When Productivity Depends on the Time of the Month

I learnt to be kinder to myself when I finally figured out that my productivity isn’t constant… It’s dependent on the time of the month.

For years, I used to wonder why some weeks I could conquer the world, from deep-cleaning the house and planning lessons to cooking elaborate meals and writing with flow, while other weeks, even folding laundry felt like climbing a mountain. I’d get irritated at myself, frustrated at how “lazy” I’d suddenly become. And of course, when the home started to feel chaotic, the countertops become more cluttered, the kids got louder, and my husband’s every move seemed to test my patience, I’d spiral into guilt for not being more in control.

But then I began to notice a pattern. My energy, mood, and mental clarity weren’t random. They were linked to my hormonal cycle. Each week, my body was producing different hormones that affected how I thought, felt, and worked. The problem wasn’t that I lacked motivation. It was that I was expecting the same level of performance from myself at completely different phases of my cycle.

When we’re frustrated that things aren’t moving forward or when chores start to feel heavier than usual, it’s often because we’re pushing ourselves to do tasks that drain our current mental and emotional capacity. The secret is not in doing more, but in doing the right kind of work for the phase your body is in.

Once I started listening to my body (instead of forcing it into a rigid rhythm) everything started to feel more peaceful. I learnt to lean into the natural flow of my cycle rather than fight against it. If I was too mentally tired to write, I’d focus on cleaning or organising. If I felt emotionally low, I’d take time to rest and reflect. And when I felt creative and energetic, I’d seize the moment to plan, create, and connect.

Of course, I know that life doesn’t always allow us to pick and choose what to do each day — especially for working women juggling family, deadlines, and the never-ending to-do list. But simply knowing this helps us to be gentler with ourselves. It helps us understand why we feel the way we do, and to work with our bodies, not against them.

And when you start giving yourself that kindness, you’ll notice a subtle shift. You’ll still get things done, but you’ll do them with ease and grace. Because sabr (patience) with yourself is also a form of gratitude for the body Allah SWT has entrusted you with.

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Aligning Your Tasks with Your Cycle

Here’s a simple way to work with your hormonal rhythm rather than against it:

1. Menstrual Phase (Days 1–5):
This is your body’s God-given reset period. Energy is low, emotions are tender, and your mind may crave quiet. It’s the perfect time to rest, reflect, journal, and make dua. Spiritually and emotionally, you’re more introspective — so it’s ideal for gentle tasks, planning, and letting go.

2. Follicular Phase (Days 6–13):
Your energy begins to rise again. You’ll feel optimistic, motivated, and ready to start new projects. This is the best time for brainstorming, goal-setting, and tackling challenging tasks that require focus and creativity. Think of it as your “spring” — everything feels fresh and possible.

3. Ovulatory Phase (Days 14–17):
You’re at your peak socially, mentally, and physically. Communication and confidence are high. Use this time for meetings, teaching, connecting with others, or doing tasks that require teamwork and enthusiasm. It’s also a great time to engage deeply with your spouse and family because your nurturing side is more present.

4. Luteal Phase (Days 18–28):
Energy starts to dip. You may feel more inward and sensitive. This is your “autumn” — the time to complete unfinished tasks, declutter, and prepare for rest. Physically, it’s better to focus on structured, predictable routines rather than big creative pushes. Emotionally, it’s a time to be gentle with yourself, especially as PMS symptoms appear.

When you learn to flow with these natural rhythms, you stop feeling like you’re falling behind. You start understanding that productivity looks different every week — and that’s perfectly okay.

Because true growth isn’t about doing it all, all the time. It’s about knowing when to push, when to pause, and when to simply be.

That’s all from me for now. Stay tuned for more… and remember: ‘Just Dua It.’

Waheeda, a.k.a Waydi

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P.P.S. My book, Kismet – For roses to blossom is available locally and on Kindle Unlimited.