The Period Yogi
Period problems suck. Let’s optimize your FLOW. Teaching women movement practices to get relief from nagging period issues.
Not menstruating? It's time to connect with the moon! 🌙
Cycle tracking is a great way to monitor our overall health and connect to our natural rhythms. This is often done by recording your physical and emotional symptoms during each of the four phases of your menstrual cycle.
However, there are certain situations when you may not have a period - from conventional birth control to perimenopause to pregnancy - but would still like to honor your natural cycle. Luckily, the universe has bestowed on us a very useful tool in connecting to our cycle whether we menstruate or not: the Moon!
To learn how to cycle track using the phases of the moon, head to https://www.theperiodyogi.com/blog/you-can-cycle-track-even-if >>
When it comes to yoga - like anything - consistency means more than perfection. Stepping on the mat regularly, even if it's only for 15 minutes at a time, can make a meaningful impact on your mind, body, and soul. Life is busy and chaotic, but dedicating time to connect to your body and breath is deeply nourishing and will help you show up more fully in all aspects of your life.
I designed my newsletter sequence of classes to be beginner-friendly, restorative, and quick, so no matter where you are in your cycle, you can incorporate a moment of centering into your day.
Even better? All four classes are FREE to subscribers and arrive weekly in your inbox. 🎉
Try it for yourself today at https://ecs.page.link/BTT9m >>
NEW Blog Post ✨ Menstrubation: Why It’s Time to Swap the Heating Pad for a Vi****or
A fancy bit of word blending there, right?!
A recent study showed that menstrubation may be even more effective at reducing menstrual-related discomfort than your conventional heating pad + pain reliever + Netflix approach. I dive in a bit deeper in a recent blog post to break down why this just might become your favorite period pain remedy;)
Find out more @ https://ecs.page.link/R6DzG >>
30/01/2022
Ever wonder why some days your practice feels easy and effortless and other days it feels like you're trudging through mud...if you can even muster the motivation to start moving?! 💤
I did because that was how I was feeling in my body and I was curious enough to dig deeper and get to the root of the issue.
I discovered that as women, we have another layer to take into consideration: the ever-fluctuating hormones in our menstrual cycle. Learning the intricacies of my cycle and empowering myself with the knowledge to help my body function at its best changed my approach to movement and how I practice and ultimately led me to create The Period Yogi Method so I could help others who might be looking for the same answers I was. ♀️🌙
Interested in learning more about how to adapt your yoga practice to your monthly cycle? Head to TPY blog @ https://ecs.page.link/Z9vb1 >>
17/01/2022
Earlier this month, we started 2022 with a new moon on January 2nd. Now, we're approaching a full wolf moon on January 17th (that's tonight!) and I can't help but feel inspired by nature's stunning synchronicity and the parallels to our own cyclical bodies. 🌙✨
With a full moon, we are offered another opportunity to reflect and take inventory of what needs letting go or releasing. The moon is fully illuminated, allowing us to see what’s not working or serving us in our lives so that we can begin to make the changes necessary towards manifesting our greatest desires.
A new year often brings moments of reflection, yet resolutions never seem to make it past February. The moon's cycle offers us a monthly chance to do just that in a more consistent, meaningful way. Every month, we have the opportunity to start anew and to assess what's working and what's not. What do I need more of, what do I need less of? What am I calling into my life and what needs releasing? ☮️
Interested in trying four FREE classes with TPY? 🌙
New subscribers of The Monthlies, my monthly email newsletter, will receive FOUR FREE CLASSES sent directly to their inbox over the length of your next cycle (or one month). These four, exclusive classes not only give you a peek into TPY's membership community, but offers you the opportunity to connect with your body, intimately learn about each stage of your cycle, and optimize your yoga practice to work with your body's natural phases, not against.
Ready to try them out for yourself? Head https://ecs.page.link/CsiWj and sign up today!
P.S. We promise to NEVER flood your inbox! The Monthlies is a once a month situation - we promise 💕
02/01/2022
The new year has arrived and, with it, the first new moon of 2022 tonight. How's that for cosmic timing? 🌙✨
While I've never been one to set new years resolutions, the start of a new lunar cycle is the perfect opportunity to set intentions and tune into what your soul is desiring most. Manifest your deepest desires and dreams, plant the seeds of intentions, and visualize what you want to call into your life. I literally picture the things I want to call into my life as though they were already there. 🔮
Carve out space and quiet time today so you can get silent enough for your deeper desires to manifest. Maybe a hot soak in the tub, a meditation, or a walk in nature....remember a new beginning is just that: an opportunity to reconnect with oneself and start again. 🧘🍃
29/12/2021
A new year is reason enough to prioritize health on a deeper level!
Think of your cycle as a lens to your overall health, it's literally a vital sign! If you feel like your life is getting hijacked and sidetracked each month because you're dealing with a cascade of hormonal issues then it's time to start digging deeper and ditching the band-aid fixes.
The Period Yogi was born out of a desire to share the knowledge I've learned healing my own body and hormones. I'm on a mission to help ALL women get relief from nagging period problems and optimize their hormonal health through intentional movement and mindfulness. Our cycles are our power and vitality- we just need to harness that potential!
If you're ready to find your flow, I'm here to help you along this journey. Message me today or head over to theperiodyogi.com to learn a little more about our community of women practicing for their bodies, minds, and health.
25/12/2021
Wishing you and yours a Happy Holiday! We hope today is filled with moments that bring you joy.
Last week, we chatted about the Luteal Phase or the 11-17 day period between ovulation and the first day of your period. For many women, the latter half of this phase can bring annoying PMS symptoms. If you're finding yourself bogged down by cramps, bloating, poor sleep, and mood swings, practicing slower, more deliberate flows specifically targeted to support this phase will offer you support and relief.
In Phase 4 classes at The Period Yogi, we focus on flows that will create a gentle, gradual warming in the body. Fluid, rhythmic, repeated movements between two poses, movement through the pelvis, and longer holds to calm the nervous system. This will get your stress level down and your sleep and resilience up - just take a look! ⬇️
07/12/2021
This week, we're spotlighting the fourth and final stage of our cycles, the Luteal Phase!
The Luteal Phase is the 11-17 day stretch between ovulation and the first day of your period. During this phase, the follicle sac makes a pretty bad-ass transformation into a temporary endocrine gland called the corpus luteum that secretes a super beneficial hormone called progesterone. Progesterone helps your body hold and maintain a pregnancy but that's not all it does. This powerhouse hormone also works to counterbalance estrogen, calm the nervous system, promote sleep, regulate your mood, ease anxiety and so much more, like I said, powerhouse!
If you don’t become pregnant during this time, the corpus luteum function will begin to decline about 9-11 days post ovulation. The resulting drop in progesterone and estrogen will signal your uterine lining it's time to go aka your period starts.
During this point in your cycle, you will likely hold onto the good energy levels cultivated during your ovulation phase for the first half of the Luteal Phase. But, depending on your body, the latter half might bring a decrease in energy. This is the phase of your cycle where you might experience those common, yet pesky symptoms of PMS, like mood changes, bloating, breast tenderness, or food cravings. Incorporating self-care practices like healthy food choices and mindful movement can go a long way to helping ease these symptoms and getting your hormones and cycle back on track :)
Let's be honest, the holiday season can stir up a whole host of emotions. We like to spotlight the giving, joy, and togetherness but for many, there's also a dose of stress, anxiety, and perhaps loneliness. No matter my mood, movement always serves as a salve for me. Try leaning into your practice to help support whatever might be coming up for you in this season :)
In moments of stress, I always recommend turning to breathwork and slower-style classes. Centering ourselves in the present moment with our breath and mindful movement actually triggers a response within our bodies, lowering our blood pressure, cortisol levels, and adrenaline. Taking just a few moments out of our day to feel present within our own bodies can change our entire mindset. It's worth the commitment to ourselves and our well-being.
Here's a small snippet from a recent yin flow at The Period Yogi. I'm wearing the super comfortable leggings from Knixwear. Not only are they lightweight and breathable, but they also have built-in leakproof technology that can absorb up to 3 teaspoons, protecting you from sweat and as a backup against period leaks.
24/11/2021
The Period Yogi is my offering to ALL women who:
-Want to know their bodies more deeply
-Are struggling to find a movement practice that nourishes them
-Need relief from their period problems
TPY members gain access to not only a wealth of yoga and breathwork classes designed to optimize their cycles but a movement practice that supports instead of depletes and guidance on how to find relief and balance in their bodies as well.
The results? Less period pain, decreased stress, better sleep, and more energy. Are you ready to elevate your flow?
Be sure to head to my website and sign-up for The Monthlies, a newsletter curated for you to learn all about living by your cycle. Your first email from me includes a period tracking guide - I hope it helps you on your journey to better understanding + tapping into your period health!
Last week, we chatted about Phase 3 of our cycles, or when ovulation occurs. Energy is running high during this phase so this is a great time for a more vigorous practice to generate heat in the body balanced by calming postures to support opening both physically and emotionally.
Phase 3 classes available to TPY members focus on balancing heat with cooling poses to support optimal energy balance and amp up those relaxing vibes we so need during this phase. Think faster-paced flows, whole-body movements, twists, and heart openers. Just take a look!
11/11/2021
This week, we're exploring the shortest of the four phases, Phase 3, the ovulation phase!
WHAT'S HAPPENING: We’ve got a complex interplay of hormones happening that result in an egg bursting out of a follicle and getting escorted into a fallopian tube as it makes its way to the uterus. This journey through the fallopian tube takes around 12-24 hours and it’s where fertilization happens- if it happens. If the egg is not fertilized, your period should be making an appearance in roughly 14 days.
HOW YOU MAY BE FEELING: You might be feeling extra outgoing and social during this time with high energy levels. You may also experience some mild cramping known as mittelschmerz (“middle pain” in German) as the egg ruptures out of your o***y.
WHAT TO DO: This phase of your cycle is a great time to meet up with friends, go on dates, and up your exercise intensity. Enjoy your spike in energy levels and take advantage of your magnetic disposition.
Interested in learning a bit more? Head to my recent blog post about all 4 phases of your cycle @ https://ecs.page.link/wYPHC >>
When I first started dreaming of The Period Yogi, my goal was to create a space for women to connect with their cycle through intentional movement and research-based knowledge. For women facing hormonal issues or period pain, relief can feel so out of reach. Yet, through my own experience and research, I know it is possible to optimize your hormonal health and achieve a greater understanding of yourself, your body, and your wellbeing.
If you're ready to:
-Create a movement practice that supports you instead of depleting you
-Find relief from period pain that’s dragging you down
-Regulate stress levels and sleep sounder
-Uncover holistic support for Endo, PCOS, perimenopause, and other period problems
Then The Period Yogi is for you. And right now, if you sign up for a 6-month subscription, receive a free month on us. The time is now to optimize your flow!
30/10/2021
I offer a free cycle tracking chart & guide to get you started charting your cycle today?
Cycle tracking is a great way to monitor our overall health, offering valuable insights into our body's natural rhythms. Basic charting can be done by recording the beginning and end of your period as well as any physical and emotional symptoms you might experience throughout your cycle. These data points offer key insights into our health and armed with that information we can make informed choices that will support, not suppress our hormonal systems.
If you're interested in getting started, head to my website and sign-up for The Monthlies, a newsletter curated for you to learn all about living by your cycle. The guide will be sent directly to your inbox - I hope it helps you on your journey to better understanding + tapping into your period health!
Breath is essential to life, we all know this. But did you know that the quality of your breath can have transformative effects on your physical and emotional state? When we breathe consciously, our thoughts begin to slow and we create an opportunity to reconnect - physically, mentally, and spiritually - to the present moment.
Research-wise the benefits of breathwork, beyond the mental break it provides, are emerging. They include:
🧘Lowering cortisol and adrenaline hormones by slowing our acute stress response
🧘Decreasing blood pressure by activating our parasympathetic nervous system
🧘Treating depression, anxiety, and PTSD
The best part? It can fit effortlessly into your day as it only requires you, your attention, and a quiet space to practice.
14/10/2021
Today, we're talking Phase 2 (Follicular or Waxing Moon), or the time between your period wrapping up and ovulation occurring!
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Your body is preparing for a possible pregnancy (whether you are interested in becoming pregnant or not!)! Think of this as the 'spring' phase of your cycle, where you're preparing for new beginnings. Hormonally there's a lot going on, production of estradiol ramps up, cervical fluid increases and changes consistency, and your cervix literally starts to change position in preparation for ovulation, wowzah!
HOW YOU MAY BE FEELING: Estradiol, a type of estrogen that works to prep your body for a possible pregnancy by stimulating your uterine lining to grow and thicken, boosts serotonin and dopamine which can be great for mood and libido, so you’ll probably be feeling an increase in energy and s*x drive.
WHAT TO DO: For this phase in your cycle, you will likely be feeling mentally sharp, creative, and have good levels of energy so this is a great time to incorporate more vigorous movement practices, start new projects and meet up with friends.
Interested in learning a bit more? Head to my recent blog post about all 4 phases of your cycle @ https://ecs.page.link/wYPHC >>
The start of a new month brings another opportunity to reconnect, find your flow, and create space for your health.
It's important for us menstruators to remember that our cycles are a lens into our overall health. When I was losing days each month on the couch dealing with cramps, headaches, and pain, I knew it was time to dig deeper to find relief and reconnect with my own body. Through lifestyle changes and creating a practice of balanced movement to support my cycle, I tapped into a deeper understanding of myself, how my body works and what it needs to thrive.
Your period health matters. Practice for your period + optimize your flow.
30/09/2021
You can cycle track even if you're not menstruating!
Cycle tracking can connect you to the flow of your natural rhythms, offering you a better understanding of your physical and emotional experiences. However, there are certain situations when you may not have a period, but would still like to honor your natural cycle:
-Pregnancy and breastfeeding
-Using hormonal birth control
-Hysterectomy
-Amenorrhoea
-Perimenopause
-Menopause
-Identifying as a woman who does not bleed
Yet, this doesn't mean you cannot connect to feminine cycles. The universe has bestowed on us a very useful tool in connecting to the rhythm of our cycle whether we menstruate or not: the Moon!
To find out how to use the moon as your cycle guide, head to the link in my bio to read a recent blog post of mine. Chart on, my friends!
21/09/2021
Let's talk phases!
There are four equally important menstrual cycle phases that our body moves through to prepare for a potential pregnancy. And the health of our cycles directly correlates to our overall health. In each phase our bodies go through different hormone-driven processes that can affect our energy levels and mood. Getting in tune with all four phases of our cycle allows us to take control of our health and wellbeing.
PHASE 1: Menstruation - The “Winter” Phase
WHAT'S HAPPENING: Hormonally, estrogen and progesterone are at their lowest levels of your entire cycle. Progesterone plummets right before your period starts which gets your uterine lining to break down and shed. You’re releasing blood of course, and uterine tissue and mucus as well.
HOW YOU MAY BE FEELING: This phase of your cycle is a great time to honor rest. You may also be feeling extra tired this week and have permission to fit in as many naps as you can. Think, Netflix and chill vibes! This time of the month is sometimes associated with irritability and mood swings. Mild fluctuations in mood are very normal, but if you are experiencing major mood swings that interfere with your daily life it may be time to look for deeper imbalances that could be occurring. So yes, you may feel a little extra emotional, but you may also feel more intuitive and reflective, making this a great part of the month to spend some time alone.
WHAT TO DO: For this phase in your cycle, journaling, easy walks, and light yoga are welcome. Enjoy some solitude, relaxation, and reflection. It’s a great opportunity to turn inward.
Classes at The Period Yogi weave together a holistic, therapeutic approach to menstruation and the uniqueness of the female body to create customized movement practices that nourish the four distinct phases of your cycle. Instead of working against your body’s natural ebbs and flows, our classes support your changing needs throughout the month to optimize your FLOW.
When we work against our body's natural cues, we're ultimately depleting ourselves of that hard-earned energy. By following our body's natural flow, we can find:
-Less period pain
-Decreased stress
-Better sleep
-More energy
And really, who doesn't want that?
05/09/2021
Hey you! Cycle tracking isn’t just for when you are trying to conceive!
Period health is a great indicator of our overall health, and by cycle tracking, we are able to pay better attention to what our bodies are trying to tell us.
Knowing the intricacies of your cycle empowers you with the information you need to take charge of your health and fertility and also gives you the knowledge + empowerment to adapt your lifestyle to better meet your physical and emotional needs.
Even better? It's easy! You just have to tune into your body and give yourself room to observe how you're feeling on a given day. No bells and whistles - just you and an old-school pen + paper.
Head to https://ecs.page.link/9JXFx for a step-by-step guide on how to get started today - there's really no time like the present!
01/09/2021
In case you're new around here, I'm April + I'm so happy you found your way to The Period Yogi.
I’ve had my own journey in and out of the hormonal trenches. Through my own experience of navigating my son's journey through Lyme disease and my own adrenal recovery, I gradually became more attune to my overall wellbeing and how to listen to my body's signals that change was needed. Yet, when my body began to signal a hormonal imbalance, I realized I knew VERY little about how my hormones and menstrual cycle operated. Like crazy little. So I dove in. I read, I researched, and I educated myself about the body I was living in and its hormonal process.
As my knowledge expanded and I leaned into my own health journey more, I began to take the necessary steps to reach a better balance (goodbye, sugar and empty carbs + hello, clean eating, and modified movement practices!). My body began to heal as my hormones began to stabilize. The fog (in many ways!) began to lift and I found my passion for sharing this info with other women. Maybe I could help them ease their period problems to create more space and energy for them to pursue their desires?
And The Period Yogi was born!
It's all happening...my website is now live!
Over the past few months, I have poured so much energy and care into creating an online space that feels welcoming, empowering, and functional for women seeking to better understand their hormones and optimize their overall wellness through intentional movement. At its core, The Period Yogi is for those seeking a deeper understanding of their body, their cycle, and their inner power as women.
This is my offering to ALL women who: want to know their bodies more deeply, are struggling to find answers and need relief from their period problems. This space was designed with you in mind - may this be a help and a guide to you all.
To take a look at the site, visit https://ecs.page.link/CsiWj. I'll see you there!
21/08/2021
After years of practicing the same style of fast, challenging yoga, I slowly became aware of the ebbs and flows of my energy levels from day to day. Some days, my practice felt fluid and effortless, while other days I felt like my body was moving through quicksand. I was pushing myself to perform the same each day without realizing the impact my fluctuating hormones were having on how I felt in my body.
Did you know that recent research suggests that women can optimize their workouts based on where they are at in their monthly cycle? While research is still emerging and, historically, women are often left out of scientific research, these studies confirm what many women may already be tuning into when it comes to their energy levels.
Tracking your cycle and adjusting your movement practices to meet your body where it is hormonally each day is what The Period Yogi is all about. Your hormones are changing every day and can have a massive impact on how you feel emotionally and physically, leading to shifts in energy, motivation, and recovery.
I was honored to have written a recent blog post for my mentor and friend Nicole Jardim's blog. This online space is so full of valuable resources and information for women seeking to understand their hormones and improve their day-to-day well-being. Visit https://ecs.page.link/zBPmE to read more!
16/08/2021
16/08/2021
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