Have you ever found yourself, at 3 AM, determined to put your life together because the day felt wasted? Or perhaps you catch yourself endlessly scrolling on your phone, realizing too late that precious minutes were lost—time that could have been spent reading, exercising, or meal planning.
If either of these scenarios sounds familiar, you're not alone.
I've struggled with discipline myself, experiencing that dreadful feeling of wasting another day without making any progress. It's disheartening.
But I've also faced the opposite extreme, prioritizing productivity so much that I burnt myself out, leading to a different kind of wasted time. The relentless hustle left me aimless, too exhausted to be productive.
Many women feel disconnected from their femininity, conditioned to hustle in a way that's traditionally masculine yet, advocating for a system that respects these differences is not about weakness; it's rooted in science.
It empowers women to thrive by embracing their unique strengths and natural rhythms.
Embrace Your Cycle for Productivity
Understanding and planning around your hormonal cycle can be life-changing. Surprisingly, many women aren't aware of the four distinct phases of their cycle. I have given the 4 phases down below
Menstrual Phase: Your uterine lining sheds, and you bleed.
Follicular Phase: Your body prepares for egg release.
Ovulatory Phase: Your eggs are released.
Luteal Phase: If not pregnant, hormone levels drop, preparing for menstruation.
Most women don’t have the average 28-day cycle; it can range from 21 to 35 days. Productivity tends to dip during the menstrual phase due to low energy levels. This is normal.
Resting during this time is productive because it prevents burnout and allows you to be more energized during the follicular and ovulatory phases.
Align Tasks with Your Cycle
During the menstrual phase, when energy levels are low, it’s crucial to allow yourself to rest. This phase is characterized by a drop in estrogen and progesterone, which can lead to feelings of fatigue and decreased motivation.
Recognize that this is not a time for pushing yourself to the limit. Instead, focus on restorative activities and self-care.
Gentle exercise like walking, yoga, or stretching can be beneficial. It's also a good time to engage in reflective practices such as journaling or meditation.
As you move into the follicular phase, energy levels start to rise. This phase is ideal for brainstorming new ideas, starting new projects, and tackling tasks that require creative thinking.
The increase in estrogen levels supports cognitive function, making it easier to focus and plan.
The ovulatory phase, marked by the peak in estrogen and the release of an egg, is a time of high energy and social interaction.
Use this phase to engage in collaborative projects, attend meetings, and network. Your communication skills are at their best, and you’re likely to feel confident and assertive.
Finally, the luteal phase, which prepares the body for either pregnancy or menstruation, brings a gradual decline in energy levels.
Focus on completing tasks and tying up loose ends. It’s a good time for detailed work and organization. As the phase progresses, start to slow down and prepare for the upcoming menstrual phase.
Redefine Productivity
Productivity isn't about constant hustle; it's about balanced effort. Recognize that periods of rest are necessary and productive.
Self-discipline involves mindful self-control, not pushing past your limits. If you have 50% energy today, giving 50% effort is giving 100% of what you have. That’s enough.
Consider redefining productivity to include activities that nourish your mind and body. This might include reading, spending time in nature, or engaging in hobbies.
These activities are not only restorative but also contribute to your overall well-being, making you more effective in your productive phases.
Combat Fatigue
Many people in the West feel fatigued despite adequate sleep. This constant fatigue hampers productivity. Engaging in rituals of energy renewal can help.
Prioritize quality sleep by establishing a consistent bedtime routine and creating a restful environment. Limit screen time before bed and consider practices like reading or listening to calming music.
Nutrition also plays a critical role in combating fatigue.
Eating a balanced diet rich in whole foods, staying hydrated, and avoiding excessive caffeine can improve energy levels.
Regular physical activity, even in small amounts, can boost mood and energy.
Mindfulness and stress management techniques, such as deep breathing exercises, meditation, and mindfulness practices, can also reduce fatigue and increase focus. Incorporate these into your daily routine to support your overall energy and productivity.
True productivity isn't about doing more; it's about nurturing the essence of who you are, embracing both strength and grace.