THE STACK #53

You know those weeks when you're full of energy, crossing off every task on your to-do list in two and a half seconds and feeling like you could conquer the world? And then, suddenly, you hit that week where all you want to do is curl up in the fetal position on your couch with a warm blanket, roll those blackout curtains, dead to the world and stuff your face while binging Netflix? That rollercoaster of energy is real, and it's not you "acting up."

recently discovered cycle syncing, and I’m obsessed. I started exploring how aligning my business tasks with my cycle could help me be more productive. And it’s been my most productive year yet! I feel like I understand my body so much better and no longer dread doing certain tasks. 

I can’t believe it took me 25 bleeding years to learn about this! Why weren’t we taught this growing up? Women’s shifting moods and energy levels have often been misunderstood, dismissed, villainized or even called “crazy.” But really, our bodies have a rhythm—a flow that, when we work with it, can lead to greater productivity and rest without guilt.

Today, I’ll break down cycle syncing, explain each phase, and show you how to match financial tasks to each phase so that managing your finances no longer has to be an ordeal.

THE STACK

What is Cycle Syncing?

Cycle syncing is the practice of aligning your activities—work, exercise, even finances—with the natural phases of your menstrual cycle. Each of the four phases brings unique shifts in energy, focus, and emotions. When you know which phase you're in, you can match your tasks to the times you're best equipped for them, making work and finances feel less like a battle.

The Four Phases of Your Cycle

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1-5)

This is the start of your cycle, when your body is shedding the uterine lining, and energy tends to be low. You might feel introspective and in need of extra rest, which is perfectly natural. This phase invites you to slow down, conserve energy, and turn inward. Use this time to gently review your finances, allowing yourself to reflect without the pressure of big decisions.

Financial tasks to focus on during your menstrual phase

• Reflect on spending: Look back at the past month's spending habits. Were there purchases that brought you joy? Or were there any unexpected purchases? What can you do next month to avoid unexpected purchases?

• Journal your triggers: Write down the emotions you felt around any impulse purchases. What triggered you to make the purchase? Was it stress-related? Reflecting on your spending triggers helps you become more aware of your spending habits.

• Celebrate wins: Take a moment to celebrate any financial wins from the previous month, no matter how small. Whether it was paying off a bill or sticking to a budget, this could help boost your mood.

Bonus tip: This is the phase where a lot of your emotional spending happens, so you might want to put down the credit card for five days.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6-14)

After menstruation, your body shifts gears and starts rebuilding. Estrogen levels rise, lifting your mood and energy. This phase is often characterized by a boost in creativity, optimism, and mental clarity, making it an ideal time to brainstorm, plan, and dive into new ideas. This is the "idea" phase of the cycle, where you'll feel motivated to map out financial goals and create strategies for the future.

Financial tasks to focus on during your follicular phase

• Set financial goals: Take advantage of your mental clarity and set or revisit your financial goals, whether buying a house, saving for a trip, paying down debt, or planning a future purchase. Think big during this phase!

• Research investments: With mental clarity at its peak, this is a great time to research that investment that always leaves you confused. Your curiosity is heightened, so explore ways to increase your income and reach your goals faster.

• Create your monthly budget: Update your monthly budget, assign spending categories, and allocate funds for each goal. Your creativity will help you find innovative ways to make your budget work harder.

3. Ovulatory Phase (Days 15-17)

This is the shortest phase but often the most energizing and powerful. Estrogen is at peak levels, making you feel confident, social, and communicative. You're ready to engage, make decisions, and tackle tasks that involve others. This is the ideal time to have money conversations and make critical financial decisions.

Financial tasks to focus on during your ovulatory phase

• Money dates: Plan a money date with yourself or your partner. Use this time to check in on your progress, adjust goals as needed, and discuss any big financial moves coming up.

• Big financial decisions: Ready to take action? This phase is perfect for making confident financial decisions. Whether it's finally purchasing that stock that has you stuck in analysis paralysis, starting a new side hustle, or pivoting careers, trust your judgment here.

• Negotiations: Have a bill you want to renegotiate? Now's the time. Use your assertiveness to negotiate lower fees, ask for discounts, or make a case for reduced interest rates.

Bonus tip: Your communication skills and confidence are at their peak, so now will be the perfect time to book a call with your manager and ask for that raise you've been too nervous to ask for 😉

4. Luteal Phase (Days 18-28)

As your cycle winds down, progesterone rises, making you feel more grounded and detail-oriented. You might notice a drop in energy because your body is preparing for menstruation, but your attention to detail is at its highest. This is your "wrap-up" phase and is ideal for tasks that require organization, review, and completing projects. You're likely to feel satisfaction in checking off smaller tasks and wrapping things up before the cycle begins anew.

Financial tasks to focus on during your luteal phase

• Track expenses: This is the best time to go through receipts, bills, and statements to see where your money went. Log everything in your budget to get a clear financial snapshot.

• Pay bills: Your focus on details is sharp, so use this time to pay all monthly bills and check that nothing's missed. That "paid" checkmark brings a great sense of accomplishment!

• Organize financial documents: Sort through your financial paperwork, update any files and review statements. Setting up this structure will help you feel organized for the start of your next cycle.

Bonus tip: Use the calm of the luteal phase to tackle smaller financial to-dos, like updating passwords or adding beneficiaries to all your investment accounts.

THE TOOL

Best Cycle Syncing App

The Stardust App—This app is perfect for tracking your cycle and syncing it with daily tasks. I tried several cycle apps, and this app blew the rest out of the water. It's been the most accurate at predicting my different phases; it tells you what phase you're in, how your body might be feeling, and the best tasks to complete that day. Plus, I love the quirky notifications I get every morning.

THE ACCOUNTABILITY

Start tracking your cycle if you haven’t already. Note each phase and how you feel, then try scheduling a financial task for each phase over the next month. Reflect on how it impacts your energy and mindset toward finances.

THE COURAGE

THE KNOWLEDGE

Estrogen

Often called the “energizing hormone,” estrogen begins to rise after menstruation and peaks around ovulation, lifting your mood, energy, and mental clarity. This surge helps boost creativity, optimism, and social engagement, making the early part of your cycle (follicular and ovulatory phases) ideal for planning, brainstorming, and decision-making. 

Progesterone

Known as the “calming hormone,” progesterone rises during the luteal phase, encouraging a more grounded, focused, and detail-oriented approach. As energy declines, progesterone supports our need for rest, organization, and completing tasks, making this phase perfect for tackling smaller financial to-dos and reviewing details.

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