Good afternoon, ladies! Or perhaps, not quite as cheery today... 😔

These last couple of days, I’ve been feeling quite depleted and wanted to share my perspective on a topic that's both personal and universal: 🚨 PERIODS and ⏰ PRODUCTIVITY.

If you don't experience painful periods, feel free to explore any of my other posts. But for those of us who do, stick with me!

On days like these, my mantra becomes doing only the essentials and giving myself permission to rest and recover. It's about distinguishing between what's truly important and urgent today and what can wait.

Because let's be real, most of it can wait. And some of it is not even important. And that's okay.

If you are an overdoer, you never get to the bottom of your list anyway, so let’s be truly honest with ourselves and focus only on those 1-2 things that really really really need to be done today. All the rest can be delegated, rescheduled, or simply eliminated!

"What a relief! Taking a break, and guess what? The planet keeps spinning! Who would've thought?” 🙌

While having endometriosis intensifies these challenges, it serves as a reminder that expecting peak performance 24/7 is unrealistic and unfair. We're human beings, not machines wired to function tirelessly. Expecting to maintain the same level of productivity regardless of our physical and emotional state, whether it's during periods or any other challenging times, is simply not sustainable. 💪

Imagine if someone with symptoms akin to a heart attack were told to suck it up and carry on as usual. Sounds absurd, right? Yet, for many of us, pushing through the pain is seen as a badge of honor. Well, I believe there is a healthier, more sustainable, and more productive (yes, PRODUCTIVE) way to approach these days.

What helps me? Intentional and actionable practices:

• Simplify my to-do list: I make things easier by prioritizing tasks and matching them with my energy levels, ensuring clarity and efficiency for the day, week, or beyond.

• Get support when needed: Whether it's asking for help from a partner, or colleague, or hiring a service, reaching out for support lightens the load and provides valuable help.

• Take things at my own pace: During tough times (such as bloody painful periods!), I focus on completing essential tasks deliberately and calmly, avoiding the rush and stress that can exacerbate the situation.

• Prioritize rest: I recognize the importance of adequate sleep and give myself the permission, space, and time to relax and recharge fully.

• Delegate tasks: When possible, I entrust certain responsibilities to others who are capable, freeing up my mental energy to concentrate on other important “to-do’s”. This not only boosts efficiency but also creates space for focus and connection (people want to help, allow them!).

• Know when to switch gears: Embracing the delicate balance between productivity and rest, acknowledging their equal significance. Recognizing that both are vital for overall well-being and productivity, choose to consciously transition between these states as needed.

• Strategic Planning: Intentionally organize my schedule to accommodate those low-productivity days. I avoid scheduling commitments or tasks that require high energy and focus during these 2-3 days. Instead, I delegate, reschedule, or eliminate tasks as needed, allowing flexibility and intentional time for rest.

• Leverage productive days: Make the most of those pain-free, high-energy days by fully embracing productivity with gusto! When feeling energized and clear-headed, I encourage you to dive into tasks and projects with determination, enthusiasm, and focus. Now it's a time of purposeful action, where you feel invigorated and alive. Use it to make strides toward your goals with newfound energy!

What if, we could make room for both? What if we could make room for both productivity, efficiency, hard work, and achievements AND for restful, relaxing, recharging, and playing time?

Yeah, I know… It does sound crazy… But why not give it a try?

Perhaps it's time we redefine productivity altogether. 🤔

• Does it entail mindlessly keeping busy, striving to accomplish as much as possible regardless of the toll it takes?

• Am I truly pursuing and achieving what holds genuine importance for me?

• In moments of busyness, stress, and overwhelm, do I sense that my efforts contribute positively to my life or others', or am I merely busy and "productive" because slowing down feels like a waste of time, and I believe there'll be ample time to rest in retirement or after-life?

It is my personal belief that BOTH productivity and rest are vital in our lives. Just like movement and stillness, we need them both. If we are committed to building and nurturing a life that not only looks good on the outside but feels good on the inside, we need to open our minds and bodies to this concept. It doesn’t need to be one or the other. There are times, spaces, and occasions for each. They are not opposites.

It's time to recognize that self-care isn't just bubble baths and chocolate cake, but an act of self-love, self-respect, and responsibility.

We owe it to ourselves to honor our bodies and overall well-being. We owe it to others to care for ourselves, ensuring that we can show up fully, be present, offer our service, and excel in our various projects and responsibilities

What we do (or do not do) counts. We can choose to stop reinforcing a culture that promotes and celebrates sickness and burnout, for productivity at all costs.

I’ve shared enough. Now it’s your turn!

💬 How do you navigate productivity during your period?

💬 What strategies do you swear by?

💬 Do you feel guilty or uncomfortable for taking time to rest?

💬 What tiny thing could you do differently to make your life easier, during those challenging days?

Be well,

Carolina 💫

Mindful Productivity & Strengths-Based Coach | Founder of Be Well Simplify Life Coaching

I help overwhelmed millennials reclaim their time and leverage their strengths so that they can invest in what truly matters to them and wake up excited about their lives!

Would like to chat? I would love to connect and support you. Click here to drop me a message or schedule a free call! 📞