“Ugh.. I have to exist again today.. I literally don’t feel like getting out of bed.. or talking to anyone..
and why is every.little.thing annoying me.
I don’t think I cracked a smile at all in two days.. ugh let me get out this bed, wash my face, try and get myself together —
***
—- Oh my gosh.. is that.. a pimple? It’s literally HUGE.. I hate my life. *crawls back into bed*….”
Does that sound familiar to you?
well.. that was literally me this morning, and quite frankly every morning for the past couple days.
it’s like every little thing bothers me, I’m super irritable, my emotions are so up and down.
and I literally feel like the world is ending. My thoughts get super DARK.
and I wonder what’s even the point, ya know?
confused, feeling unpretty, and desperately falling into negative habits.. I had to do something. I couldn’t keep going on like this lmao
Soooo, after hours of very intriguing research.. I’ve come up with some answers.
Because not only did I feel this way consistently off and on, I felt this way around the same time each month.
I was starting to notice a pattern. And darling, what we’re experiencing (I say ‘we’, because if you’re here.. I’m sure you relate) is the Luteal Phase and I’ve nicknamed it the..
..LETHAL phase. because she’s as lethal as it comes.
scientific definition: in short, during the luteal phase your body is preparing your uterus for pregnancy by thickening your uterine lining. In doing so, it produces more progesterone.
- This phase occurs after ovulation and before your actual menstruation, hence the shedding of your uterus lining when a fetus isn’t produced,
- causing ALL that red stuff girly.
- Usually lasts up to 14 days, and is quite literally the longest phase in our menstrual cycle.
I go into more detail about our entire menstrual cycle in: The Cycle We Didn’t Ask For.
So yes, with our body in preparation mode, a lot is happening. Our hormones are all over the place and the rise of progesterone can cause a mixture of emotions.
In some cases, this progesterone increase can cause calmness and relaxation, may even promote your sleep schedule.
If that’s you, congrats on being God’s favorite.
As for others, including myself.
increase in anxiety, depression, & rapid mood shifts can occur. Sleep disturbances, irritability, AND hormonal imbalance.
Yup, you guessed it.
Your body is literally working against you right now.
your feelings/emotions are extremely high and scattered, and now you have to deal with it for the next 14 days.. or do you?
What I’ve learned.. is to flow with your body ..
yes right now we’re in the pits of hell.. fighting for our life..
.. but we don’t have to be.
Here’s a couple tips that have helped me, now that I’ve identified what exactly is happening:
- give yourself grace : right now is the perfect time to be the nicest you ever been to yourself.
- DO NOT fall into those negative narratives. You need you the most right now, don’t let her down.
- This is also a great time to say some positive affirmations over you and your life.
- Ex: I love my life, I am growing and evolving, what I’m feeling is temporary and will pass.
- Even though you may not feel it to be true currently, say it anyway.
- Ex: I love my life, I am growing and evolving, what I’m feeling is temporary and will pass.
- Do something that makes you happy: whether it’s binge watching a show, reading a book, writing, sitting by a lake..
- indulge in something that literally makes your heart smile.
- Reduce your screen time: for the love of God.. *stop* DOOM scrolling on these insanity apps aka social media. you’ll find yourself comparing your life to everyone else, and that’s NO GOOD for you.. like.. ever.
- If you must engage, let it be beneficial, uplifting and empowering! follow: @life.be.lifing for that kind of content, I promise you won’t regret it.
- Move your body: doesn’t have to be something extreme. Just like going for a swim, or stretching, or a 20 min Pilates class. Even a stroll in the park, just something to get your blood flowing.
- Journal: document how you’re feeling, rather on paper, video diary, or type it in your notes app or laptop. but get it ALL out, whatever you’re feeling. talk to ChatGPT about it. Just don’t hold it in, release it. 🩷
- and afterwards, make sure you say something nice to yourself.
Remember, you’re not alone hunnybun.
most women out there are feeling the exact same way. it’s all about how you cope with it!
Closing remarks:
*deep breath* in through our nose.. out through our mouth. Ahhhh, all better, right? I hope so. I’m proud of you for not letting Ms. Lethal win! you, my dear, deserve a nap. See ya in the next post, xoxox