Planning with Your Cycles
A Divergent Guide to Menstrual and Lunar Cycle Planning
As divergent people, we often find ourselves in external environments that do not support our natural energy cycles, focus, or emotional state. Once I started planning with my cycle instead of against it, I stopped believing I was lazy, gained confidence, and had a better relationship with myself, time, and the world around me. Once I started honoring my cycles:
I stopped believing I was undisciplined because I couldn’t keep up with a traditional work schedule.
I gained confidence that I had the fortitude to reach my goals.
I stopped planning big projects days before my period began and then going off on everybody because I was exhausted and stressed.
I no longer planned deep work sessions at 2:00 p.m. to finish all my tasks before 5:00 p.m. and rested instead.
I realized that my 9-5 work schedule was putting my divergent body into overdrive, leading me to burnout.
Why Do Cycles Matter?
Whether menstrual, lunar, or emotional, cycles are deeply tied to energy levels and emotional states. Divergent people who might already experience heightened sensory or emotional awareness syncing with these natural rhythms reduce overwhelm and promote balance.
Understanding cycles also helps you better understand yourself, tune into your frequency, and align it with the universe. In simple terms, I am saying that we beat ourselves up too often because of our natural cycles because we are not taught to honor ourselves while forsaking productivity, and I say NO MORE.
In this post, we’ll explore how understanding your energy cycles can help you develop sustainable routines that support your well-being and enhance productivity.
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The Moon’s Guidance: Planning with Lunar Cycles
The moon’s phases provide a beautiful template for cyclical living, especially if you don’t menstruate or prefer a more universal rhythm. Each phase brings distinct energies, perfect for guiding your planning:
New Moon (Intention & Rest): A time for quiet reflection and intention-setting. Think of this as the “seed planting” phase.
Plan for: Journaling, meditation, and clarifying goals for the upcoming cycle.Waxing Crescent to First Quarter (Growth & Action): Energy begins to build, making this an ideal time for planning and taking the first steps toward your goals.
Plan for: Outlining tasks, initiating new projects, and brainstorming.Full Moon (Clarity & Celebration): The moon’s energy peaks here, bringing clarity and heightened emotions.
Plan for: Networking, collaborations, and sharing your progress with others.Waning Gibbous to Last Quarter (Release & Reflection): Energy starts to wane, encouraging you to slow down and release what’s no longer needed.
Plan for: Decluttering, editing, and wrapping up loose ends.Waning Crescent (Restoration): A time to pause and restore before the cycle begins again.
Plan for: Restorative practices, light tasks, and minimal commitments.
Mood Music
Just like the moon I'm going through phases lately Things have been crazy They say life is a maze but Life is amazing Amazing Just like the moon, just like the moon...
New Moon Journal Prompts (Intention & Reflection)
The next new moon is on December 1. Here are some journal prompts to consider:
What seeds do I want to plant in my life this cycle?
Reflect on the areas of your life—personal, professional, emotional, or spiritual—that you’d like to nurture and grow. Write about the specific intentions you want to set and the small steps you can take to bring them to life.What do I need to release to create space for my intentions?
Consider what might be holding you back—whether it’s a habit, thought pattern, or external situation. Write about how you can let go of these things and invite fresh energy into your life.
The Menstrual Cycle: Your Inner Compass
For those who menstruate, your cycle offers another layer of insight into how to align your activities:
Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5): Similar to the New Moon, this is a time for introspection and rest.
Plan for: Restorative activities, journaling, and short-term goal setting.Follicular Phase (Days 6–14): Your energy begins to rise. Use this phase for planning and high-focus tasks.
Plan for: Goal-setting, creative work, and organizing.Ovulatory Phase (Days 15–17): With confidence and energy peaking, this phase mirrors the Full Moon’s vibrant energy.
Plan for: Presentations, social events, and collaborative work.Luteal Phase (Days 18–28): Energy wanes as your body prepares for menstruation. This is the time for reflection and tying up loose ends.
Plan for: Completing projects, decluttering, and self-care.
The Lively App
Again, this is not sponsored, but I really like the Lively Cycle App for guidance about my cycle. It is a menstrual tracker that tells you what you should do, eat, or move based on your cycle phase. I am currently in my luteal phase, and this is my home screen on the app.
Quite honestly, I downloaded it, intending to cancel but forgetting to, and ended up with a yearly subscription for $49.99. I was initially angry, but I have used it almost daily since then because it is accessible and visibly appealing.
Pricing and PMDD hack
Many apps run different pricing options to attract customers. If you want to make sure you have the cheapest option, do the following:
Go to your device’s Settings.
Tap on your name or profile picture at the top of the screen.
Select "Subscriptions" from the menu.
You’ll see a list of all the apps you are subscribed to.
Find the app you want to review and tap on it.
Select "See All Plans" to view all available pricing options.
Switching to a different plan can help you avoid being overcharged if you're still within the trial period.
For example, when I checked the pricing for the Lively app in the App Store, there were 12 different pricing options, with the lowest starting at $4.99 per month and $18.99 per year… they got me. The app is also available on Google Play so Android users can follow a similar process.
And another thing…
If you struggle with Premenstrual syndrome (PMS) or Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), then you have experienced almost wrecking your entire life in the days leading up to your cycle, amongst all the irritability, depression, and anxiety. It is honestly sad that we only get about a week of normalcy.
I am sharing a video from fellow Divergent creator Nina Poole about the lifesaver Pepciad AC. I got it and tried it, IT WORKED. Even medical doctors have confirmed, but I’ll let you do your own research. 😉
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Daily Energy Flow: The Menu Method
While lunar and menstrual cycle planning is effective, sometimes you wake up with more or less energy than you hoped for, even with careful planning. In case you missed it, read last week’s article, The Menu Method, to learn how to set up flexible routines that give you control over your day while supporting your well-being.
Creating a Unified System
Combining these three cycles—lunar, menstrual, and daily energy flow—requires awareness and flexibility. Here’s how to bring them together:
Track Your Cycles: Use an app, planner, or journal to note the moon phase, your menstrual cycle (if applicable), and your daily energy patterns. Look for connections and patterns over time.
Layer Your Plans: Begin with the lunar cycle as your base, overlay your menstrual cycle, and adjust your daily plans to fit your current energy levels.
Use the “Menu Method”: In each phase, create a menu of activities to choose from based on your energy and focus. This provides flexibility without overwhelming decision fatigue.
Set Intentions, Not Rigid Goals: Focus on intentions that align with your cycles rather than rigid deadlines. This fosters self-compassion and reduces pressure.
Final Thoughts
Planning in harmony with your cycles isn’t just about productivity—it’s about nurturing yourself and creating a life that honors your needs as a divergent person.
When you embrace these natural rhythms, you give yourself permission to flow with your energy rather than fight against it.
Are you ready to start planning in alignment with your cycles? Let me know how you approach your rhythms in the comments!
Schedule Updates
Speaking of Honoring Cycles, now that I am committing myself to Divergenthood full-time, I am adopting a three-week, one-week off-posting schedule aligned with my natural energy cycles. The break allows me to plan, reflect, and ground my ideas for the next month. Plus, it keeps burnout at bay.
I hope this model inspires you to plan for your energy levels and prioritize your well-being proactively. You will not receive posts the week of Sunday, November 24 - Saturday, November 30.
We will be back like we never left on Sunday, December 1st!
In the meantime, please connect with me on my other social media accounts.
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Thank You
I appreciate your support as I develop Divergenthood into a global community and resource for divergent people. Every comment, share, and subscription hugs my soul and reminds me to keep going. Thank you.