We all go through phases. Maybe that phase is an emo phase or a rebellious phase. Some of us experience a phase that makes us want to eat obscene amounts of chocolate while sitting on the couch watching “10 Things I Hate About You.”
The luteal phase of your period is likely one of the worst weeks of your life. Your back hurts, everything is irritating, you are forced to get out of bed when you really don’t want to and the chubby baby on TikTok made you start crying at 8 in the morning.
Yes, it’s OK to have a calorie fest.
You sit down on the couch, turn on the TV and realize you need a snack for your show, so you head to the pantry for popcorn. You come back, snack a little, then decide you need something sweet. You search the shelves for chocolate, sit back down, snack again and then repeat the cycle when you need something salty. It’s ironic, though, because the next day your appetite will likely disappear. Suddenly, it’s 5 p.m. and you realize you haven’t eaten all day.
Yes, it’s OK, you yelled at them.
Don’t get me wrong, if you snap at your friend or your parent, you should apologize. But honestly, during this phase, it’s just not your fault. All of your hormones are racing through your body, rising and declining at different rates. When estrogen drops, serotonin drops too. This causes mood swings, makes you feel overwhelmed by small things, leaves you irritated by others and makes the puppy on your Pinterest feed bring you to tears.
Yes, it’s OK that you haven’t gotten out of bed yet.
Your body feels weak, your back hurts, your stomach hurts and you’re unmotivated. All you want is to lie in bed or on the couch, binging your favorite show. Again, fluctuating hormones are to blame.
You have no energy and you’re feeling extra self-critical. So it’s OK to take the day in a hoodie and sweats. It’s OK to take the time for yourself. A day off may make you feel unproductive, but that’s just the hormones talking.
To reiterate: yes, it’s OK you’re snacking extra. Yes, it’s OK you’ve got an attitude. Yes, it’s OK you’ve been wrapped up in blankets all day. Hormones do crazy things to your body and during the luteal phase they are having a field day with your emotions.
So give yourself some grace and do the best you can, because this too shall pass — and then be back again next month.
How do you usually feel during your luteal phase? Let us know on Instagram @VALLEYmag!
