Discover the Inner Seasons of Your Menstrual Cycle

When I first came across this concept of inner seasons and how our menstrual phases are a mini replica of the Earth’s seasons, it completely blew my mind.

I had no idea that my period was just one part of an entire, intricate cycle happening within me.

Honestly, I didn’t even know if I was ovulating regularly or not.

For years, I thought my random energy crashes and mood swings meant something was just wrong with me.

But then it all clicked— these shifts weren’t random.

I felt so out of control and like I was going insane all the time but come to find out, I was just out of sync with the natural rhythm of my body.

I had no idea and I was trying to push through every phase of my cycle the same exact way— of course, I felt miserable.

Once I started caring for myself based on where I was in my cycle, everything changed.

It was transformative to embrace the inner seasons within me.

A form of self-mastery if you will.

These inner seasons reflect shifts in our energy, mood, and focus, giving us a powerful framework to better understand ourselves and honor our needs.

Let’s break down these inner seasons and help you reconnect with your body in a way that feels informed, doable, and empowering.

The Four Inner Seasons

Your menstrual cycle is made up of four phases that we will compare to seasons:

• Inner Winter (Menstrual Phase): A time for rest and introspection.
• Inner Spring (Follicular Phase): The season of renewal and growth.
• Inner Summer (Ovulatory Phase): Confidence and connection are at their peak.
• Inner Autumn (Luteal Phase): A phase of reflection, grounding, and closure.

By tuning into these natural phases, you can sync your activities, care routines, and overall energy with your body’s needs— increasing your well-being and productivity.

Each season mirrors the rhythms of nature: winter calls us inward, spring invites growth, summer encourages connection, and fall asks for reflection.

By tuning into your cycle’s seasons, you can use their strengths to live in harmony with your body— not just cope with it.

For a deeper breakdown of the different phases of the menstrual cycle, check out The Wisdom Of Your Menstrual Cycle: 4 Phases Explained.

Inner Winter: Menstrual Phase

When your period begins, you enter your inner Winter.

This season begins with your period and lasts until bleeding ends.

Winter is all about hibernation— rest and releasing what’s no longer needed emotionally, physically, and even hormonally.

Your body is clearing out the uterine lining from the previous cycle, and your energy levels likely reflect that internal work.

Getting my period used to mean one thing: pushing through.

I would get up, go about my day, keep every commitment, and complain the whole time.

I thought I just had to suck it up and keep moving.

When I learned about my inner Winter, it was like a permission slip I never realized I needed.

I started blocking out the first three days of my period to rest as much as possible— canceling plans, simplifying meals, and unapologetically taking it easy.

It didn’t happen overnight, but soon I noticed how giving myself that rest made me feel healthier and more balanced throughout my entire cycle.

Nowadays, I only need the first two days to recharge.

Inner Winter taught me that resting isn’t weakness— it’s wisdom.

What’s Happening in Your Body:

• Estrogen and progesterone levels are at their lowest, leaving you with less energy to spend on external tasks.
• Your uterus contracts to shed its lining, which can cause cramps or discomfort.
• Your cervix feels low and firm, with little to no cervical fluid.

What You May Feel:

• Fatigue or low energy
• Cramps, bloating, or discomfort
• A desire for rest, quiet, and solitude

Everyday Examples of How to Support Yourself:

• Rest unapologetically: If you feel tired, cancel unnecessary plans or work in more naps. Your body is asking for that rest— listen to it.
• Stick with simple meals: Iron-rich foods and warm soups can nourish you better in this season.
• Warmth is everything: Cozy up with soups, herbal teas, heating pads, or a warm bath.
• Reflect: Journaling or meditation can help you process emotions and reset.
• Lighten up physically: Consider light walks, restorative yoga or light stretching to ease tension instead of pushing through high-impact workouts.

If you’re neurodivergent, sensory sensitivities might be heightened, making it even more important to create a calming environment during this time.

Inner Winter is about slowing down, staying cozy, and giving yourself the care and retreat you need to recharge.

Inner Spring: Follicular Phase

As your period ends, you’re stepping into your inner Spring.

Think of it as your body’s time of renewal and possibility.

This is your season for brainstorming, planning, and planting seeds for the coming weeks.

As estrogen rises, follicles in your ovaries mature, and the brain fog of menstruation lifts.

Spring, for me, is when everything shifts.

It’s like stepping into sunshine after weeks of dark and cold.

I feel lighter, more motivated, and ready to tackle all my projects.

This is my get ‘er done season—I reorganize projects, check off tasks, and often get ahead on my goals.

In the past, I’ve also definitely overwhelmed myself by adding too much to my plate during this season.

Learning to balance this surge of energy has been my biggest lesson in Spring.

Now, I focus on harnessing this energy thoughtfully, instead of overcommitting.

What’s Happening in Your Body:

• Rising estrogen helps rebuild the uterine lining and boosts energy and mood.
• Cervical fluid starts appearing— often sticky or creamy, signaling your fertile window is opening soon.
• Your brain feels clearer and more creative as hormone levels rise.

What You May Feel:

• Renewed energy and optimism
• Increased creativity and motivation
• Clarity in thought and decision-making

You may notice your mood lifting, and it’s common to feel more outgoing and ready to engage with the world again.

How to Support Yourself:

• Dream big: This is a great time to brainstorm, plan, and set new intentions.
• Tackle big ideas. Start the project, reorganize your closet, or dive into creative work—you’ll feel inspired and ready.
• Stay active: Your rising energy pairs well with fun physical activities like swimming, or hiking outdoors.
• Bright foods for a fresh start: Incorporate light, colorful meals like salad bowls, fruits, and roasted seeds to nourish your body.
• Try light movement. Dance, swimming, or long walks are great ways to match your rising energy.

Inner Spring is all about growth, fresh starts, and channeling creativity. Plant your seeds—you’re setting the stage for the month ahead.

Inner Summer: Ovulatory Phase

Here comes your inner Summer!

Around mid-cycle, ovulation marks the peak of your energy, confidence, and sociability.

Ovulation is when your body releases a mature egg, but it’s also when your hormones (estrogen and testosterone) peak, giving you that radiant, magnetic energy.

Summer is the season I feel unstoppable— bubbly, friendly, and ideas just flow out effortlessly.

This is the time when video calls are a breeze, networking events feel enjoyable, and ideas flow effortlessly.

If I have big meetings, speaking engagements, or social events to attend, I like to schedule as much as I can during this season.

Whether it’s connecting with others or showing up fully for my business, I know that inner Summer will bring out my natural confidence.

What’s Happening in Your Body:

• Testosterone and estrogen levels boost your confidence, drive, and social ease.
• Cervical fluid becomes slippery and stretchy (like egg whites)—a telltale sign of ovulation.
• Your cervix feels high, soft, and open, signaling peak fertility.

What You May Feel:

• Magnetic confidence and connection
• High energy and vitality
• Increased sociability and desire to interact

This is also biologically your body’s most fertile time, and you might notice heightened sexual energy or physical vibrancy.

How to Support Yourself:

• Show up boldly. This is your best time to schedule key conversations, presentations, or social events.
• Make the most of your sparkle: Plan social outings, date nights, or networking events during this season.
• High-energy workouts: Enjoy a Pilates class, or weight training this week.
• Hydrate and fuel up: Keep energy up with nutrient-packed meals like hearty grain bowls, hydrating fruits, and healthy fats.
• Take risks. Whether it's asking for a raise or trying something new, this is when you’ll feel your boldest.

Your inner Summer is all about showing up, connecting, and shining. Embrace your power during this energetic season.

Inner Autumn: Luteal Phase

After ovulation, your body moves into inner fall— the luteal phase.

This is a quieter, more reflective time as rising progesterone creates a calming effect.

As hormone levels drop toward the end of this phase, emotions and cravings may rise, signaling the approach of your next period.

This has always been my hardest season to get through (without burning down everything around me).

It used to feel like I was being pulled under a giant wave repeatedly, barely able to come up to get some air.

The smallest things— things I’d normally laugh off— would aggravate me and I would blow up frequently.

It was self-destructive, to say the least.

Now, I approach inner Autumn differently.

I’ve learned to recognize that my energy is slowing down and to be okay with it.

This isn’t the time for me to add new projects or overextend myself.

Instead, I focus on finishing what’s already on my plate, decluttering my space, and creating moments for creativity.

One of my favorite fall rituals is diving into drawing or painting while listening to a good audiobook when I feel up to it.

It’s incredibly expressive and grounding for me.

By giving myself permission to do less, I’ve found so much more balance in this reflective season.

What’s Happening in Your Body:

• Progesterone thickens the uterine lining in preparation for pregnancy, but if no pregnancy occurs, hormone levels drop.
• Energy levels shift downward, inviting rest.
• Cervical fluid becomes thicker or dries up as your fertile window closes.

What You May Feel:

• A need for reflection and slower activities
• Physical symptoms like bloating, fatigue, or breast tenderness
• Emotional sensitivity or mood swings

This phase can bring intense feelings for some, especially if PMS (or PMDD for neurodivergent folks) runs strong.

But it’s also a wonderful time for wrapping up projects or creating space for self-compassion.

How to Support Yourself:

• Grounding foods: Incorporate root vegetables and warm, comforting meals.
• Gentle self-care: Journal, take warm baths, or practice gratitude to manage emotions.
• Snack smarter: Combat cravings with snacks like nut butter, protein-rich options, or dark chocolate.
• Tidy up loose ends: Decluttering your space or finishing tasks can feel satisfying.
• Slow movement: Take walks or focus on restorative yoga to ease tension.
• Personal Time: Create a cozy and comforting home environment and take time to read a book, or enjoy your favorite hobby.

Inner Autumn is about creating calm in the chaos, tying up loose ends, and holding space for quiet reflection before you return to inner Winter.

Understanding PMS: What’s Normal, What’s Not, and How to Take Control

Why Understanding Your Inner Seasons Matters

I used to think life was supposed to be lived the same way, every single day— consistent routines, constant productivity— even though I have never been able to.

Learning to live in alignment with my inner seasons completely reshaped how I lived my life.

I’ve become more present, more attuned to what my body needs, and I’ve learned to honor the ebbs and flow of my energy instead of fighting against it.

Of course, life isn’t always predictable— especially with my two little ones who love sprinkling chaos into my day.

But by understanding my inner seasons, I manage myself differently, adjusting how I approach work, motherhood, and self-care.

The result? A deeper sense of ease and balance in my life.

When you understand the seasons of your cycle, something incredible happens: you gain permission to rest when needed, embrace bursts of energy, and focus your efforts in alignment with your natural rhythms.

Benefits of Aligning with Your Inner Seasons:

• Enhanced self-awareness: Recognize when and why shifts in energy or mood happen
• Empowered decision-making: Plan high-energy tasks during inner Spring/Summer and reserve reflection for Autumn/Winter
• Physical well-being: Tailor your nourishment, movement, and rest for each phase
• Improved emotional balance: Prepare for emotional ups and downs with self-care strategies
• Intuitive living: Trust your body’s natural signals— it’s a collaboration, not a battle

Your Body’s Inner Rhythm

When I first learned of my inner seasons, I had no idea how deeply it would change the way I live my life.

It’s impacted everything— from my business to my roles as a mother, wife, and friend.

I’ve learned to navigate life in alignment with my body’s rhythms rather than pushing through forcefully, despite the alarms.

This framework has given me clarity, peace, and a new sense of authenticity.

Whether I’m slowing down in Winter or thriving in Summer, I feel more connected to myself than I ever have— and that connection has made all the difference.

Your cycle is more than just a monthly “inconvenience”— it’s a rhythm that’s been with you your whole life, offering a way to understand yourself more deeply.

Each inner season gives you a unique strength to work with and offers unique opportunities to grow, connect, rest, and reflect.

Understanding these seasons isn’t just knowledge— it’s the key to creating a life that feels aligned, not forced.

Your body is already knows how to be in tune with its rhythm— it’s just waiting for you to notice.