Cycle Syncing Phase 2: The Follicular Phase

**Disclaimer: I am not a trained professional on this topic. This is just what I have started implementing into my life after much research that was done on my own.**

Welcome to Spring! The Follicular Phase is the inner spring of your cycle. This is the day after your menstrual cycle and lasts to about day 13ish. Stretch your body and come out of hibernation. You are going to discover new found energy after your days of slowness and ease of menstruation.

During this phase your estrogen levels are rising. This brings in an energetic mood. You are more willing to be social with your friends and romantic with your partner. This is the time to get things done and do any big tasks you have been putting off. Right now your energy will bring a big leap in your step. Spring is the time of new freshness and the follicular phase coincides with that.

Food

This is the time to break out fresh, light foods. Think salads and steamed veggies. These should be foods that are easy to digest and energy enriching. Avoid inflaming foods like gluten and dairy during this time. Cruciferous vegetables, like broccoli, sprouts, and kale, help with estrogen production within the body, which is perfect for a time that your body is producing a lot of hormones. Fermented foods, like kimchi, sauerkraut, and kombucha, are anti-inflammatory and metabolize estrogen.

Vitamin C supports your liver where your hormones are metabolized. Oranges, pineapples, and cranberries are all rich in Vitamin C. At this time, your body needs healthy fats found in foods like avocados since fat is a significant part in every hormone. Think probiotics, probiotics, probiotics, too! Olives, flax seeds, and coconut are all rich in the compound lignin. Lignin supports estrogen production in the body, which if you haven't gotten by now, is very important during the follicular phase.

Movement

As we said, energy is going up during this phase and so should your movement. While the menstrual cycle is all about rest, the follicular phase is all about energy and movement. Come in hot with your workouts during this time.

This is the time for you to implement a good cardio routine. Running, spin classes, and high-intensity workouts are great options. Lifting weights and decreasing your rest periods between sets are ideal. This is the phase that's all about movement, so any exercise that you can get is going to be beneficial for this phase. But remember, all bodies are different and have different needs. Do what makes your body feel good and never overdo it. My gym girlies, here is your time to shine.

Sleep

The menstrual phase is all about rest and restoration. The follicular phase is all about energy. No matter what, you should always be getting at least 8 hours of sleep a night, but this is the time you can get away with less rest. No more need for naps or a solid 10 hours of sleep like how it was the 3-7 days before your follicular phase. You have the energy to go, go, go.

As always, though, listen to your body. If you need more than just 8 hours a night, your body will tell you. This is just the time in your cycle your energy levels should be high. Your rest during your menstrual phase will be paying off now.

Social

Your estrogen levels are high, which means you have lots of vivacious energy. This is a great time to have a busy social life. Girls' trips, coffee dates, and beach trips are all great options for this time. Get your friends together and enjoy each others' company.

If you're naturally an introvert (like me), try just going out with one friend to dinner during this time. The follicular phase is such a great time to foster your relationships. No matter how anti-social you are, your body will thank you for putting in the effort with some friends or family. You may create some cherished memories because of it.

Romance

When estrogen rises, so does your sex drive. Your body is working towards the next phase in your hormonal cycle which is ovulation. You know what that means, your body is thinking it wants to get pregnant. This is a great time to get frisky (safely) with your partner. My single ladies that love their one night stands, this will be the time that you feel the most into it.

If you are the partner of a menstruater, this is your time to get lucky. Hype up the romance. Take them to dinner, plan a romantic getaway, or even just plan a cute, surprise date night. This is the time that they will be more into romance and sex.

Just because this is the time where our estrogen is higher, which heightens our libido, that does not mean we automatically want to have sex. ALWAYS ask for consent before assuming, no matter what hormonal phase they may be in.

Clothes

Now's the time to wear your fun, cute outfits. Wear things that make you feel confident in your own skin. During the follicular phase, your confidence should be rising. Grab that skirt you got from Anthropologie months ago that you've been too scared to wear out. Or those shoes you weren't sure that looked good. Be bold and have fun with expressing yourself with your clothing options. My word of advice is if you are confident in your outfit, it's automatically stylish. Flaunt it!

Career

Time to put some focus into your career. The follicular phase is a great time to start a new project, cross off some things off your to-do list, or ask for that promotion. You have the energy to take strides and the confidence to ask for what you want. Now is your time to shine at your job for your vitality and spirit. Take some chances and be the boss bitch you are meant to be.

Overview

Welcome to the phase in your cycle that helps you feel your best. Now's the time to come out of your shell and take on the world head on. You rested and now feel invigorated. Stay confident and use your energy to your advantage at this time. Eat clean, move a lot, and be true to you.