We already discussed how moon phases affect our writing, but it's hardly the only influence affecting us, so today, we'll talk about period cycles.
By recognizing and honoring natural body’s rhythms you can avoid burnout, embrace your most vibrant creative phases, and give yourself grace when energy is at its peak.
MENSTRUAL (days 1–5)
→ mood: fatigue, lower concentration, a pull inward
→ creative strengths: introspection, emotional depth
→ best writing focus: journaling, reviewing drafts, gathering inspiration
This is your creative winter. Give yourself permission to slow down and listen to your inner voice. Short, reflective writing sessions can feel more manageable than big creative pushes. This is also an ideal time to re-read your work with fresh, detached eyes.
Check out healing power of writing fiction and creative rest.
FOLLICULAR (days 6–14)
→ mood: sharper focus, mental clarity, increased motivation, drive to start new things
→ creative strengths: curiosity, problem-solving
→ best writing focus: starting new projects, brainstorming, outlining ambitious scenes or essays
This is your creative spring. Ideas feel abundant, and your brain is primed for exploration. Experiment with styles, plots, or topics you’ve been hesitant to tackle, and get to writing!
It's s good time for longer writing sessions and deep research.
Check out this challenge for starting a new story.
OVULATORY (days 15–17)
→ mood: confidence, social ease, energy
→ creative strengths: communication, clarity, persuasion
→ best writing focus: sharing your work, co-writing
This is your creative summer. Your voice is strong and confident, making it the perfect time to share your work, or engage in collaborative writing projects.
Use this window to gather feedback; your openness to constructive criticism is higher now.
How about finding a beta reader?
LUTEAL (days 18–28)
→ mood: detail-oriented, inward focus, energy decrease, self-criticism
→ creative strengths: focus, attention to detail, emotional resonance
→ best writing focus: editing, revising, tying up loose ends, writing emotionally rich passages
This is your creative autumn. In the first half of this phase, you may still have steady energy for sustained work. As you near menstruation, however, energy may dip and inner criticism may increase. Use this critical eye for polishing drafts and spotting inconsistencies.
A few finishing words...
→ track your cycle with an app
→ try scheduling heavy creative work in follicular/ovulatory phases, and editing or reflective work in menstrual/luteal phases
→ cycles vary, and life won’t always line up perfectly. The goal is guidance, not rigid rules.
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