Knowledge

The Skinny on Skin Hydration for that ‘Time of the Month’

8 minute read

Have you ever noticed your skin feeling a bit parched during your period? Yeah us too! Women’s cycle naturally depletes our water level during that time of the month and our skin's moisture levels can be impacted leaving that dry, parched, and flacky feeling. But don’t worry—we’ve got all the juicy secrets to help you keep your skin hydrated and happy…naturally!So, what’s the deal with your skin feeling like the Sahara during that time of the month? It’s all about what the body needs to do its job, and it's very intentionally designed. Water is a key component during menstruation, as well as a reduction in key hormones—estrogen and progesterone. When estrogen dips during menstruation, the body begins to use our internal water storage to facilitate this release. The first place the body goes is the gut, if water isn’t readily available here, it will take it from where it can, including your skin. (Another reason why gut health is so important!) This can result in that parched, desert-like feeling during your moon time. Then since progesterone is on the rise during that time, it can make your skin oily and prone to breakouts, leaving you feeling like your skin is on a wild rollercoaster ride. But don’t worry! There are many great strategies to keep your skin feeling hydrated and support your body through this. Read on for tips to keep your skin hydrated, supple, and glowing all week long! 6 Natural Ways to Keep Your Skin Dewy and Glowy 1. Sip Sip Hooray! 💧 Water: Drink up, gorgeous! Aim for at least eight glasses or more a day to keep your skin hydrated from the inside out. I hear those Stanley cups are quite popular and the stainless steel is better for you than plastic. So choose a device that will be easy transportable for you in your busy life and provide health benefits.  Herbal Teas: Sipping on chamomile or green tea hydrates and packs a punch of antioxidants to help your skin glow. Antioxidants are the fighters to free radicals and free radicals drain hydration. 2. Eat Your Water 💦 Fruits and Veggies: Snack on cucumbers, watermelon, oranges, and strawberries. These yummy treats are packed with water, around 96% of it to be exact, and vitamins that your gut, skin and cycle will love. Healthy Fats: Omega-3s are your skin’s and menstrual BFFs. Munch on flaxseeds, chia seeds, walnuts, and salmon to keep your skin’s barrier strong, cycle healthy and everywhere hydrated. Healthy fats are crucial to maintain the moisture levels in your body and on your body.  3. Natural Moisture Magic ✨ Natural Oils: Oils like jojoba, coconut, and squalene are fantastic for moisturizing. They mimic your skin’s natural oils, retain the skins moisture balance to support it remaining soft and supple. 4. Mask Up, Buttercup! 🌿 DIY Avocado Mask: Mash half an avocado and mix it with a tablespoon of real honey (read the label bypassing any added sugars or synthetic ingredients), apply on a clean, dry face, set for 30 minutes and rinse off with tepid water. Your skin will thank you for a deeply moisturizing result! 5. Be Kind to Your Skin 💕 Gentle Cleansers: Switch to plant-based surfactant free cleansers that preserve your skins’ natural oils. Alcohol and synthetic-free Toners: Opt for toners with hydrating ingredients like rose water, aloe water or chamomile. Alcohol can be a real moisture thief and avoided where not necessary.  6. Supercharge Your Skincare Routine 🌟 Hyaluronic Acid Serum: This super hydrator can hold up to 1,000 times its weight in water. AND your body naturally produces this during menstruation week into ovulation so when you add it to your routine, you are opting for a serious moisture boost and one your body can incorporate. Choose the plant-based version for the most skin like results! Facial Mists: Keep a hydrating mist handy to refresh your skin throughout the day. Look for mists with rose water, aloe vera, or cucumber extract for an instant pick-me-up. What you put on your body goes into your body, so reinforce with plant-based ingredients for the most hydrating benefits. Hydrated and happy conclusion Equipped with these new rituals, menstrual skin woes will be no match for any woman! By staying hydrated, eating water-rich foods, using the right type of natural plant moisturizers, being gentle with your skincare routine, and your body you can keep your skin glowing all month long – especially during the woman’s code. Embrace these tips and allow your skin to shine in every phase of your cycle. Cheers to radiant, happy skin, no matter what the calendar says! 🌺✨

Beauty Syncing Skincare

25 minute read

Every woman is familiar with what it felt like to experience 'that time of the month' the first time and the rite of passage to womanhood. What beliefs do you hold to be true about that deeply feminine cyclical part of you? Is it beliefs of shame, being told you are too much, not enough or that you should continue on overdrive despite the tiredness your body is feeling? Is your skin constantly plagued by changes you know are connected to your cycle? Did you know that this part of you is intricately designed, intentional and wise and it can be disrupted? Nourishing the skin, body and mind with practices, nutrition and products that harmonize with its design will foster conscious beauty and well-aging. The basics: a woman has four phases within her cycle that impact her uniquely and intentionally. Each marked by hormonal fluctuations and physiological changes that manifest through the skin, mind, and life. This influence expands beyond the reproductive nature of her cycle. Phase One - Menstruation: Winter ❄️ (Days 1-5) The menstrual phase initiates the first day of the cycle, the energy is inward and focused on this process. Hormonal levels intentionally plummet and can result in the skin experiencing the inflammaging symptoms from dehydration. Your uterine lining is shedding. This phase is much like winter. You may feel like you want to hibernate, relax, just be, and sleep more. Skin inflammaging signs - phase one: Skin dullness and dehydration. This natural release needs clean living water, hydrating foods, and nature based body care. While the energy is inward stress resilience is low contributing to the dehydration resulting in dull, dry, acneic and lackluster skin when not properly replaced. Skincare best practices: Use gentle anti-inflammaging cleansing. Use a mild anti-inflammaging cleanser with elements from nature such as turmeric to remove excess oil and impurities without stripping the skin. Use hydrating body care. Nourish the skin with good fatty acids from plant butters, oils with infusions of anti-inflammaging herbs specific for rehydration. Increased hydration will support healthy vibrant and glowing skin through the month. Lifestyle best practices: If it’s not a ‘hell yes’ its a ‘hell no.’ Pay attention to how your body and mind is feeling and create space in your schedule. Embrace any vulnerability you may be feeling right now and explore clearing triggers. Listen to your intuition on what is no longer serving you. Begin to dissolve what isn’t working for you and find new strategies. The more your life is harmonious, the more your body and skin will be at its best. Take an epsom salt bath to relax your muscles. Magnesium sulfate is great for reducing pain. Add a stress relieving essential oil blend to your salts — two drops of lavender, one drop of cypress, one drop of geranium, one drop of pine and one drop of vetiver — for a delightful sensory soak. Listen to a favorite guided meditation while laying in bed. This is a great practice to implement right before falling asleep. A soothing voice with relaxing background music is helpful to a parasympathetic state of sleep and a continuous practice provides best results. Incorporate a sleep tea blend of Passion Flower, Kava Kava, and Skullcap to drink as your nightcap. This herb nervine combination will support your parasympathetic system to sleep. Take a few nights off from socializing and extra work. Spend quality time with yourself or with someone who allows you to be you. If you have children begin to implement childcare support from others you trust so you can just be. Children watch and learn and teaching them good self-care practices will serve them in adulthood. Nourishment best practices: EXTRA HYDRATION is essential for your menstruation week. Your body needs all the water it can to release toxins. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Antioxidants and fiber. Berries have great antioxidant properties. Make yourself a colorful bowl for breakfast or as a nighttime snack. Liver detoxification. Broccoli, cauliflower and kale support liver detoxification and are essential for your cycle flow. Anti-inflammaging herb Turmeric. Golden milk teas are anti-inflammaging and good for your gut and liver. Digestion support. Ginger, peppermint and fennel tea as a tincture or tea blend contains powerful antioxidants to soothe upset stomachs, release harmful free radicals and improve digestion. Hormone supportive fats. Avocado, coconut, nuts or seeds are all healthy fats with Omega 3 fatty acids essential for the body, digestion and skin health. Phase Two - Follicular: Spring 🌸 (Days 1-13) The follicular phase is all about growth and returning energy. It precedes ovulation and is characterized by the maturing of ovarian follicles. Hormonal increases occur during this phase within the body influencing skin, body and mind behavior. Life begins to bloom again similar to springtime. Your renewed energy may inspire you and give you glowing skin. So make a new friend, get out there, stretch yourself and share what you are working on making the most of the energetic flow. Skin inflammaging signs - phase two: Improved clarity and brightness. Rising estrogen levels can contribute to a clearer complexion and enhanced skin radiance. Use anti-inflammaging products that will support skin clarity and brightness. Normalization of oil production. As the energy in the body returns from the rise in estrogen — the follicular hormone — use elements from nature to stabilize sebum production leading to balanced skin. Skincare best practices: Antioxidant-rich skincare. Incorporate products containing elements from nature of the antioxidant vitamin C, to protect the skin from oxidative stress and enhance radiance from blood flow. Our favorite is a blend containing red raspberry seed oil with antioxidant properties specific for women. Gentle exfoliation. Include gentle exfoliants from elements in nature to promote cell turnover and maintain skin clarity. Realize the body is ‘bursting’ with growth at this time and the support here will help reduce problems in other phases. Lifestyle best practices: Big plans and dreams come into place. Your brains creative problem solving abilities are at their peak. Your right and left hemisphere are deeply connecting to merge your intuition with your intelligence. It’s prime time to accomplish the most mentally challenging tasks. Now is a time to build confidence and say ‘yes!’ to stretch projects. Your energy is building and a great for tasks outside of your comfort zone. Take inspired action. Whatever feels like it will light your passion is a sign of inspiration. Go with your intuition here and take inspired action. Make big decisions here. Your brain is heading into its peak. Whatever you have been pondering, decide now. Plan. This is a great time to plan, plan and plan some more to bring your passions into your life. This phase is all about that growth in planning and actions needed. Socialize, connect more with work collegues and let ‘maybe’ be a ‘yes!’. Your energy is designed to go outward, use it to your advantage and get connecting with stretch activities. Nourishment best practices: Prebiotics. Onions, apples, asparagus, avocados, bananas, chicory root, chives, dandelion greens, jicama, leeks, peas, potato skins, garlic, artichokes, cabbage, nuts, whole grains, and oats. Probiotics. Fermented foods such as kimchi, sauerkraut, lacto-fermented pickles, miso, kombucha, yogurt and kefir. Seeds, grains, nuts and legumes. Provide your body with healthy carbohydrates for the growing energy. Phase Three - Ovulatory: Summer ☀️ (Day 14) Ovulation is the pivotal phase of the menstrual cycle, equivalent of a standing ovation! Everything in your body is culminating to this point and when it is well synced its like a symphony. This phase supports the important hormone progesterone, which we will explore in the next phase. There is so much magical energy here for creation. It involves the release of a mature egg from the ovary. Hormonal surges may influence skin conditions. What you have been working on can have a lot of movement here with this energy. So go out and get that deal done, network, and spread your message. Talk often about what you are passionate. Skin inflammaging signs - phase three: Increased oiliness and sensitivity. Elevated levels of estrogen and testosterone may lead to heightened oil production and skin sensitivity. Potential breakouts. Some women may experience premenstrual breakouts due to hormonal fluctuations and disruptions. Skincare Tips: Oil control. Use products that contain elements in nature to nourish the skin keeping the sebum production healthy, managing excess oil and shine. Calming skincare. Incorporate soothing plant ingredients like aloe vera to alleviate skin sensitivity and redness from inflammaging. Spot treatments. Employ targeted plant based spot treatments or high frequency light therapy to address emergency breakouts effectively. Lightweight, non-comedogenic formulas. Opt for non-comedogenic skincare products made from elements in nature to prevent pore congestion. Perhaps schedule a hydrafacial — it’s like a carwash for your face! Lifestyle best practices: Creativity is high right now. Your right brain is stirring with creativity and is a great time to envision where your life that needs abundance. Presentations. Use this time to build confidence in what you have to say and who needs to hear it and with a solid close you may see how your attraction ovulating energy works for you. Get out there and get the word out about what you are working on. Use your voice and talk about what is bringing you excitement. Allow your words to open doors and see who knows someone you need to connect with to make it happen. Sales calls. Whatever deal you have been working on this will be a great time for that final close. Make your quarter and year with how your body peaks! Collaborations. Your energy is ripe for collaboration right now and group work will take you far. Attend social events, work events and let all ‘maybes’ be a ‘yes!’. Your energy is outward and ready to attract. Go for it bravely, you just might open a new great opportunity. Nourishment best practices: Glutathione. A powerful antioxidant and protein, from vegetables like Broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, avocado, walnuts, and spinach. Foods in Vitamin C. Oranges, peppers, brussels sprouts, grapefruit, broccoli, kiwi, guava and strawberries are equipped with this antioxidant. Foods high in selenium. Brazil nuts, tuna, other seafood, brown rice, pork, chicken and grass fed beef al contain selenium. Phase Four - Luteal: Autumn 🍂 (Days 15-28) The luteal phase follows ovulation, is the longest transitional phase and hormonal shifts are preparing for menstruation. Research shows the increase in progesterone and prolactin can heighten your feel good emotions and a longing to nest. You may crave soothing smells, textures, and activities. As progesterone dips in the end of this phase, feelings of dissatisfaction or restlessness may result. Skin changes may manifest during this phase. This phase is much like autumn — a time for reflection and preparation. Skin inflammaging signs - phase four: Increased oiliness, redness, and inflammaging concerns. Rising progesterone levels may stimulate sebum production and disruptions can lead to oily skin and inflammaging. Acne flare-ups. Hormonal fluctuations from disruptions coupled with increased oil production, may exacerbate acne breakouts. Skincare Tips: Oil control. Continue using anti-inflammaging products made from elements in nature to nourish the skin and prevent breakouts from excess sebum. Anti-inflammaging. Incorporate products containing ingredients like boabab oil, schizandra, cordyceps, or helichrysum to reduce inflammation, de-stress and calm irritated skin. Hydration balance. Maintain skin hydration with lightweight plant based moisturizers while avoiding heavy or occlusive waxy synthetic formulations that may exacerbate oiliness by clogging and disrupting the flow in your skin. Consistent skincare routine. Stick to a consistent skincare regimen to regulate skin behavior and address any emerging concerns promptly. Lifestyle best practices: Wrap things up and complete projects. Whether it is a work or home project completion energy is high right now and is a great time to finalize or partially complete projects with this energy. Practice self-care. If it is a feeling for it then indulge in cuddles, sleep, grounding, and nesting. Your body, mind and skin will thank you. Nourishment best practices: Magnesium and Calcium. Reduce fluid retention causing bloating with these two minerals. Magnesium research shows it may increase progesterone levels by supporting the health of the corpus luteum. Apricots, beans, brown rice, cacao, kelp, leafy greens, molasses, nuts, seaweed, sesame seeds and tofu are high in both. Vitamin B6. This vitamin needs a double take for supporting progesterone synthesis, reducing inflammation and detoxing. Select sweet potatoes, spinach, tuna, salmon, garlic, bananas, avocado and chicken free from hormones or antibiotics. Soluble fiber. Soluble fiber from swiss chard, apples, squash, flax seeds, beans, berries, peas, and cacao are known to bind excess estrogen, cholesterol, and toxins for bowel elimination. It's crucial to note that reducing pro-inflammatory items in all phases is essential for optimal bodily function. Refraining and reducing the items below has anecdotal evidence to support well-aging for a woman’s skin, body and mind: Refined sugars such as cookies, sodas, pasta, crackers and candy provide no nutritional value with a dopamine effect. Meaning the cravings you have for sweets are a sign the addiction centers in your brain have been triggered. Fried foods. High in carcinogens and often trans fats making it difficult for your body to break down. Your skin is connected to your gastrointestinal tract. Fried foods often sit in the intestinal tract putrifying and cause skin inflammaging. Caffeine. Studies have shown high estrogen levels in women indulging in large amounts of caffeine.  Meat from grain fed animals have been fed diets with soy, corn and other additives as well as antibiotics and hormones. When we ingest them we ingest what they ate. Alcohol. The liver spends most of its time detoxing just one glass of wine or other alcoholic beverage. According to traditional chinese medicine the liver is the seat of the hormones. Preserve your body by being mindful of your practices with these beverages. Plastics. This element seeps into the item it is storing and can lead to inflammaging in our bodies and disrupting our flow. While we cannot eliminate plastics everywhere, do so where you can by using glass storage, non-plastic water containers and real silverware. Synthetic ingredients. Many synthetic ingredients have evidence showing toxicity in large amounts as well as high possibility of disrupting the endocrine system hormone pathway. To Conclude this Flow Let’s unite in community to challenge outdated beliefs of shame and inadequacy, replacing them with reverence for the intricate design of the female body to support beautiful well-aging. While every woman’s experience is different, there is empowerment by embracing and reframing thoughts and practices around the feminine cycle. Begin celebrating the profound wisdom and innate beauty of each phase, navigating mindfully through the four distinct stages: Menstruation, Follicular, Ovulatory, and Luteal. Unlock the ancient secrets and practices of radiant skin, vibrant health, and conscious well-aging beauty. Each phase, marked by intentional hormonal fluctuations and physiological changes, offers a unique opportunity for self-care, nourishment, creativity and achievements. We say farewell to outdated notions of femininity causing burnout and embrace the cyclical nature as her secret super power. Step into the feminine new era of self-love, acceptance, knowledge and empowerment through each phase of the cycle. It's intentional wisdom of the body providing for her.

Conscious Beauty: A Pathway to Well-aging

8 minute read

In a world where beauty standards often seem unattainable and fleeting, with one trend after the next the concept of "conscious beauty" begins to emerge as a refreshing alternative for women. It transcends the superficial and embraces a holistic approach, combining skincare and uplifting mind practices. The focus is on nurturing the woman’s skin, body and mind. Moreover, conscious beauty intertwines seamlessly with the idea of well-aging, emphasizing not just youthful appearances, but also the vitality and radiance that comes with age.   The Essence of Conscious Beauty At its core, conscious beauty embodies awareness in every aspect of skincare and self-care routines. It involves being intentional about the ingredients we apply to our skin, the impact of synthetic ingredients on the environment, and the messages we internalize about our own beauty. The more we as women foster a deeper and healthy connection with ourselves and the elements within nature, we will live a more harmonious life. Conscious beauty is about being aware of what you put on your skin, choosing products that are not only effective but also ethically sourced, good for a woman’s body and environmentally sustainable. Enjoyment in your own self-care practices is your beauty birthright. Let’s begin to recognize beauty is enhancing who you already are in synergy with nature — embrace the pleasurable beauty practices best for well-aging!  The Intersection of Conscious Beauty and Well-aging Well-aging goes beyond the conventional notion of anti-aging. It encompasses a multifaceted approach to aging gracefully, focusing on physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Conscious beauty aligns perfectly with this philosophy, as it emphasizes nurturing the skin from within and adopting healthy lifestyle habits promoting vitality at every stage of life. Rather than striving to defy the natural aging process, conscious beauty encourages women to nourish and provide for the skin at every phase. Understanding what goes on the skin affects the whole body and the mind. Loving who we are becoming at every age encourages a positive relationship with our bodies and recognizing that true beauty radiates from wellness within contributes to our overall well-being.  Practical Steps Towards Conscious Beauty and Well-aging: Intentional Skincare Rituals: Treat yourself to a luxurious skincare routine infused with intention. Try incorporating gentle massage techniques and deep breathing exercises to enhance relaxation and rejuvenation while you watch your favorite tv show or listen to your favorite uplifting podcast. Choose skincare products made from natural, non-toxic ingredients that support skin, body and mind health. Phase-specific Foods and Hydration: For a woman it is so important to fuel her body with a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and essential fatty acids, especially during her luteal and menstruation phase. Hydrating with pure living water is extremely necessary all cycle long and even more importantly during the menstruation phase — the body’s natural toxin elimination phase. A woman’s body can become incredibly dehydrated during the menstruation phase which will affect the skin for her entire cycle. Dehydration and water loss leads to wrinkles and crepey skin! Red raspberry tea is beautiful for balancing the woman's body during menstruation due to its anti-inflammatory properties — providing antioxidants and support for her hydration. Including good mineral content of calcium, magnesium, manganese and boron.   Stress resilience: Stress is extremely detrimental to a woman's body and stress is a part of modern life. Activities like yoga, meditation or spending time in nature to ground will help to reduce stress. Taking adaptogens like ashwghanda, panax ginseng, or schizandra are beautifully designed to protect a woman’s body from stress, especially during her luteal and menstruation phase when stress resiliency is low. Remember, a calm mind equals a happy, glowing complexion and your ability to manage life tasks with more ease! A Balanced Nervous System for Rested Sleep: Prioritize restful sleep to allow your body to repair and regenerate overnight – crucial for well-aging. Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and create a sleep-friendly environment for sweet dreams. If sleep is elusive, we recommend the combination of passion flower, kava, and skull cap in a tincture and listening to a nighttime relaxation meditation while laying in bed. The more you calm your nervous system the easier you will sleep. Embracing the Journey Conscious beauty offers a pathway to well-aging that celebrates the inherent beauty of aging gracefully. By adopting a mindful approach to skincare and self-care, we can nourish our bodies, uplift our spirits, and embrace the journey of aging with grace and dignity. Let us cultivate a culture of beauty that is soul-deep, where well-aging becomes a testament to a life well-lived. We encourage you to share this with someone you know that would find this just as insightful. 

Seasons are in HER Cycle

7 minute read

When we watch nature, we see such a beautiful process of growth, stillness, magnetism, and attraction all woven throughout the four seasons. Incredible transformations and renewals happen in nature each year, and every season has its purpose. Similarly, during a woman's monthly cycle — with its rhythmic patterns and four phases — reflects this same process of letting go, stillness, growth, and expansion. Each of the four phases embodies the essence of the four seasons. The energetics are similar, highlighting a connection. Signifying a woman naturally experiences seasonality within herself despite where she resides. And what a beautiful process to celebrate being a woman! Let us explain in more detail below:  Phase One — Menstruation Seasonal representation is Winter Winter, with its peace and introspection, sheds the old by letting go, creating space for new beginnings. It awaits the promise of spring, representing a time of quiet release, shorter days, and hibernation. Similarly, menstruation symbolizes this same quiet and stillness. As all hormones decrease, the uterine lining begins to shed, also creating space for new beginnings. The energy in a woman’s body turns inward and slows, requesting more sleep. Just as winter invites reflection and rest, the menstrual phase offers time for introspection, self-care, and being. Phase Two — Follicular Seasonal representation is Spring As winter transitions to spring, the landscape awakens with the promise of new life. Beautiful growth takes place: color begins to show in new blooms, days start to lengthen, and a feeling of freshness is in the air. The chirping of birds awakens nature and embodies new life. Similarly, the follicular phase symbolizes renewal and growth. Estrogen levels rise to stimulate the development of ovarian follicles in preparation for ovulation. Like the budding of flowers and trees of spring, a woman's body becomes energized. With this new growth, energy moves outward and a readiness for possibilities is ahead. Phase Three — Ovulatory Seasonal representation is Summer Summer, with its warmth and vitality, everything bursts forth: colors are full and vibrant, energy is high, and days are long; attracting nature's elements. It mirrors the ovulatory phase of the menstrual cycle. During ovulation, there is a release of a mature egg from the ovary, marking the peak of fertility. There is abundance within the woman’s body. Like the lush landscape of summer, her body is at its most fertile during this phase, brimming with vitality. The energy is outward, opportunities are boundless, and manifesting energy is abundant. Phase Four — Luteal Seasonal representation is Autumn As summer wanes and autumn arrives, the landscape prepares for a period of transition. Nature begins to slow, colors change and disappear, days shorten, and cooler weather approaches. Similarly, the luteal phase represents a shift towards introspection and preparation. If fertilization doesn't occur, progesterone levels rise, creating a nurturing environment in the uterine lining. This phase embodies a sense of harvest and reflection. Energy begins to turn inward as the body prepares for either pregnancy and life growth, or menstruation and letting go.   To all the women reading this right now, take a moment to sit with the beauty of who you are and the natural ebb and flow of your energy each cycle. Allow a new reframe: my cycle is uniquely designed and intentional. In place of anything the menstrual cycle has been for you. Every woman has her own unique rhythm, and it's perfect for her! By looking at this through the lens of the four seasons, you can deepen your understanding of your cycle’s natural rhythm. Just as the seasons in nature influence the world around us, a woman's menstrual cycle influences her physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. Embracing these analogies cultivate a greater sense of connection to the Cyclical Nature of a Woman and the natural world. We invite every woman to honor the phases of her cycle with nature. To all women out there, you are beautiful in your ebb and flow, and we celebrate you!

Empowering the Feminine Out of Overwhelm

15 minute read

In the hustle of our modernized world, the constant barrage of information and opportunities can leave women overwhelmed, plagued by racing thoughts, confusion, anxiety, and a sense of panic. By identifying specific tasks causing the overwhelm and breaking them down into smaller steps, I've learned to incorporate restorative inward rest time or outward action, guided by my biologically feminine cycle. This intentional practice serves as the eye of the information storm, effectively reducing overwhelm and restoring a sense of flow. It's a practice accessible to every woman, tapping into our inherent capability to listen to our cycles and inner wisdom as valuable tools on the empowering path out of overwhelm and into a state of flow.   Conditioning of Cultural Pressures Many women frequently express feeling overwhelmed due to their hectic schedules, a sentiment I know all too well from personal experience. Initially, I accepted this overwhelming feeling as normal, believing it was what I needed to do. I pushed myself and others into overdrive, striving to meet societal expectations. Whether it was impressing a boss, meeting deadlines, achieving quotas, maintaining a certain body image, having specific friends, being in a particular relationship, attaining financial stability, or achieving social status, the relentless push led me to neglect my feminine energy. It wasn't until I experienced significant burnout that I recognized I was operating under immense societal pressure and overwhelmed by masculine energies—choices, to-do lists, and numerous opportunities. I stand firm in the belief that this pressure stems from societal norms ingrained in high-achievers, emphasizing constant effort and drive – a culture of 'do more to look good and be accepted.' These cultural pressures have normalized an overwhelming state for women, a narrative conflicting with my desire for clarity, ease, and an intuitive understanding of my body's needs. The solution, as I've discovered, is to tune in, be efficient , and receive more. It involves returning to ourselves, re-establishing connections with our bodies, cycles, and intuition, and fostering a profound and effortless connection to inner wisdom. If you resonate with this experience, I've got you covered – keep reading to learn empowering practices for overcoming overwhelm and cultivating feminine strength.   Journaling for Overcoming Overwhelm: Breaking Down Tasks for Clarity To tackle overwhelming thoughts, focus on identifying one small action you can take now instead of trying to handle the entire daunting task at once. Use the following journal prompts to connect with yourself, bringing awareness to the sources of overwhelm. Address each aspect individually by breaking them down into smaller, more manageable parts. I recommend handwriting these prompts to strengthen the connection between your hand and brain as this will help with inner awareness. Take a moment with each prompt and trust your initial responses; jot them down as they come to you. What specifically is making you overwhelmed? Write down as many specific things as come forth by asking ‘what else’ after each. Give them rank Now take the first 3-5 and break each one down into smaller steps. Continue breaking them down until you feel the overwhelm dissipate.  What are the underlying thought patterns and beliefs contributing to my overwhelm? Are there specific people in my life who can give me support in this time? How can I ask those people for support? What parts of me are in conflict with one another? How do I typically respond to overwhelm? Trust the process, how you managed to respond to the above is right for you. If you don't know or have an answer to any of them that is ok! The answers sometimes come well after we ask. Answers often reveal themselves in due time, much like stumbling upon a lost item long after the search ended.    Harnessing the Feminine Cycle Out of Overwhelm Paying attention to your biologically feminine cycle will give you inward and outward energies helping you head closer to your desires. In each phase of a woman’s cycle, we are gifted with incredible energy to accomplish at our own pace in our way as women. This is our feminine energy. An energy that society has not taught us to live by and the focus here is to do the exact opposite. Live by it to reduce overwhelm, do less, and get more done.... the 'well-aging' process.  Phase One — Menstruation phase Take time in this phase for a bath, long shower, sauna visit, or anything else  nervous system calming and helps you step away from stress. Lovingly and intentionally immerse your skin with skin care ingredients that will hydrate and are filled with omega-3's, iron, Vitamin C, anti-inflammatory and adaptogen plants to soothe any acne, itchy, soreness and reduce skin stress. Set new intentions Cut back on work tasks The brain is wired for the right and left hemispheres meaning your intuition and logic are synchronized. This is a great phase to get clarity on a plaguing issue. Work slower Be more inward, introspective and check in with your higher self Take a day or two off  Moderate exercise Phase Two — Follicular or growth phase Immerse your skin with skin care ingredients to support the glow of your bodies growth phase, reduce inflammaging, and brighten with antioxidant and collagen boosting plants.   Start new tasks here Be more social and get your message out there Start new projects Make big decisions and stretch yourself Plan Brainstorm Be outward Great for sales calls or large events High-intensity workouts and strength training Phase Three — Ovulatory phase  Immerse your skin with skin care ingredients to reduce inflammaging by supporting the skin regeneration needed at this time and activating olfactory notes to inspire your manifesting power like Rose and Blue Lotus. Great for working in groups Time for networking events Releasing what isn’t serving you- break up with tasks that constantly make you feel like you ‘should do’ them here. Who else can take responsibility, is there another way to do it or not at all?  Get out there and get the word out about what you are working on Great for sales calls, meetings and closing deals Give your presentations Pitch your ideas Collaborations with others you can grow from Harness the outward energy Extra warm-ups before workout Phase Four — Luteal phase Immerse your skin with skin care ingredients to reduce inflammaging by supporting your circulation, reducing psychological stress and acne flare ups, and improving your collagen. Energetically poised to complete projects Wrap things up and slow down Give yourself some self-care Tackle simpler parts of projects Energy goes inward for introspection and higher self-wisdom Take time in nature Focus on recovery   Taking Restorative Rest If you ever feel the need to step away, regardless of the phase you're in within your cycle, that's perfectly okay! It's important to honor your needs and give yourself the space to hit the pause button. Connecting with nature is an excellent way to ground yourself and reclaim mental peace. As you prioritize your body's innate wisdom and take breaks during the introspective phases of one and four you might discover a more energy for the active phases of two and three. Also, being grounded makes it easier to connect with your body, access your intuition, and blend it with logic, ultimately dissipating overwhelming thoughts and promoting better clarity. Your skin will thank you for this well-being practice as your body aligns.  Consider the following: Nourishing your body with clean beauty products, clean food, and plenty of good hydration Setting aside time for yourself every day to do things the way you enjoy (even if it is just 10 minutes) Taking time to meditate and do an inner body scan Journaling Checking in with yourself Spending time in quieter places like nature Waking up with enough time to have a peaceful start to your day    Conclusion  The fast-paced nature of the modern world often ensnares us in overwhelming choices and societal expectations resulting in an unhappy body and skin problems. However, amidst this chaos, you possess the extraordinary ability to tune into your biological feminine flow. Recognizing the signs of overwhelm, primarily rooted in programmed thought patterns, underscores the urgency of transcending this unhealthy way of living for women. This transformative journey is guided by the illuminating power of journal prompts, honoring your biologically feminine energy, grounding activities, and intentional self-care beauty practices. Together, these practical tools provide avenues to navigate and alleviate overwhelm, fostering a deeper connection with our intuition and an unwavering trust in our inner knowing. As we embrace this intentional path, the result is not merely an escape from overwhelm; it's a powerful transformation leading to a life characterized by clarity, ease, and alignment. This journey is not only feasible but represents an empowering path that every woman can embark upon, unlocking her true potential, reclaiming control over her narrative, her body, and her life.