I notice something that I wonder if other ladies find true for them. My appetites and interests for all things are based on my female cycle, otherwise knows as Hormones.
At certain times of the month I am much more interested in reading. At other times I am much more interested in crafting. And at still other times I feel much more social and energetic. The same holds true for my inclination to clean and organize, blog, and, of course, eat.
There are a few days each month when my appetite is minimal and I don’t even eat as much as I should. I am just not hungry or interested in food. It is at those time that I am hyper-energetic with home projects, sewing, or getting out and about.
There are other blocks of days when I feel I cannot get enough to eat, when I don’t want to see anyone if I can help from it, and books are my bestest of friends to the exclusion of most all else. I am also low on energy and need more sleep.
Then there are still other days (when ovulating) when I have normal interest in food, need very little sleep, care very much about my hair and shoes, and cannot focus on anything for long enough to complete it. I cannot read, or knit, or watch a movie. I move around alot but accomplish nothing. I also want to shop.
This is to say nothing of my moods during the cycles. They correspond as you would expect, though without the irritation and anger issues I used to have.
Does anyone else notice this in their life? (Please say yes.) If so, do you battle against it in some way, or do you just kinda go with it as “natural”?
Yep, I can definitely relate! I always wonder why I experience this slump in my energy level - but it seems to always hit a few days after I ovulate. And the couple days before my period - and during it - I am constantly hungry. And hungry for protein and fat, specifically. And chocolate, of course.
Comment by Carrie — December 14, 2006 @ 2:00 pm
Oh I have TOTALLY noticed it. Not necessarily impacting all the areas you have described - but there nonetheless. One of the ones I found the weirdest was, back when I was taking piano and practicing regularly, I found I could not play worth anything when I had PMS. But once my period started I could play rather well!
Here lately I’ve noticed that the exhaustion factor from PMS is much higher than it used to be. And of course, when you’re more tired you crave sugar…
Jean Lush did a good book on the whole cycle thing. I actually may have it on audiotape. I scored it for free from church. I’ll listen and see if it is what I’m thinking about…if so mayhap I’ll pass it on to ya!
Comment by blestwithsons — December 14, 2006 @ 2:02 pm
Oh - and I also have more trouble with certain mental sins at certain parts of the cycle than others.
Comment by blestwithsons — December 14, 2006 @ 2:03 pm
Yeppers! Right there with you and Carrie and Blest. Thus far I have just counted as a natural part of life that I must push through. No, I may not feel like cleaning but I know that I will be much more satisfied if I do. Yes, I may really feel like eating pizza but I know that in a couple days I will be greatful that I didn’t.
Comment by Tami — December 14, 2006 @ 2:10 pm
oh yes — for me, just recognizing what’s going on has actually helped significantly in terms of dealing with it and pushing through.
Comment by anne — December 14, 2006 @ 4:04 pm
Yay, I am not a nutjob!
I am also accepting it as natural and not fighting it, with some exceptions. Namely, food and exercise. Besides, when I make myself move my body even when I don’t feel like it, I usually do feel better–more energetic and peaceful, if you know what I mean.
The other stuff, like interest in hobbies and whatnot, I just flow with. It keeps me from feeling I’m in a rut
Comment by lady laura — December 14, 2006 @ 8:46 pm
Reading this reminded me of something that happened when I was in high school. I played on the basketball team and we had a male coach. When girls wanted to get out of practice they would claim “female problems”. This made the male coach really uncomfortable and he would just relent. The girls really took advantage of this.
One day, our coach had a lady come speak with us (a nurse maybe?).He left us with her and she explained that during our period, we could combat cramps and the “yuckies” by exercising (even when you have cramps) and eating well. And that claiming “female problems” to get out of practice would no longer work with our coach.
Just thought I’d pass that information along to all you girls. You are all doing so wonderfully and I’m proud of you!
Comment by Bethany — December 17, 2006 @ 6:26 pm