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You are here: Home / Local Love / How To Use Your Period As A Productivity Tool

How To Use Your Period As A Productivity Tool

January 21, 2020 By Kari Leave a Comment

In the first of our Take Care Tuesday series learn how to use your period as a productivity tool at work!
Plus, how acupuncture can play a key role in regulating your period.

Your period and productivity-1Is your cycle is all over the map? Mine used to be. In fact, I was clueless about almost everything to do with it. How long is it? When is the first day? I had no idea! The more women I speak with, this emerges as a common theme. Whatever the reason, many of us seem to be out of touch with our cycles and how they can affect everything from sex to overall mood, and our motivation at work. Now, thanks to the experts at Park Integrative Health, I’ve got my head in the game – and the coolest thing is realizing I can use my new-found knowledge to more properly run my business.

Your period and productivity-2When I learned about Park Integrative Health (in Sherwood Park- just outside of Edmonton, AB), I knew I had to check it out. The concept of combining traditional healthcare with holistic practices and energy healing aligns with everything I feel and believe. I was paired up with Dr. Nicole Broadhurst for acupuncture (and other healing techniques) to get my cycle regulated. I’ve learned so much from the team at Park, Nicole included. Thanks to them, my cycle is relatively regular, and I’ve gained so much knowledge on how to make it work for me! I thought it was best to introduce you to Nicole and let her explain everything. Meet Nicole!

Your period and productivity-3

Nicole Broadhurst, R.AC., TCMD

Nicole is a Registered Acupuncturist and TCMD who graduated from the Doctor of Chinese Medicine program at ACATCM in Calgary, AB. She specializes in Fertility – both natural conception and assisted reproductive treatments (IVF/IUI), Sexual Health and Psychological Disorders.

Your period and productivity-4

How does acupuncture help with your cycle?

Acupuncture helps to increase your serotonin levels (Your “Happy Hormone”) and allows your body to self regulate. It also increases your white blood cell count which helps your bodies
immune system and gets rid of inflammation that has built up.

With a female’s reproductive cycle, your hormones are shifting extensively at each phase. These are all translated in Chinese medicine models. Acupuncture helps to build Yin, Yang and Qi while regulating blood and body fluids through each phase. It normalizes blood flow which causes the period to regulate, increases egg quality and regulates the cycle.

Your period and productivity-5

Your period and productivity-6

The Breakdown Your Cycle + Productivity

Phase One: Menstruation/Blood Phase

This phase starts on Day 1 of your cycle. The first day of “real” bleeding (not to be mistaken by spotting or brown discharge). All of the old blood and tissue build up from the last cycle is shed at this point. Your endometrium lining that had built is being shed and this is setting you up for successful ovulation. The name of the game is movement (of the blood & Qi in the body. Not to be mistaken with physical movement Ie: exercise, that comes at a different phase).

How This Relates To Your Work

Hormone levels are at their lowest concentrations during Menstruation. Communication between the left and right side brain hemispheres are GREAT during this time. Left being more analytical
and right being more feeling based. Schedule time for analysis, review and evaluation of all parts
of your life. Energy levels are low and it is completely OK to consider napping a sport. Yin yoga,
swimming or light walks are good for this phase.

Your period and productivity-7

Phase 2: Follicular / Yin Phase

This is the phase where the endometrial layer builds before ovulation. It is where estrogen rises
and an egg is preparing to be released. In Chinese medicine this is known as the “Yin” phase. Yin can be translated to “substance” or things that take shape and are dense. (Ie: an egg). For the
female reproductive system, the endometrium is Yin in nature. Tonifying Yin during this phase is
very important and it creates the foundation for a healthy ovulation. Phase 2 continues until you
actually ovulate. If you don’t ovulate, or ovulate quite late (well over Day 14) this could mean a
deficiency in Yin. Think of your body just not having the resources to create a mature egg and
push it out.

How This Relates To Your Work

Hormone levels are beginning to increase in concentration and the effect is one of openness to
new things, creativity and intentions. Creativity is high and it is a good idea to start planning new
projects and think BIG. Say “Yes” to invites and network! Get creative with your activity and try
group workout classes.

Your period and productivity-7

Phase 3: Ovulation / Yang Phase

Yang is also a concept in Chinese Medicine that doesn’t necessarily have an English language equivalent. It can be understood as the energy behind the things that have shape or substance. If you think of Yin as the leaves on a tree, Yang is the wind. It doesn’t have any physical shape to it, but when it makes contact with the leaf it is what gives it movement. Yang is the movement. It is the energy
that allows the body to push an egg down the fallopian tubes for possible implantation. The
estrogenic hormones that occur during phase 1 and 2, and are Yin in nature, give way to this
Yang energy so that progesterone production is increased.

How This Relates To Your Work

The rise in FSH, followed by the rise in LH and the surge in testosterone (then dropping around
ovulation) drives up your desire. Verbal and social centres of the brain are stimulated in this
phase, making it a great time to have those difficult conversations. Communication and Collaboration is flowing this week, making it a time to present ideas, pitch, sell, negotiate and work in teams. You are magnetic! If you like high intensity workouts, this is your week! It comes easily during this time.

Your period and productivity-8

Phase 4: Luteal / Qi Phase

This is the phase between ovulation and your period. Yang and “Qi” (can be translated to energy
or life force) are building in order to grow/advance embryos if pregnancy has occurred, or to
create menstruation and push blood out of the uterus. If you experience long or irregular periods
the problem is usually due to an issue in this phase.Your body must be able to produce enough Qi
before it can push the blood and tissue out, so the menses (bleeding) will not start until that
happens. During this luteal phase, progesterone peaks and then drops in order for menses to
begin. If you become pregnant, your progesterone levels increase and stay at a higher level in
order to maintain pregnancy.

How This Relates To Your Work

Estrogen, Progesterone, and Testosterone reach their peak concentrations and then begin to fall to their lowest right before bleeding. Your brain chemistry is optimized during this phase for task and detail orientation in order to complete projects. If you typically have a lot of PMS symptoms including irritability or you get super weepy, this phase is telling you to take a look at those things that trigger you so they can be released.

Think of the thing you no longer want to carry with you into your next energetic cycle. This phase is the best time to tend to them, clear them up, or complete them. At the beginning stage of this phase you will likely have energy to spend so exercise can be intense. Scale it back later in this phase as your energy levels lower and you prep for bleeding. Pay attention to your inner wisdom – it’s not you being hormonal, its your inner voice nudging you that something might not be where you want it to be.

Your period and productivity-10

Resources From Nicole

  • A Good Cycle tracking App. Look into MyFlo or Natural Cycles. They are both fairly effective and give you an opportunity to track symptoms while also giving you tips and tricks to manage different phases of your cycle. MyFlo gives a really extensive understanding of what is going on with hormones, emotions and your body during each phase of your cycle. It also gives great exercises and foods to eat during each phase. It has the option to sync your partner with your cycle, so it informs your partner where you are at in your cycle and what is going on for you so they can support you in each phase.
  • Randine Lewis. Randine Lewis is a Medical Doctor and Acupuncturist who specializes in fertility and women
    health. She has a beautiful way of understanding what is really going on with your reproductive system and bridges the gap between science and spirit with our cycles. She has a book called The Way of the Fertile Soul and The Infertility Cure. Her website has extensive information on different diagnoses that can happen with female reproduction and how to treat it.
  • Dr Cheryl Kam. Her Instagram is a very helpful resource for quick information on hormones, brain health, fertility, prenatal and menopause for reproductive health. She is a London and Singapore-based Functional & Integrative Physician and she gives really specific tips for managing and healing your reproductive health.

Learn more about Park Integrative Health here. 

Take Care Tuesday focuses on mental health, women’s health, fitness, and overall well-being. It will be published every single Tuesday from January 21-February 25, 2020 (and following that  – the first Tuesday of the month for the remainder of 2020 at KariSkelton.com). 

photos: Dallas Curow Photography

Don’t forget to pin this to your Period Tips and Women’s Health boards and follow me on Pinterest here. 

This post was sponsored by Park Integrative Health. As always, thoughts and opinions are mine. 

Other Posts You’ll Like:

Skin Care Maintenance For Every Budget

How To Become A Resilient Parent

Robots in Surgeries For Women

xx

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Lifestylist + Blogger: KariSkelton.com
Mom to Wyatt, Moses🐾 + Monroe🐾
Babe on the way! (06/22)
❤ @ryanjespersen
motherhood | style | recipes 👇

Kari Skelton | Motherhood
when you feel like you've hit your max bump but th when you feel like you've hit your max bump but there's still nine weeks to go. 😳

It's truly amazing what our bodies can do. 💛

#31weeks #sunsoutbumpsout #beachball
Life update. ❤ I’ll be keeping this piece of Life update. ❤

I’ll be keeping this piece of art forever. Wyatt painted this for me back in January, when I was isolated with Covid. I taped it up on the wall beside the bed during my stay in our guest room. If you zoom in, you’ll see me in the front with the big baby belly. (Wyatt calls me ‘big belly’ these days!)

Rainbows represent promise, hope, and new beginnings. 

It's been a rough past few weeks for our family, hence my absence online. Thank you so much for your messages of love, concern, and support. They mean so much to us. I know I share a lot with you on here, but I’m not going to get into details this time. Just know we're doing alright. Junebug is great (and kicking and rolling around non-stop!), Wyatt is awesome per usual, and Ryan and I are rock solid.

I had to take a break from work. My main focus has always been (and will
always be) protecting the peace, health, and well-being of our family unit. 

Social media can be a beautiful place where connection and inspiration happens. Unfortunately, it can also foster hurtful and harmful attacks. I’ve learned so much over these past few weeks, and have deeply reflected on my presence and future plans online. I’ll share more soon, but for now, I just wanted to check in, say a sincere thanks, and let you know we’re all good. ❤️
The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll be honest - the first trimester wasn’t great. There were moments of joy (like this one) but it was filled with anxiety, scary moments, and a few hurdles. 

🤰I’m playing catchup on some pregnancy blog posts but I wanted to make sure this was up, especially for those who have been following our journey. 

👉 Head on over to KariSkelton.com for ‘Pregnancy Q&A: The First Trimester’ where I get into all of it. Link is in my bio.

❔️Please ask any questions. That’s the whole reason why I share about this. I believe sharing our experiences and personal stories helps all of us feel less alone and often validates what we’re going through. 

(If you can believe it, I took a video of the exact moment I found out but it disappeared from my files. Poof! Gone.💨 Of all the videos to lose…. 🙈 But very happy to have this photo).

#pregnancystories #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunites #Canadianblogger #Canadianmom
Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_q Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_quay! Thanks to all of you for entering! ❤

➡️ Giveaway! To celebrate @fresonbros first birthday tomorrow (Saturday, March 5), we’re giving away a $250 Freson Bros. GC! 🥳

You’re invited to pop down to the party between 11-5 to celebrate with us! 🎉There’s birthday torte, a whole bunch of perks, specialty tastings, and additional in-store giveaways, including a beautiful Camp Chef XT Wood Pellet Grill! 🙆‍♀️

To enter our $250 GC Giveaway:

👉 Make sure you follow me @kariskelton and @fresonbros.

👉 Like this post.

👉 tag some friends who would love this!

✨️ Bonus entry: Head to KariSkelton.com and leave a comment on my ‘Freson Bros. Turns One’ blog post (make sure to add your IG handle in that comment so we know who you are). 

*This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and is in no way endorsed or supported by Instagram. The winner must be able to pick up the $250 gift card prize at Freson Bros. Edmonton 5139 Mullen Rd. Contest closes Friday, March 4 at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be announced on this post before 9 a.m MST Saturday, March 5. 

🚨*PLEASE watch out for impersonation accounts that unfortunately sometimes pop up during giveaways. I will only reach out to you via DM from my account (@kariskelton) to confirm your win and then we’ll coordinate details via email only.
Load More… Follow on Instagram

kariskelton

Lifestylist + Blogger: KariSkelton.com
Mom to Wyatt, Moses🐾 + Monroe🐾
Babe on the way! (06/22)
❤ @ryanjespersen
motherhood | style | recipes 👇

Kari Skelton | Motherhood
when you feel like you've hit your max bump but th when you feel like you've hit your max bump but there's still nine weeks to go. 😳

It's truly amazing what our bodies can do. 💛

#31weeks #sunsoutbumpsout #beachball
Life update. ❤ I’ll be keeping this piece of Life update. ❤

I’ll be keeping this piece of art forever. Wyatt painted this for me back in January, when I was isolated with Covid. I taped it up on the wall beside the bed during my stay in our guest room. If you zoom in, you’ll see me in the front with the big baby belly. (Wyatt calls me ‘big belly’ these days!)

Rainbows represent promise, hope, and new beginnings. 

It's been a rough past few weeks for our family, hence my absence online. Thank you so much for your messages of love, concern, and support. They mean so much to us. I know I share a lot with you on here, but I’m not going to get into details this time. Just know we're doing alright. Junebug is great (and kicking and rolling around non-stop!), Wyatt is awesome per usual, and Ryan and I are rock solid.

I had to take a break from work. My main focus has always been (and will
always be) protecting the peace, health, and well-being of our family unit. 

Social media can be a beautiful place where connection and inspiration happens. Unfortunately, it can also foster hurtful and harmful attacks. I’ve learned so much over these past few weeks, and have deeply reflected on my presence and future plans online. I’ll share more soon, but for now, I just wanted to check in, say a sincere thanks, and let you know we’re all good. ❤️
The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll The moment I found out. September 22, 2021. I’ll be honest - the first trimester wasn’t great. There were moments of joy (like this one) but it was filled with anxiety, scary moments, and a few hurdles. 

🤰I’m playing catchup on some pregnancy blog posts but I wanted to make sure this was up, especially for those who have been following our journey. 

👉 Head on over to KariSkelton.com for ‘Pregnancy Q&A: The First Trimester’ where I get into all of it. Link is in my bio.

❔️Please ask any questions. That’s the whole reason why I share about this. I believe sharing our experiences and personal stories helps all of us feel less alone and often validates what we’re going through. 

(If you can believe it, I took a video of the exact moment I found out but it disappeared from my files. Poof! Gone.💨 Of all the videos to lose…. 🙈 But very happy to have this photo).

#pregnancystories #motherhoodrising #motherhoodunites #Canadianblogger #Canadianmom
Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_q Contest Closed. Congrats to our winner @michelle_quay! Thanks to all of you for entering! ❤

➡️ Giveaway! To celebrate @fresonbros first birthday tomorrow (Saturday, March 5), we’re giving away a $250 Freson Bros. GC! 🥳

You’re invited to pop down to the party between 11-5 to celebrate with us! 🎉There’s birthday torte, a whole bunch of perks, specialty tastings, and additional in-store giveaways, including a beautiful Camp Chef XT Wood Pellet Grill! 🙆‍♀️

To enter our $250 GC Giveaway:

👉 Make sure you follow me @kariskelton and @fresonbros.

👉 Like this post.

👉 tag some friends who would love this!

✨️ Bonus entry: Head to KariSkelton.com and leave a comment on my ‘Freson Bros. Turns One’ blog post (make sure to add your IG handle in that comment so we know who you are). 

*This giveaway is open to Canadian residents only and is in no way endorsed or supported by Instagram. The winner must be able to pick up the $250 gift card prize at Freson Bros. Edmonton 5139 Mullen Rd. Contest closes Friday, March 4 at 11:59 pm MST. The winner will be announced on this post before 9 a.m MST Saturday, March 5. 

🚨*PLEASE watch out for impersonation accounts that unfortunately sometimes pop up during giveaways. I will only reach out to you via DM from my account (@kariskelton) to confirm your win and then we’ll coordinate details via email only.
Load More… Follow on Instagram

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