Cyclical energy: the wisdom of pausing to bloom (inner winter)

This week, I write this blog post inspired by the wisdom of my body and the energetic stage I’m in: my inner winter.

As I mentioned in the article about the power of our cyclical energy, just as the year has its seasons, so does our energetic cycle. When we learn to recognise and work with these inner seasons, we can optimise our tasks, goals, and focus — both professionally and personally — to achieve greater efficiency and, above all, wellbeing.

When we work with the energy we have at any given time, rather than against it, we can maintain our energy at healthy levels, which directly supports our balance on every aspect: mind, body, and soul.

This week, I’ve entered my inner winter — the menstrual phase of the female cycle, which represents the wisdom of rest and introspection.

Our inner winter is the moment when the body and energy invite us to pause, release, and recharge. Just as the earth needs to rest after bearing fruit, or certain animals hibernate to conserve energy through the colder months, our bodies also need space to rest and renew.

However, in a culture that celebrates constant action and output, many of us tend to ignore or resist this stage, trying to maintain the same rhythm and level of productivity as in the phases when our energy is naturally higher.

That’s why today, I’d like to share more about this phase — when our energy drops to its minimum and turns inward, calling us to rest and introspection.

What happens during our inner winter

During menstruation, oestrogen and progesterone levels drop, which naturally lowers our physical energy. This hormonal shift offers something beautiful in return: a deeper connection with our inner world. Emotions rise to the surface with greater clarity, intuition sharpens, and the body asks for silence, calm, and care. Naturally, we turn inward and feel less inclined to act.

When we learn to listen, this phase opens the door to profound opportunities. Let’s see how it can support us in different areas of life:

On a personal level

Inner winter is the best moment to slow down and pause — to stop doing so much and turn inward instead. You can use these days to nourish yourself, reflect, and reconnect.

Some practices that help:

• Rest (without guilt)

• Reduce commitments and cultivate silence

• Journal or meditate, observing your thoughts and emotions

• Choose warm foods, deep rest, and gentle movement

• Practise self-compassion: we’re not meant to perform at the same pace every day

In my case, I share this awareness with my husband and ask for more rest time. I also take the first (or first two) days of my cycle off from exercise.

Cyclical energy at work

In the professional sphere, it can be very helpful to adjust expectations and pace during these days — and this comes from someone who finds it really hard to stop!

Instead of starting new projects, it’s the perfect time to focus on reviewing, planning, or wrapping things up. Avoid demanding meetings or big decisions if you can.

If you work for yourself, try to organise your schedule so this phase aligns with a more introspective or creative period.

Personally, during my inner winter, I reduce meetings as much as possible, avoid scheduling big events or networking sessions, and postpone major sales calls whenever I can.

Integrating cycles into leadership and work

Little by little, more organisations are beginning to understand that productivity isn’t linear. Just as teams move through different phases in their projects, so do we as human beings. Yet, I haven’t met people (within my small professional circle — whether entrepreneurs or professionals) who openly discuss these topics in their workplaces.

From my perspective, integrating cyclical awareness in professional environments not only supports wellbeing but also fosters a more human, empathetic, and sustainable work culture.

How would it look to cultivate conscious leadership that honours the wisdom of rhythm — both feminine and masculine?

In conclusion

Our inner winter is a time of recalibration and regeneration. Of pause and reconnection. Of introspection and gentleness with ourselves.

To honour this phase is a profound form of self-care — a reminder that rest is productive, because it prepares us for what comes next.

When we respect this stage, we allow ourselves to bloom with even more strength in the next one: our inner spring or follicular phase.

Thank you for reading 💜

Laia