, reflect, and reset - while your hormones are low which impact the neurochemicals that influence energy and motivation levels. As your energy dips to its lowest, your intuition and insight are at their peak. This is a powerful time for introspection and strategic review.
In business, this is the perfect time to:
Review metrics and performance
Take a look at what's working and what's not
Reflect on your vision and reconnect with your core purpose and set intentions for the upcoming cycle
Rest and recharge, and choose your body gently
Embrace this "power pause" to gain the clarity and focus needed to energize your next cycle. Schedule lighter tasks, make room for stillness, and enjoy the quiet reflection.
Inner Spring (Follicular Phase): The Strategic Sprint
As you move into your inner spring, your energy begins to rise as oestrogen levels peak, sparking new ideas and igniting creativity. You'll feel more optimistic, action-oriented, and ready to embrace new beginnings.
In business, this is your strategic sprint window, ideal for:
Planning launches, marketing campaigns, or new projects: Your mind is sharp for organization and foresight
Brainstorming and mapping new offers: Let your creative ideas flow and structure them for implementation
Organizing systems or workflows: Streamline processes to improve efficiency
Making key decisions: Your renewed focus allows for clear and decisive action
Say yes to emerging ideas, start building momentum with light tasks, and create the structure to bring your vision to life. Feel free to challenge yourself and find new ways to move.
Inner Summer (Ovulation Phase): The Visibility Window
Your inner summer is your supercharged phase, where you feel magnetic, outgoing, and energized as your drive increases and your ‘feel good’ neurochemicals are released. Your communication skills are at their peak, making you more verbal, social, and confident. You’ll enjoy a stable mood, improved focus, motivation and happiness.
In business, this is your prime visibility window, perfect for:
Networking and meetings: Engage with others and expand your connections
Pitching offers or collaborations: Your persuasive power is amplified
Speaking engagements or live videos: Share your message with confidence and charisma
Closing sales and engaging your audience: Your ability to connect and influence is at its highest
Lean into connection, allow yourself to be seen, and use this powerful energy to move significant initiatives forward. You can handle high impact activity and exercise.
Inner Autumn (Luteal Phase): The Refinement Phase
As you transition into your inner autumn, energy begins to turn inward again as progesterone stimulates your relaxing neurochemicals and makes you feel calm. You become more detail-oriented, critical, and discerning, with a lower tolerance for "fluff." While energy may be lower, your focus can be incredibly high if you're not overloaded.
In business, this is the ideal time for:
Editing, refining, or reviewing: Perfect for polishing content and proposals
Closing loops and finishing tasks: Tie up loose ends and bring projects to completion
Setting boundaries and adjusting priorities: Discern what truly needs your attention and eliminate distractions
Streamlining processes: Identify inefficiencies and optimize workflows
Trust your sharp eye, create a clean slate, and make space for the next cycle to begin. Cut back on high impact exercise in the last few days of your cycle.
Energy Management: The New Productivity
I see embracing energy management, tailored to our cyclical nature as a woman, as the new productivity. We are not linear; we are cyclical, intuitive, and powerful. When we honor our natural rhythms, we can shift from surviving to intentionally living - and in my experience, there is a huge difference between the two!
This cyclical approach reminds us that:
There's nothing "less than" about needing different things at different times
Planning with your energy, not just your time, leads to more sustainable and impactful results
When we stop pushing against our natural flow and start aligning with it, we reclaim focus, clarity, and purpose.
Each season of your cycle brings its own unique strengths. By learning to work with these seasons, not against them, you become more productive, efficient, and aligned in both your business and your life.
It's time to redefine productivity on your own terms.
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