The Scientific Explanation of “Some Days I Soar, Some Days I Crawl”
One day you have the strength to do everything at once.
The next day, even getting out of bed feels impossible.
And you still call this “lack of motivation,” “laziness,” or “weak will.”
No.
This is called the menstrual cycle, and it changes your energy day by day.
The female body does not operate linearly.
It does not perform the same every day like the male metabolism.
Without this knowledge, exercise plans, work goals, and mental expectations can unnecessarily drain women.
In this article:
- The four main phases of the menstrual cycle
- How energy, focus, and performance change in each phase
- How to plan exercise, work, and mental load
- Why cycle awareness is not a “luxury” but a life-saver
We will explore this in a scientific yet simple way.
1. What is the Menstrual Cycle and Why Does It Affect Energy?
The menstrual cycle lasts on average 28 days (21–35 days is also normal).
During this process, estrogen and progesterone rise and fall, changing the way your body functions.
These hormones affect:
- Energy production
- Muscle strength
- Mental focus
- Social drive
- Stress tolerance
directly. So it’s not about mood, it’s biology.
2. The Four Phases and Day-by-Day Energy Map
Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5)
Energy: Low
At the start of menstruation, estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels.
In this phase:
- Physical energy is low
- Body tends inward
- Need for rest increases
- Pain, sensitivity, and fatigue may occur
What works well?
- Light walking
- Stretching
- Yoga
- Mental calm tasks
What strains?
- Intense exercise
- Long meetings
- Social pressure
- Multitasking
In this phase, you should not “push yourself” but protect yourself.
Follicular Phase (Days 6–13)
Energy: Rising
After menstruation, estrogen starts to rise.
Brain fog clears, and motivation returns.
In this phase:
- Learning capacity increases
- Focus strengthens
- Openness to new beginnings
What works well?
- Starting new projects
- Planning
- Moderate exercise
- Mental output
When to use it?
- Presentations
- New habits
- Decision-making
This phase feels like a “rebirth.”
Ovulation Phase (Days 14–16)
Energy: Peak
This is the ovulation period.
Estrogen is at its highest level.
In this phase:
- Social energy increases
- Communication strengthens
- Muscle strength and endurance peak
- Self-confidence rises
What works well?
- Intense exercise
- Meetings
- Social events
- Difficult conversations
This is the phase women often describe as “soaring,” but it is short-lived.
Luteal Phase (Days 17–28)
Energy: Decreasing
Progesterone rises.
The body starts to slow down.
In this phase:
- Fatigue increases
- More inward focus
- Attention to detail rises
- PMS symptoms may appear
What works well?
- Routine tasks
- Organization
- Light exercise
- Finishing incomplete tasks
What strains?
- Starting new things
- High social tempo
- Pushing yourself
This phase is a “winding down” phase.
3. Exercise Planning: Same Workout Every Day is Not Suitable
Doing the same intensity workout every day is inefficient for the female body.
Recommendation:
- Menstrual: walking, stretching
- Follicular: strength + cardio
- Ovulation: HIIT, weights
- Luteal: Pilates, yoga, low intensity
This approach:
- Reduces risk of injury
- Improves performance
- Prevents losing interest in exercise
4. How to Plan Work and Mental Performance
Women often expect male-level performance from themselves.
This is a big mistake.
Smart planning looks like this:
- Important meetings: ovulation
- New projects: follicular
- Reporting, organizing: luteal
- Rest and inward focus: menstrual
This awareness:
- Reduces burnout
- Increases self-respect
- Boosts productivity
5. Why Cycle Awareness Changes Life
Because:
- You stop blaming yourself
- You find answers to “Why am I like this today?”
- You see your body as a guide, not an enemy
Cycle awareness is:
- The foundation of women’s health
- Reduces mental load
- The start of true self-compassion
Conclusion
Some days soaring is normal.
Some days crawling is normal too.
What’s abnormal is expecting the same performance every day.
Know your body.
Know your cycle.
Plan your life accordingly.
