Cycle Tracking for Stress Resilience
Hey! I’m Kim, founder of Apela, and I want to share something that has truly transformed the way I manage stress & view my monthly cycle.
Tracking my cycle has completely changed how I approach my days, especially when it comes to how much stress I can handle. By understanding where I am in my monthly cycle, I’ve learned when to go easy on myself and when I can push harder without burning out.
Before discovering this, my cycle was a nightmare—I dealt with severe acne, gnarly PMS (honestly, I should have been locked away), and heavy periods that left me housebound. Not to mention very low energy & huge midday crashes all month round. The doctor’s only suggestion was birth control, but I knew there had to be a better way.
Turning a Nuisance Into a Superpower
After doing my own research, I realized I could turn what we’re taught is a monthly "nuisance" into a superpower. I used to force myself through intense workouts even on days when I was exhausted right before my period. If I missed a workout, I’d feel guilty and push myself harder the next day. But when I started understanding my cycle and how hormones fluctuate, everything changed.
Hormonal Fluctuations Explained
Throughout the month, hormones like estrogen and progesterone shift, affecting mood, energy levels, and stress resilience. While men’s hormones are stable day-to-day, women experience dynamic fluctuations during each phase of their cycle.
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Follicular Phase (Days 6-14): Energy rises with estrogen, making it a great time for high-intensity activities.
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Ovulation (Days 14-18): Peak productivity, confidence, and energy—this is when you feel unstoppable.
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Luteal Phase (Days 18-28): As progesterone rises, energy drops. This is your time to focus on relaxation and self-care.
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Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): Energy and mood are at their lowest. It’s time to rest and recover.
After learning this, everything clicked!
Those days right before my period, when I was trying to push through a grueling run, I was actually impeding my body’s ability to produce the progesterone it needed for the next phase. This left me hormonally imbalanced, ready to snap at anyone who gave me a side-eye, and honestly, so tired I could’ve napped right there in the produce section of Trader Joe’s.
The Impact of Stress on Hormones
Stress disrupts the balance of your hormones, leading to a reduction in progesterone—the hormone that’s essential for calm and relaxation. When cortisol (your stress hormone) spikes, it suppresses other hormones, leading to irregular cycles, mood swings, and intensified PMS symptoms. Learning how to manage stress by tracking your cycle can help keep things in balance and improve how you feel.
How Cycle Tracking Can Supercharge Your Routine
By syncing your daily activities with your cycle, you can better plan your tasks, workouts, and even social life around your energy levels and mood. Here’s a quick breakdown of how each phase works:
Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)
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Low energy means it's time to focus on rest and recovery.
Indulge in: Gentle yoga, stretching, warm baths, and reflection.
Avoid: Intense exercise, high-pressure tasks, or late nights.
Follicular Phase (Days 6-14)
- Energy increases as estrogen rises. This is the time for high-intensity workouts, creativity, and productivity.
Indulge in: HIIT workouts, social activities, and creative projects.
Avoid: Overcommitting or too much rest.
Ovulation Phase (Days 14-18)
- Peak productivity and energy make this the best time for big decisions, endurance training, and networking.
Indulge in: Strength training, social events, and goal-setting.
Avoid: Over-scheduling yourself.
Luteal Phase (Days 18-28)
- Progesterone rises, causing lower energy and PMS symptoms. Prioritize self-care.
Indulge in: Low-impact exercise, comfort foods, and organizing your space.
Avoid: Intense workouts and major decision-making.
Your Cycle is Your Superpower
By understanding the phases of your cycle, you can work with your body instead of against it, improving stress resilience, mood, and overall well-being. Start syncing your lifestyle with your cycle to unlock your true potential—whether it's powering through your high-energy days or giving yourself permission to rest when your body needs it most.
The Power of a Salt Soak During the Luteal & Menstrual Phases
As your body shifts into the luteal and menstrual phases, energy levels drop, and your body naturally craves rest and recovery. This is where a soothing salt soak can be a true game-changer for both your mind and body. Incorporating a Dead Chilled Salt Soak into your routine during these phases helps to calm the nervous system, relax sore muscles, and ease the hormonal rollercoaster.
Why You’ll Love It:
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Magnesium-rich salts like Zechstein and Epsom work to relax muscles, reduce cramps, and promote better sleep—a lifesaver during PMS and period discomfort.
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Detoxification: Pink Himalayan and Dead Sea salts help draw out toxins and improve circulation, leaving you feeling lighter and more refreshed.
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Soothing essential oils help calm the mind, reduce stress, and elevate your mood, making it easier to unwind and nurture your body.
By soaking in these mineral-rich salts, you're giving your body the support it needs to handle the hormonal changes of the luteal and menstrual phases. Whether you're dealing with fatigue, cramps, or just need to decompress, adding a salt soak to your routine creates the perfect opportunity to relax, recharge, and embrace the natural rhythm of your cycle.
