I wanted to talk this month about the importance of us really tuning in and feeling into ourselves right now. There is so much noise, so much information being thrown at us, and a lot of things going on in the world that can really trigger a lot in us. All of this affects our nervous system – and it is being realised that most people spend the majority of the time in fight/ flight mode. Even if we don’t consider ourselves stressed or anxious, most likely, if you’re not doing anything to calm your nervous system and bring balance to your mind and body – you are being triggered to have a stress response.
There’s a lot of time pressure around this time of year, with year end so close, sudden busy work and social calendars, along with the many pressures around Christmas. The rise in stress or overwhelm can go unnoticed for quite some time, until suddenly we find ourselves at a point of burn out or feeling totally fed up.
Does this resonate?
This has been something that I have personally had to work on a lot in my life, which came to my attention years ago in my medical work within surgery and anaesthetics. I used to pride myself in my ability to work well under pressure, my ability to multi-task and in a highly stressful environment. But over time, this took its toll on my body, along with my mental health. I did a lot of work on myself, a lot of self-development and healing over a decade ago, learning to really take care of myself. But unfortunately I am realising that these old habits and patterns have returned, with the pressures of running a business.
Realisations I have had:-
- I am still trying to make myself work under the old conditioned 9-5pm constant action-taking way. Pushing myself to always be productive and setting high expectations of output that I should be achieving.
- As a woman, I need to honour that my body is cyclical. A cycle that flows just like our seasons. There are times in the month when I am flying, totally in action mode and am highly productive. But there are also times when that is not where my energy is at. And if I force myself to be productive and take action at that time, I can really feel burnt out.
- I recently realised, running my own business has meant that I have needed to learn many things and acquire new skills quite quickly. From blogging, marketing, automating emails, designing social media posts to computer CRM systems – all the new ways now to be able to connect with the people that I really want to help. Before I can even get to do the thing I am here to do, and to coach my clients. So much time is spent outside my ‘zone of competence,’ And actually very little time is spent in the zone of my competence let alone my zone of excellence or genius – taken from the guidance of Gay Hendricks’ The Big Leap. (A book I highly recommend for taking your life to the next level and living life to your full potential.)
This is actually a huge energy drainer, and can be the reason why we can feel overwhelmed and burnt out.
- I am learning to intuitively follow my body’s natural flow much more now and realising how much more enjoyable things are when I do. How much more effortlessly I achieve my goals, how I actually achieve more by honouring myself the time out when I feel like I need it.
- Learning to take more ‘inspired action.’ By allowing myself the time to ruminate, taking more conscious breaks through the day to connect within and also just dis-connect and ‘just be’, I have so much more creative flow. Great ideas come to me and things flow more effortlessly.
- It is still very much a work in progress for me, as the old ways of thinking and doing things have been so ingrained in me. Often I catch myself reverting to old habits – and I’ve noticed this especially when I’m really passionate about something. Working later than I wanted to, not taking long enough breaks, not getting out for a walk when I WFH etc.
- I realise that my self care needs to be more of a priority and I can still often neglect it due to working on my business. Which is where self reflection and awareness is really key.
Insights and Tips
It’s so important for women to shift from the old working mindset, to support our self development. To really instil great work-life balance, in order to be able to intentionally create the life we really want. Making sure we don’t forfeit our health, wellbeing and happiness going after our goals and dream life.
Why we should make this shift and embrace our natural cycles and move away from the old paradigm and traditionally masculine work mindset of how we should work.
1. Aligning with Your Natural Rhythm Enhances Productivity
Instead of forcing yourself to perform the same way every day, embracing your cycle allows you to work in harmony with your energy levels. For example:
- Follicular & Ovulatory Phases: Tap into creativity, social energy, and confidence for brainstorming, networking, and high-energy tasks.
- Luteal & Menstrual Phases: Focus on introspection, planning, and analytical work while honouring the need for rest.
2. Prevents burnout and maintain a balanced state of health
The masculine mindset often prioritises constant output, leading to burnout. By syncing with your cycle, you respect your body’s need for rest and renewal during lower-energy phases, which improves overall resilience and longevity.
3. Encourages intentional living
By listening to your cycle, you create intentional space to slow down, reflect, and recalibrate your goals. This balance ensures you’re working towards a life that aligns with your values, not just chasing external metrics of success.
4. Builds emotional awareness and self-compassion
Hormonal shifts throughout your cycle influence emotions and perceptions. Recognising these patterns helps you cultivate self-awareness, empathy for yourself, and emotional intelligence in your interactions with others.
5. Optimises energy for self-development
When you honour your cycle, you can plan self-development activities during the phases when you feel most reflective (luteal) or inspired (follicular). This flow ensures sustainable growth rather than sporadic bursts of effort.
6. Supports holistic work-life balance
Aligning with your cycle encourages balance between doing and being. You’re able to prioritise family, relationships, and self-care while still achieving your professional goals—without feeling drained or out of alignment.
7. Reconnects you with feminine power and intuition
The masculine mindset often downplays intuition and inner wisdom. Following your cycle connects you with your inner voice, unlocking a deeper sense of trust in your decisions and direction in life.
8. Promotes better relationships
Understanding your cyclical nature can improve communication and relationships by helping you identify when to set boundaries, engage socially, or seek alone time without guilt or miscommunication.
9. Enhance creative expression and flow states
Your creative energy ebbs and flows during your cycle. Honouring this natural rhythm can help you really tap into your creativity more and enjoy some amazing flow states. It can also avoid creative blocks and allow you to feel more inspired when working on passion projects or professional tasks.
10. Prioritise joy and fulfilment
The constant hustle of the masculine mindset can lead to sacrificing personal happiness for external success. Embracing your cycle ensures that joy, well-being, and authenticity are integral parts of your journey toward your goals.
Shifting to a cycle-based approach isn’t just about self-care—it’s a revolutionary way to create a life where your health, happiness, and dreams thrive together. Instead of fighting against your body, you’re learning to collaborate with it, unlocking your true potential with grace and ease.
I will share more about ways that you can achieve this in my next blog, so you can really align yourself with your dream goals and intentionally go into 2025 more aligned with your most healthy, happy self!
Wishing you a very Merry Christmas and Happy New year!
With love,
Lisa x
