I’m on a real winter kick right now.

But I had a bit of a revelation when it occurred to me that winter was an awful lot like our menstrual phase.

When I went to look into it I saw I (obviously) wasn’t the only one who’d made this connection.

I’ve seen beautiful illustrations where the seasons have been linked to the phases of our cycle.

Winter = Menstrual

Spring = Follicular

Summer = Ovulatory

Fall = Luteal

So, seeing as the first day of winter is on its way (December 21st) I thought I would sit down and talk about why I think winter is like the menstrual phase.

+ slow down

If you think about summer it seems like someone is always inviting you to a BBQ, picnic, to go for a bike ride, etc. We’re always trying to get outside, enjoy the weather, and go, go, go.

This doesn’t mean we completely stop living in the winter, but it changes does it? It calms down, there’s not that same urgency.

It’s the perfect time to get together with friends and family, sit around and have a glass of something or share a meal. To reconnect and have a good laugh.

+ rest

Bears hibernate in the winter, but humans don’t. And while I’m not promoting a sedentary lifestyle it’s definitely a good time to get your beauty rest.

While I go to bed by 10 p.m. most nights regardless of the season I know plenty of people who have fun-filled nights that last early into the morning.

This doesn’t mean you can’t go out and have a good time but maybe make an effort to get your eight hours during the colder months.

+ reflect

We’re naturally more reflective during our periods, and I think the same is true in the winter. I’ve had some profound mental and emotional journeys within myself curled up on the couch, under some twinkly lights and a mug of something hot or a glass of something red.

Winter is the perfect time to get back into journaling. So, grab yours, dust it off and just sit down with a pen each day.

+ renew

Picture the caterpillar in its cocoon. Think of the feeling of complete refreshment when you come out of a really nourishing menstrual phase.

This is a time I like to focus on self-care. And yes, I pamper the heck out of myself. I’m talking Epsom salt baths, face masks, manicures, pedicures, hydration, eating my plants, all things to nourish myself so I came come out of it as one spectacular butterfly!

I plan on going about this winter just as if it were my menstrual phase, and I’m really excited to see how it differs come spring from years past.

[We’re a week and a half out from the next session of my Chart Your Cycle course which just so happens to start the day before the first day of winter. Learning how to chart was one of the most brilliant things I could do for myself, and I encourage anyone interested in connecting to their body and their cycle in a new way to give it a go!]