Cyclical living is the practice of aligning with the natural cycles and rhythms present in our lives, whether it’s the seasons, the Moon, your menstrual cycle, or your circadian rhythm. It can also apply to how we approach projects, meetings, or plan activities at work.
Everything in our environment and bodies operates in cycles-our sleep patterns, hormonal shifts, breathing, and heartbeat. The essence of cyclical living involves being mindful of these rhythms and adapting to the natural ebbs and flows of energy and emotions. For instance, in women's health, cyclical living often focuses on the menstrual cycle, encouraging individuals to adjust energy levels, productivity, self-care, and social activities according to the phases of their cycle (menstruation, follicular, ovulation, and luteal phases).
More broadly, it can be applied to how we engage with seasonal changes-rest and introspection during winter, renewal and activity in spring. Cyclical living promotes tuning into these rhythms to enhance mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
In this episode of The Happier Life Project, host Gabby speaks with Lou Perham, a Menstruality and Cyclical Living Mentor, educator, and speaker. Lou empowers women to embrace their cycles, prioritise rest, and find balance by syncing with life’s natural rhythms. Whether it's the menstrual cycle, lunar phases, or seasonal transitions, Lou uses this framework to guide individuals toward holistic well-being.
Lou shares her powerful story of healing and transformation through cyclical living. At 25, she was diagnosed with PCOS and told it was unlikely she would fulfil her dream of becoming a mother. However, by embracing the cyclical way of life, Lou was able to conceive naturally at 32. Lou offers practical advice on how to integrate cyclical living into daily life and explains its profound benefits for our mental health, highlighting how it reduces stress and burnout by encouraging self-compassion and acceptance of natural energy fluctuations. This approach also fosters greater self-awareness, helping individuals avoid the guilt or frustration that comes from trying to maintain a constant level of productivity.
Tune in to learn all about cyclical living and how this practice can be a transformative way to reconnect with yourself and improve your mental and physical health.
To download the My Possible Self app: mypossibleself.app.link/podcast
To follow My Possible Self on Instagram: mypossibleself
To follow Lou Perham on Instagram: louperham
For all things Lou Perham: linktr.ee/louperham
To join Lou’s Radical Rest retreat: louperham.myflodesk.com/radicalrest
Lou's Free Offerings:
Holistic guide to a better cycle: louperham.myflodesk.com/bettercycleguide
Track your cycle: louperham.myflodesk.com/cycletrackingtoolkit
Embrace more rest: louperham.myflodesk.com/embracemorerest
Cyclical Living Series podcast: open.spotify.com/show/0h3b3rNjoGEq281RHpMp8z?si=bceef32fad804da6