Cycle syncing isn’t new, but this was the first time I really felt the difference.
On a recent trip in January, I didn’t plan around my cycle at all. I was in my luteal phase heading into my period, and while I pushed through on the outside, my body was screaming on the inside. For most of the days I felt fine, just tired, but by the end of the trip, I crashed...hard. The cramps were unbearable. I almost went to the emergency room BUT I was in a foreign country. IT was tough. I ended up needing wheelchair assistance at the airport just to get home. My period came super late, and I felt totally thrown off for days afterward.
So for my next trip, I decided to try something different.
I synced my travel with my follicular/ovulation phase—the part of my cycle when my energy is naturally higher, I’m more social, and my body feels stronger. I wanted to remove all unknowns... especially because it was trip with two of my closest guy friends. And wow... what a difference.
What was different?
Even though the trip was packed, I felt like myself. I had more energy (even with all the go-go-go), was more outgoing, and didn’t experience the crash or mood swings I had before. Same trip length. Same kind of schedule. Totally different outcome. No major crash at the end, no surprise cramps, and no delays with my cycle. Just me, enjoying my trip and honoring my body’s rhythm.
I also didn't have to bring my period undies along–and as a period undies brand founder, I missed packing my babies, but I DID have more space for cute fits and more peace of mind.
Overall, cycle synching this trip reminded me that our bodies aren’t working against us—we just need to meet them where they are when we can!
So, what is cycle syncing?
Cycle syncing is aligning your lifestyle (work, food, exercise, and even travel) with the phases of your menstrual cycle. Each phase comes with its own hormonal shifts that can impact your energy, focus, and mood. Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Menstrual phase (days 1–5): Rest + recover
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Follicular phase (days 6–13): Fresh start, rising energy
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Ovulation (around day 14): Peak energy, social butterfly era
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Luteal phase (days 15–28): Slowing down, inward focus
I have always looked on my period tracking app (shoutout to embody! whoop whoop) to figure out where I am in my period to explain why I feel so cute or feel like absolute sh*t and to know when to expect my period. BUT, I never thought to travel based on my cycle phases.
Us folks with periods unfortunately do not have the same day everyday when we are talking about hormones ... and honestly? That’s not a flaw, it’s information. And once we learn more about it, learn to work with the fluctuations, it can help us move through the phases with less drama!
Now that I’ve experienced what a difference cycle syncing can make (especially during travel) I’m taking note. I’m learning to work with my body instead of against it.
Because when you honor your cycle, your body honors you right back.
Have you ever tried syncing your travel or big plans with your cycle? I’d love to hear what worked for you—or what didn’t. Drop a comment or DM me on IG, let’s chat :)
