Follicular
SHADOW WORK: WHAT ARE THE OBSTACLES IN YOUR WAY?
Start by getting into the most relaxed state you can get into - take a shower, get changed, lay down, eat, grab a blanket, put on music, candle, get a cup of tea - you get the idea and then grab a journal to answer the following prompts. After you’re done journalling listen to the recording to reprogram the blocks you’ve started to uncover in your journaling. The recording will guide you into your subconscious mind (theta wave brain state) and begin to heal some of the internalized beliefs you have about not being able to reach your vision.
Why?
Because you make decisions from your subconscious beliefs about what you think is possible - if you don’t believe you can have what you want deep down that it will be hard to imagine a reality where your vision is possible. Often our internal beliefs are placed in our subconscious to protect us from hurt that we’ve experienced from past failures or pain. This practice will help re-program your subconscious mind.
JOURNAL PROMPTS
What is your vision that’s coming through this cycle?
Is there anything you’re worried about if this vision comes true?
What fears come up around your vision?
What are these fears telling you? (I.e. you actually believe successful people are miserable - more money, more problems, etc.)
What is this telling you that you really need to feel to overcome these fears? (I.e. reassurance, security, simplicity, clarity, abundance etc.)
SKIN CARE DURING FOLLICULAR PHASE
Estrogen levels start to rise, bringing a natural glow to your complexion. estrogen is high, collagen production is also high. Because your skin is at it’s best this can be a good time to try out new products. Your skin is becoming increasingly resilient as your hormones rise so you can start reintroducing exfoliants and deeper cleansing masks if you’d like, no more than once a week. It’s the best time for vitamin C serums or other water based serums to prolong your skins glow as well.
EXERCISE
Take advantage of estrogen rising, it is thought to have a positive effect on mood so this might increase your motivation to train - start gradual as you are only on day 3 and work your way up towards your peak strength at ovulation.
Estrogen is also thought to reduce the amount of carbohydrate the body uses as the fuel for exercise, instead burning fat. In theory, it might be that, when estrogen is high, your body might use more fats for energy – but, there are conflicting research findings so take this with a grain of salt. Your increasing energy levels will make both cardio and strength training more accessible so if fat burning is your goal the mid follicular to mid luteal is the time when your energy is most aligned with exercising.
Estrogen is thought to have a protective function against muscle damage. It also reduces the inflammatory response, so it could reduce muscle soreness. This might mean that we recover more quickly and therefore adapt to training more readily. Another great reason to try new things and recommit to your exercise routine at this time.