Journaling Through Your Cycle

Your menstrual cycle isn’t just about bleeding once a month. It’s a rhythm, one that affects your energy, emotions, focus, confidence, and needs.

Journaling through your cycle is a simple, powerful way to:

• Understand your body better

• Make sense of changing emotions

• Build self-compassion

• Feel more in control of your wellbeing

There’s no “right” way to do this. You don’t need perfect words, fancy notebooks, or daily entries. All you need is curiosity and permission to listen to yourself.

Why Journaling Helps During Your Cycle

Hormonal shifts can influence:

• Mood and emotional sensitivity

• Energy levels

• Concentration and motivation

• Body image and self-esteem

When we don’t understand why we feel different, it’s easy to judge ourselves. Journaling helps turn confusion into awareness. Instead of thinking:

“What’s wrong with me?”

We start asking:

“What does my body need right now?”

That shift matters.

How to Journal Through Your Cycle

You can journal:

• Daily or occasionally

• With full sentences or dot points

• Using words, drawings, or symbols

Some people like to journal at night. Others prefer mornings. Some only write during emotional moments. All of it counts.

You don’t need to journal through every phase, but if you’d like to, here are some prompts to guide you.

Period Phase (Bleeding)

A time of rest, release, and slowing down. Your body may feel tired, sensitive, or inward-focused.

Reflection prompts:

• How does my body feel today?

• What feels heavy — physically or emotionally?

• What am I proud of surviving or letting go of this month?

• What kind of rest would feel supportive right now?

Gentle reminder: It’s okay to do less. Rest is productive.

Follicular Phase (After Your Period)

A time of renewal, curiosity, and fresh energy. You may feel clearer, lighter, or more motivated.

Reflection prompts:

• What feels possible right now?

• What ideas or plans are starting to form?

• What helps me feel confident and capable?

• What do I want to try or learn this cycle?

Gentle reminder: You don’t have to do everything, just notice what excites you.

Ovulation Phase

A time of connection, confidence, and outward energy. You might feel more social, expressive, or assertive.

Reflection prompts:

• How do I feel about my body today?

• When do I feel most like myself?

• Who do I feel connected to right now?

• What boundaries help me protect my energy?

Gentle reminder: Confidence doesn’t mean pushing yourself, it means honouring yourself.

Luteal Phase (Before Your Period)

A time of reflection, honesty, and emotional depth. Emotions may feel closer to the surface. You might feel tired, irritable, or sensitive.

Reflection prompts:

• What is frustrating or draining me right now?

• What do I need more of ? Support, rest, reassurance, space?

• Are there feelings I’ve been pushing away?

• How can I be kinder to myself this week?

Gentle reminder: Emotions aren’t problems, they’re information.

Tracking Patterns Over Time

Over a few cycles, journaling can help you notice patterns like:

• When you feel most confident

• When you need more rest

• What triggers stress or overwhelm

• What supports your wellbeing

This knowledge is powerful. It helps you plan, advocate for yourself, and respond to your body with care instead of criticism.

For Young People & First-Time Journalers

If full journaling feels hard, try:

• Rating your mood out of 10

• Writing one sentence

• Drawing how your body feels

• Using colour or symbols

You don’t need deep insights. Awareness grows slowly, and that’s okay.

A Gentle Reminder

Your cycle is not something to “fix” or fight against. It’s something to listen to. Journaling isn’t about controlling your body, it’s about building a relationship with it. And like any good relationship, it grows with patience, honesty, and kindness.