CYCLE SYNCING

I first learnt about Cycle Syncing about 19 months ago.

I was listening to a podcast about how to run your business around your cycle as a woman and it BLEW MY MIND.

Why did I sometimes feel so 'not on' when recording videos or getting on trainings?

Why did I feel like I was pushing some days when others I felt like I was on fire and unstoppable?

Why could I write 10 blogs in a day one week, but the next struggle to put together a legible sentence?

Because I'm a woman. And we work on an infradian cycle (around 28 days) where as men work through a 24 hour hormonal cycle. And because most studies around health, wellness and productivity up until now have been on men OR post menopausal women. So of course it is shocking and confusing to realise that we don't live up to traditional expectations around performance.

I read the book In The Flo this year and Alisa outlines all the goods you need to know about Cycle Syncing. But I wanted to share with you some things I do to support myself during each phase as a mama running a few businesses.

MENSTRUAL PHASE

If you follow me on Instagram, you might notice that for 3-5 days of the month I don't really show up on stories. Not because I'm in cramp city, but because I don't feel like it in the 1-2 days before I bleed and my first day. I want to introvert. I want to write. Stay home. Relax. Communicate with my loves.

So I give myself full permission during that time to do nothing on social media. It's freeing!

FOLLICULAR PHASE

As energy increases, I assess what I want to achieve this cycle and start to plan. I'm naturally more creative but also need to pace myself and not try to do too much or I get overwhelmed. For me this is all about planning and intention PLUS creative writing so I journal loads, blog my heart out and map out the weeks ahead.

OVULATION PHASE

I'm out, I'm socialising, I'm going on date night, I'm filming all the things, I'm in your face on my social media. I'm communicating creatively and I'm straight forward saying the things I want to say. I'm wearing my favorite clothes. I'm dancing around the house with the kids before a pilates class then getting things done at home, watching my fave rom-coms on STAN and having friends for dinner. I'm on fire and I'm owning it. This phase for me is about flow and things feeling really good.

LUTEAL PHASE

And then this phase is where I'm rounding it all out, tying up loose ends, editing, slowing down (only a little) and getting prepped for my Menstrual Phase to come again. I'm also not great at communicating, I don't know what I want and I don't make any decisions in this week. My partner knows to just love me, tell me I'm amazing and give me lots of hugs. Not because I'm tender but because I'm sometimes a little up and down during this time and I thrive around words of affirmation and physical touch.

I don't book important chats, I keep life light hearted and focused on finishing things.

Now, this might not be you. And I don't write this to encourage you to do what I do. But I simply am inviting you to witness the phases yourself and notice where you're at. Are you massively into spring cleaning when your period finishes? Do you usually get snappy with the kids the week before? Are you social AF when you're ovulating? Maybe, just witness it. And I would highly encourage you to do two things -

Get the book In The Flow.

And get some sort of cycle tracking app on your phone so you always know which day you're on. I love MyFlo or Clue. If you start to take note, you will definitely start to see a pattern and if you're really smart, use it to your advantage!

Do you cycle sync or know much about this? Would love to know what you've noticed in the comments below!

I'M BACK AND THIS IS WHERE I WENT

It was almost two years ago that I decided to take a break from blogging.

To be honest, it was when I realised that things were going to be changing and I knew I’d need the space to handle it. I mean, can you imagine going through trying to save your relationship, eventually uncoupling, a TIA stroke, heart surgery and finding new love… and feeling the desire to be consistently truthful and vulnerable in this space?

I’m also super aware of the influence words can have. And in navigating my uncoupling, I wasn’t willing to share that process. Why? Because if someone, going through the same type of thing, was to read what we were doing, and it wasn’t right for them, it could’ve been detrimental for their relationship. I’m not a expert on uncoupling. I’m not an expert on saving a relationship that feels like it’s finished. So it simply wasn’t right to share.

And it was hard. There were days, and sometimes weeks that I wanted to hide from the entire world (and there are still those days). But the incredible thing that happened was that I got to put all ‘the work’ into practice. I got to see what really helps when things are completely unravelling, when your world feels like it’s ending.

And I did some things really well.

And I sucked sometimes too.

But I really got to know myself. I opened up in a new way that felt, and still feels, so good. Almost every person close to me in my life witnessed my walls and barriers come down, and the real, emotional, raw me come out of hiding for the first time in my life. My relationships with some friends deepened because they finally felt they were getting Ange, not the version that I felt ‘safe’ showing. Some people weren’t ask keen on this side of me, so some friendships started to dissipate because expectations couldn’t be met on both sides.

And that was all ok.

Because I trust in the universe. Even in those really shitty moments. The day I had my stroke and I lost my vision while I was reading on the couch. Going home after each test, alone, and not having a partner to cuddle and tell me it was all going to be ok. When I was questioning how I could be a solo mother and build a business. I always knew two things -

That it was all happening for a reason.

AND

That for things to get better - it was up to me.

So lots of changes happened. I stopped people pleasing to the level I always have (still working on this!). I became ok with my life not being perfectly mapped out in the socially acceptable way. I worked towards getting better at the areas where I was challenged.

I opened up to love.

Loving myself.

Loving my situation.

Loving the WHOLE journey.

And while I’ll never give you a ‘happily-ever-after’ conclusion. This is where I’m at now.

Happy.

Content.

Growing.

And I’m excited to be back and sharing what I’m learning along the journey.

Thank you for coming with me.

P.S. I would love to know how I can best share here. Comment below and tell me what you would like to hear more of, learn more about and see more. It would mean the WORLD to me!

ALL SLEEP IS NOT 'BEAUTY SLEEP'

You heard right, all sleep routines weren’t created equally. 

We’ve all been there, waking up after a solid 8 hours but still feeling exhausted. Having regular early nights but still having a 3pm crash.  

But even more annoying - the puffy eyes, dull skin and constant exhaustion. 

Which is why I wanted to share today a little about what I’ve learnt about sleep so that you can lay your head on the pillow and wake up feeling refreshed and revitalised in a few simple steps!  

There are things that I know to be true when it comes to getting AMAZING sleep… and it starts the day before.

STEP ONE

Slow down your mind

Sleep prep doesn’t happen in the moments before jumping between the sheets.  It happens a few hours before.  

How often do you scroll social media before drifting off?  Or watch reality TV to ‘wind down’ after a big day?  

This may seem like a great way to get ready for sleep BUT it’s actually hindering your sleep quality.  

Why?

Because you’re stimulating your mind when you should be allowing it to wind down. 

I know that personally, when I scroll Instagram before bed and check out photos of people on exotic holidays or in their gorgeous homes with their perfectly dressed children - I start to get caught up in a little bit of comparion-itis (learn more about how I combat this here) and my mind can start over thinking things.  How I can serve more people through my business, how I can raise my girls with the values I hold close, how I can be thinner, smarter, prettier and richer!  All the things!  So instead of drifting off into a restful sleep, my mind is racing with thoughts of development and growth.  

On top of that, you’re allowing the blue light that is particular of TV and mobile phones to stop your brain from triggering the release of melatonin.  You may still fall asleep fast, but you won’t fall as easily into the restorative sleep pattern that you need to wake up with energy!  

I personally wear these Blue Blockers at night once the sun goes down to help me get better quality sleep.  Sometimes I have online trainings for the Gratitude Gang at night so I can’t avoid the blue light.  I’ve found since using these glasses for the last year I’ve been able to wind down much fast after a night of connecting with my girl gang! 

STEP TWO

Create a wind down ritual

It definitely seems easier to just get into bed when you’ve had a big day and when exhaustion gets the better of you, it’s inevitable that you’ll pass out immediately.  

But having a ritual that prepares you for QUALITY sleep can change the game, allowing you to wake up fresh and refreshed for the day ahead.  

My own ritual is as follows ... 

:: Turn down the lights, leaving on one in my bathroom and a very dull lamp in our room.  

:: Jump in the shower and read over my end of day questions that I have laminated on the shower wall.  Personally I have borrowed Brendon Burchards - Did I live? Did I love? Did I matter?

:: Put on my face creams and do a little Face Yoga which is a new thing for me that I’m kind of really loving! 

I’ve been using MooGoo Night Time Face Cream and I’ve noticed a huge difference in my skin when I wake up.  It was recommended to me by a friend and I’m so glad I’ve been using it religiously lately!  

And then I moisturise my body and pay extra attention to massaging my feet, they held me up all day and they totally deserve extra love! 

:: Last up I read, not something educational but something that calms my mind and prepares me for beautiful dreams.  Inspiring books.  I’m currently re-reading the Tao Te Ching.

STEP THREE

Mini Medi

This is the part where we fall asleep.  I highly recommend having your phone in a different room when you sleep and also keeping it on night mode so you don’t hear or feel any vibrations or notifications.  But I know that some people will thrive on a guided meditation to get them started with this ritual.  I would recommend doing one weeks worth of guided meditations (I love the Omvana app) and then start to leave your phone in a different room and take yourself through the meditations.  

Usually you’ll get a few minutes in and drift off. 

So those are three splendidly simple steps to a better and more beautifying sleep.  I’d love to know what you have tried and what has made a difference in your sleep routine below! 

HOW TO CREATE A MORNING ROUTINE JUST FOR YOU

Having a morning routine is the key to a productive, positive and calm day.  

BUT

There are millions of online articles telling you how to have a good morning, what you should be doing, the time you should wake up and exactly the order things need to be done.  

That’s all well and good, but what if you could create a routine that fit in perfectly with what feels good to you, comes naturally to you and helps you to feel like you’re living in flow?  

You can, I’m going to tell you how.

WHAT TIME SHOULD I WAKE UP?

There are literally 84 million google search results to this question.  Some experts will tell you 7am is the ideal time to rise, others that you should shift your time with when the sun rises, others say 4:30am is the sweet spot.  But there is one question I find these experts fail to ask is 

“What time do you naturally wake up?”

This is key to getting to know your sleep cycle and getting further into your quality of sleep!    If you do feel like you’re not having a good slumber and restless nights, I highly recommend you read The Sleep Revolution by Arianna Huffington.  This book will change your sleep, energy and relationships.  

So, if you’re having good quality sleep, going to bed at a reasonable hour and sleeping in a calm environment, you should naturally wake up at a time when your body has rested.  

WHAT SHOULD I DO FIRST THING AFTER WAKING UP?

This is the fun part, choose your own adventure style morning rituals!  Below is a list of some beneficial things you could do, you get to structure it however you want, listening to what your body and mind need each day.  

:: Have a glass of warm water and lemon 

:: Roll out of bed onto your yoga matt and stretch for 5-10 minutes

:: Meditate

:: Journal

:: Watch the sunrise (if you’re early enough) 

:: Head out for a walk

So again, you get to construct a conscious ritual that is tailor made for YOU.  

OK, BUT WHAT SHOULD I EAT FOR BREAKFAST? 

This one is easy.  

Real food.  

Yup, just eat real food.  That real food can be scrambled eggs with some turmeric coated veggies, overnight oats with berries, a green smoothie or whatever makes your body feel good and isn’t coming out of a packet with more than two ingredients!  

In the Health Hub, we have SO MANY amazing breakfast ideas!  Loads of juice ideas, smoothies and light options to the heavier Sunday breakfast indulgences (including our Complete Pancakes that have superfoods like spirulina, mushroom powders and pumpkin powder that taste better than the naughty gluten laden version!) so if you’re struggling with ideas, you know where to look!

These are my three steps to a simply successful morning routine.  Wake up with purpose, do something grounding and nourish your temple.  

It’s really THAT SIMPLE! 

Love,

MOOGOO : A REVIEW

Two weeks ago I was speaking to my Intentional Living Group Coaching girls about how to remove toxins from your home and why it's so important. 

So many beauty products, household cleaning products and food storage containers hold chemicals that our body doesn't respond well to and it's really important that as much as possible we're using products that don't contain things like SLS, parabens, propylene glycol and synthetic fragrances because this can be absorbed by our skin and effect our liver and mess with our hormones!

The girls were asking what I use and I mentioned a few MooGoo items that I've used for years. After a good 15 minute discussion on just this brand I wanted to share with ALL of you why I love these product and what I personally use and what my family loves. 

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Backtrack to 2013 when I was pregnant with Bo, I found MooGoo because I was suffering from dermatitis on my hands a little and needed to find a body wash that wouldn't irritate and would hopefully help to heal!

I stumbled onto their website and ended up ordering a whole bunch of bits for when baby Bo was due to arrive.  Knowing that I didn't want to start my little girls life by washing her with nasty fragranced soaps, my first purchase was Milk Wash, which I used for myself and for her. Eventually I switched this up for Mini Moo Bubbly Wash because what child doesn't like a bubble bath! 

The reason I love MooGoo Wash is because it's free of SLS (sodium laureth sulphate) which is a very irritating detergent that can dry your skin and is found in most cleansing products.  SLS is what would irritate my dermatitis and dry out my hands even more.  

Speaking of my dermatitis, during this time of my first pregnancy and being super careful about what I put in my body and ON my body, I needed to find something to give my hands relief so I tried their Eczema & Psoriasis Cream and I can say, hand on heart, since using that I have not had a single reoccurrence of this skin irritation (you can see why I'm such a raving fan, right?) and my cracked skin over my knuckles and fingers is a distant memory!

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Over the past 4 years of being a MooGoo customer, my love has only grown.  This Australian owned company  not only creates amazing Australian made products, but they care about their impact on the environment, making sure they keep nasty ingredients out of their range and are fully transparent on what they do put in and they still keep everything affordable so that everyone can have healthy products to use for their family.  

Products I love and use regularly 

For me

:: Milk Wash 

:: Skin Milk Udder Cream 

:: Natural Sunscreen 

:: Organic Rosehip Oil

For the girls

:: Mini Moo Bubbly Wash

:: Milk Shampoo 

:: Cream Conditioner 

:: Nappy Balm (when necessary) 

So my advice to you?  Read packaging, when you run out of something you already own that isn't made from skin loving ingredients, replace it with something that is and BE EDUCATED. You're 100% in charge of your body and what goes on and in it.

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INTENTIONAL LIVING GROUP COACHING

Spaces are opening for the next round of my Intentional Living Group Coaching... Shifts, growth and transformation in the safe space of other women.  Emotions and feelings being held and heard, this next group promises more incredible releases and leaps.  

Words from one of my beautiful

group coaching students :

To join our next round and get all the juicy details, click below!

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GROUP COACHING