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Cyclical Energy: Why Some Days You’re on Fire & Others You’re Drained
- Alexandra
- Oct 8
- 3 min read
Your energy isn’t inconsistent — it’s cyclical. Discover how your hormonal rhythm shapes focus, mood, and productivity throughout the month.
Have you ever wondered why some weeks you feel unstoppable — full of ideas, energy, and confidence — while others leave you drained, foggy, or craving rest? For women, that swing isn’t random. It’s cyclical.
Our energy doesn’t move in a straight line the way most productivity systems assume it does. Instead, it follows a rhythm that’s deeply tied to our hormones. When you understand this rhythm, you stop blaming yourself for “inconsistency” and start recognising it for what it is: a powerful, natural cycle that shapes how we think, work, and feel.
The Forgotten Rhythm
Alongside the circadian rhythm — the 24-hour cycle we share with men — women also follow an infradian rhythm, which spans around 28 days. This rhythm influences not just fertility, but also mood, focus, resilience, and energy.
Yet society ignores this entirely. Workplaces, school schedules, and productivity culture expect women to operate with flat, predictable energy every day. The reality is different: our energy naturally rises and falls across four phases.
The Four Phases of Energy
Menstrual (Days 1–5)
This is the body’s reset phase. Hormones are at their lowest, and energy dips naturally. Many women feel more inward, reflective, and in need of rest. When honoured, this phase can be restorative and grounding.
Follicular (Days 6–12)
Estrogen begins to rise, boosting creativity, motivation, and optimism. Energy feels fresh and light, like “spring.” It’s often the best time to start projects, brainstorm, or explore new ideas.
Ovulation (Days 13–16)
Hormones peak, bringing confidence, charisma, and vitality. This is the “summer” of your cycle — you may feel more social, magnetic, and ready to take on big challenges. It’s often the easiest time to connect and collaborate.
Luteal (Days 17–28)
Progesterone rises, shifting focus inward. Energy begins to slow, and you may feel more detail-oriented or drawn to finishing tasks. If ignored, this phase is where burnout builds — but when embraced, it’s the body’s way of preparing for renewal.
You’re Not Inconsistent — You’re Cyclical
From the outside, these shifts can look like inconsistency. One week you’re on fire, the next you can barely keep up. But inconsistency implies a flaw, and there is no flaw here. What you’re experiencing is a natural, biological rhythm.
The problem is not you — it’s the system. Productivity culture is built for flatline energy, not cyclical energy. That mismatch makes women feel guilty for needing rest, when in reality rest is an essential part of the cycle.
Working With, Not Against, Your Energy
When you begin to align your life with cyclical energy, everything changes. Instead of forcing yourself to push during your lowest energy days, you can schedule gentler work, rest, or reflection. When your energy peaks, you can lean into that fire — using your natural surge for projects, social events, or workouts.
This isn’t about restriction. It’s about rhythm. By honouring the flow, you stop fighting your biology and start creating a balance that feels sustainable.
The Takeaway
Some days you’re on fire. Some days you’re drained. And both are exactly as they should be.
Your energy is cyclical, shaped by estrogen, progesterone, and cortisol across the month.
When society ignores that, women are set up to feel like failures. But when you embrace it, you unlock a blueprint for sustainable productivity, deeper self-acceptance, and real glow.
You are not inconsistent. You are cyclical. And that’s powerful.
Flow: The Guide to Cyclical Living & Hormonal Harmony
If you’re ready to dive deeper into aligning your energy with your natural rhythm, my e-book Flow is the perfect companion. It explores how to work with your cycle, balance hormones, and build daily habits that feel nourishing instead of draining. Think of it as your roadmap for living in sync with your body — finding balance, energy, and glow every step of the way.
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