It’s Time We Live According to Our Infradian Rhythm!

While most of us by now are familiar with a circadian rhythm (24 hour biological clock), there is a second clock that may be just as important (if not more), that is unique to women. It’s called the infradian rhythm, and for women, it’s the key to understanding those energy highs and lows that we often chalk up to mood swings or stress.

Have you ever had a day where you’re on top of the world, only to wake up the next morning feeling like you’ve run out of steam? Or maybe there are times when you’re absolutely crushing it when it comes to work, brilliant presentations and ideas, and then - boom! - you’ve hit a wall and all you want is Netflix and a cozy blanket.

If this sounds familiar, you’re not alone. And it’s not “just in your head”. Turns out it’s your infradian rhythm calling the shots. Read along to learn how the infradian rhythm rules women and how by being more in tune we can achieve holistic health.

The Hidden Power of the Infradian Rhythm

“I know it can be overwhelming to learn just how much our lives are dictated by hormones! But in my personal experience, I realised just how powerful being in tune with our infradian rhythm can be. Instead of feeling bad about the changes in my energy, I was able to honour each phase of the cycle and utilise it to its best," says Vibha Harish, herbalist & co-founder at Cosmix. Your body has its own internal calendar, a secret guide that tells you when to push forward, when to take a step back, and when to celebrate your progress. This guide is your infradian rhythm, and it’s about time we start listening to it.

Here’s the deal, the infradian rhythm is closely tied to your menstrual cycle, but it’s not just about “that time of the month.” It influences your brain, metabolism, immune system, and even how you respond to stress. Ignoring this rhythm is like trying to surf without paying attention to the waves, you’re bound to wipe out sooner or later.

Real Talk: Why Ignoring Your Infradian Rhythm is Like Trying to Defy Gravity

Ever tried to push through a day of meetings and deadlines when you’re feeling drained, only to end up exhausted and frustrated? That’s your body telling you it’s out of sync with its natural rhythm. On the flip side, have you noticed how some days you’re on fire, multitasking like a pro and feeling unstoppable? That’s the power of syncing with your infradian rhythm.

The Phases of the Infradian Rhythm

To really harness the power of your infradian rhythm, it’s important to understand the four distinct phases of your menstrual cycle. Let’s bring this concept to life with a little imagination. Picture your infradian rhythm as the seasons of the year:

Winter - Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5): This is your period. Energy is low, and it’s the best time for rest and reflection. Just like in winter, it’s time to cozy up and rest.
Spring - Follicular Phase (Days 6-14): After your period, your energy starts to rise. This is a time for new beginnings, creativity, and planning. Just like spring, everything is blooming; it’s a time of growth and new ideas.
Summer - Ovulatory Phase (Days 15-17): Like in summer,the sun is shining, and the world of energy and life, our energy starts to rise as well. This is a great time for socializing, public speaking, and high-energy activities.
Autumn - Luteal Phase (Days 18-28): In autumn, we are harvesting what we’ve sown and preparing for the next cycle. In a similar way, in this phase our energy begins to decline as our bodies prepare for menstruation again. At this time, focus on finishing tasks, organizing, and self-care.

By respecting this natural ebb and flow, we can find a deeper connection to our body and an improved sense of well-being.

Living According To Your Infradian Rhythm is a Game Changer. Here’s why:

When we align our life with our infradian rhythm, we’re essentially giving your body what it needs when it needs it. By living in harmony with this cycle - adjusting diet, exercise, work, and self-care routines according to the different phases - women can optimize their energy levels, improve mood stability, and reduce PMS symptoms.

How to Sync with Your Infradian Rhythm

Track Your Cycle: Start by tracking your menstrual cycle. There are a lot of period tracking apps that can help you with this! By understanding which phase of your cycle you’re in helps you understand how to prepare yourself for that period.

Fun fact: Did you know that the earliest evidence of calendar awareness was linked to a woman? Around 20,000 years ago, the Ishango bone was discovered, featuring engravings believed to represent a 3-6-9 month lunar cycle — possibly the first calendar ever. And who better than a woman to track the lunar cycle, likely to monitor her menstrual cycle!
Nourishment and Movement: Your body’s nutritional needs change throughout the cycle. For example, you might crave more carbohydrates in the luteal phase and feel more energized by cardio workouts during the follicular phase.It’s game changing to listen and respect what our bodies are telling us.
Rest When You Need It: Don’t push yourself when your energy is low, especially during the menstrual phase. Resting is productive in its own way.

The infradian rhythm is like a superpower that’s been hiding in plain sight. By tuning into it, you’ll not only improve your health and productivity but also deepen your self-understanding. So, let’s start celebrating this incredible rhythm and allow it to guide us toward a more balanced and fulfilled life.