For years, I pushed through every dip in energy, mood, and motivation, thinking that’s just what running a business as a woman meant. Show up. Be consistent. Hustle hard.

But after having my son and as I got older, my body started sending stronger signals. I later found out I had PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder) and I was forced to reevaluate everything.

That diagnosis, and the journey that followed, has changed how I run my business. And today I want to show you how to work with your cycle instead of fighting it, because trust me, it’s a total game changer.

The 4 Phases of Your Cycle, and What to Do in Each

Once I began tracking and understanding my cycle, I realised there were specific times of the month when I was:

  • Super creative and high-energy

  • Slower and more introspective

  • Anxious or low

  • Ready to lead and be seen

Here’s how I now shape my business tasks to each phase:

Days 1–5: Menstrual Phase

  • What’s happening: Energy is at its lowest.

  • Best for: Admin tasks, journaling, planning, ticking off small to-do’s.

  • Avoid: Big meetings, events, or launches.

This is my “quiet” time. I don’t host any calls during this phase and give myself full permission to slow down.

Days 6–14: Follicular Phase

  • What’s happening: Energy and creativity rise.

  • Best for: Starting new projects, brainstorming, course creation, content planning.

This is when I get my best ideas, and actually have the energy to execute them!

Days 15–17: Ovulation Phase

  • What’s happening: High energy, confidence, and sociability.

  • Best for: Events, retreats, public speaking, sales calls, high-impact work.

I schedule all my outward-facing activities here, it’s short, but powerful.

Days 18–28: Luteal Phase

  • What’s happening: Mood dips, PMS/PMDD symptoms for many.

  • Best for: Wrapping up projects, organisation, behind-the-scenes work.

  • Avoid: Difficult conversations, launching, energy-draining tasks.

This is the time I now treat with care. I slow down, lean on my team, and give myself grace.

Track It, Plan It, Own It

If you’re new to this idea, start by tracking your cycle. I use the P Tracker app to log my mood and energy each day. Within a few months, you’ll start seeing patterns, and you can begin building your schedule around YOU, not the other way around.

Also, don’t be afraid to talk about it. Whether with your team, your partner, or on social media, your honesty will empower others, and it helps remove the shame around women’s health in business.

Here are 3 simple ways to work with your cycle more intentionally:

  1. Prioritise rest when your body asks for it (that’s leadership, not laziness).
  2. Delegate or shift deadlines during low-energy days
  3. Plan launches and high-performance tasks during your high-energy phase, trust me, it will feel 10x easier.

You don’t have to be “on” all the time. You don’t need to power through exhaustion or beat yourself up when you’re not at your best.

Working with your cycle will help you be more productive, more aligned, and way more kind to yourself. And when you’re in flow, your business will be too.