This season of our menstrual cycle is championed as the time of showing up, being seen, of connection, socialisation, daring and confidence. Yet, over and over again I hear about how this can be the hardest phase of the cycle for people and I wonder how much of it is down to the high expectations and pressure we put on ourselves to be that glowing, summery version of ourselves.

Most of us are familiar with recognising and discussing PMS - low mood, cravings, lethargy, cramps - all the fun stuff (all the stuff that can be almost entirely avoided by the way. More on that another time). But our hormones affect everything. Our confidence, creativity, sexuality, intuition, our focus. Even how articulate or organised we are changes throughout our cycle. Learning to recognise and predict these patterns gives us the opportunity to plan our work for exactly when it will suit us physically, mentally and emotionally.