Episode 10 | Learning to Love Your Menses | Harnessing the Female Cycle & Learning to Live in Flow (Part 2 of 6)
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Welcome
What if your period wasn't something to push through, but something to better understand?
In Part 2 of our six-part Harnessing the Female Cycle and Learning to Live in Flow series, Mairi Taylor and I explore the menstrual phase and why it deserves far more compassion than it often receives. For many women, this is the time when we ignore our body's signals, carry on regardless and feel guilty for slowing down.
Together, we explain what's happening in your body during your menstrual phase, why rest is productive, and how simple changes to your routine, nutrition and self-care can help you feel more supported each month. Whether you experience painful periods, heavy bleeding or simply want to understand your body better, this episode is packed with practical advice to help you work with your cycle instead of fighting against it.
In This Episode
You'll discover:
What happens in your body during the menstrual phase.
Why the first day of your period marks the beginning of a new cycle.
How tracking your cycle can improve your wellbeing and productivity.
Why rest, reflection and planning are more beneficial than pushing through.
The concept of "scaffolding" and how it reduces overwhelm during your period.
Nutrition, hydration and lifestyle tips to support your menstrual health.
How understanding your natural energy can help you thrive throughout the rest of your cycle.
"Work with your body, not against it."
Episode Summary
In Part 2 of the Harnessing the Female Cycle and Learning to Live in Flow series, Eleshia Harris and women's wellbeing guide Mairi Taylor take a deep dive into the menstrual phase, the beginning of every menstrual cycle and one of the most misunderstood stages of women's health.
Together, they explain what's happening hormonally during menstruation, why many women experience lower energy and increased fatigue, and how understanding these natural changes can help reduce frustration and self-judgement. Rather than encouraging women to simply "push through", they explore the benefits of listening to your body, embracing rest when needed and using this phase for reflection, planning and self-care.
The conversation also introduces the concept of "scaffolding". Preparing meals, reducing unnecessary commitments and creating supportive routines that make life easier during your period. From nutrition and hydration to gentle movement and cycle tracking, this episode is filled with practical strategies that empower women to honour their bodies and create healthier, more sustainable lifestyles.
⭐ Put it into Practice
10 Ways to Support Yourself During Your Menstrual Phase
Start tracking your menstrual cycle or energy levels.
Give yourself permission to slow down without guilt.
Use this phase for reflection, planning and reviewing rather than taking major action.
Prepare meals in advance to reduce stress and decision fatigue.
Prioritise sleep, hydration and nourishing foods.
Choose gentle movement instead of high-intensity exercise if your body needs it.
Reduce unnecessary commitments and say no when you need to.
Spend time journalling or listening to your intuition.
Create a calming evening routine with a bath, reading or quiet time.
Remember that resting is part of being productive, not the opposite.
🔑 Key Takeaways
Your menstrual phase is the beginning of a new cycle, not something to simply endure.
Listening to your body's signals can improve your wellbeing and long-term health.
Rest and reflection are productive parts of your cycle.
Planning ahead reduces stress and helps you navigate your period more comfortably.
Nourishing your body with healthy food, hydration and sleep supports hormonal health.
Every woman's cycle is unique, so learn what works best for you.
Working with your body's natural rhythm allows you to show up with more energy throughout the month.
🌿 Eleshia's Reflection
How might your relationship with your period change if you stopped seeing it as an inconvenience and started seeing it as valuable feedback from your body?
📚 Resources Mentioned
Cycle tracking calendars and apps.
New moon tracking for women not experiencing periods.
Essential oils including Clary Calm, Balance and Zendocrine/Zengest for wellbeing support.
Nutrient-rich foods including leafy greens, cruciferous vegetables, berries, omega-3s, cacao, turmeric and cinnamon.
The downloadable menstrual phase checklist available through the show notes.
💬 Conversation Starters
Were you ever taught how the menstrual phase affects your energy and wellbeing?
Which tip from this episode are you most excited to try?
Do you currently track your menstrual cycle? If not, what's stopping you?
What would change if women felt more comfortable talking openly about periods?
How can we better educate the next generation about menstrual health?
Prefer to read? Browse the full transcript below, or listen using the player above.
Read the Full Transcript
Recommendation
🌸 Living in Flow Series
Part 2 of 6 — Learning to Love Your Menses
Continue your journey by exploring each phase of the female cycle.
