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Letter to the High-Functioning Woman
"Dear High-Functioning Woman,
I am your body, your steadfast companion, whispering in the language of hormones and cycles.
You might think acknowledging me is unnecessary or a sign of weakness, but let me share my story.
So what if you have debilitating migraines?
These aren't random—migraines can be linked to the ebb and flow of your hormones during the menstrual cycle.
What about your weight, which seems to fluctuate with the tides?
Hormonal changes also play a significant role in this dance.
Your sleep patterns, disrupted and erratic, leave you exhausted even after a full night's rest.
These fluctuations in sleep are not just bad luck but are influenced by the hormonal symphony playing within you.
Mood swings, anxiety, and waves of depression are not just figments of your imagination but echoes of hormonal shifts shaping your emotional landscape.
Irregular periods, painful cramps, acne breakouts—these are my messages to you.
I am trying to communicate to let you know that these aren't mere inconveniences but signs that I need attention and care.
You tried to shut me up, pill after pill, but my whispers turned into screams, and still, you pushed through.
Yet, you strive for excellence, ignoring my cries. But at what cost?
Ignoring my messages can lead to significant physical and mental sacrifices.
It's time to listen.
Understanding and syncing with your menstrual cycle doesn't make you weak; it makes you wise.
Embrace the knowledge of your natural rhythms.
Harness them, and your productivity and well-being will be enhanced in ways you never imagined.
Yours faithfully,
Your Body"
Many high-functioning women pride themselves on pushing through discomfort and maintaining their productivity, no matter the circumstances.
However, this often comes at the cost of their physical health.
For instance, I know a woman who claims she doesn't need an app like Sanza because she manages just fine. Yet, she suffers from debilitating migraines regularly. Many migraines are linked to hormonal issues, and ignoring the body's natural rhythms can exacerbate such problems.
Hormonal imbalances can lead to a host of physical ailments, including:
Migraines: These can be triggered or worsened by fluctuations in estrogen levels.
Fatigue: Constantly pushing through fatigue without adequate rest can lead to chronic exhaustion.
Reproductive Health Issues: Ignoring menstrual health can lead to more severe reproductive health issues down the line, such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) or endometriosis, which makes it way harder to get pregnant later on.
The pressure to be constantly high-functioning can take a toll on mental health.
Ignoring the natural ebb and flow of the menstrual cycle can lead to increased stress, anxiety, and even depression. Instead of feeling like a failure because of your lack of motivation, a menstruating woman understands that motivation always comes back and that this is a cycle.
The menstrual cycle is a physical process and affects our emotional and mental states.
What you don't want is :
Increased Stress Levels: Ignoring the need for rest and recovery can lead to chronic stress.
Mood Swings: Hormonal changes can affect mood; these can become more pronounced without proper management.
Burnout: The constant pressure to perform at peak levels can lead to burnout, characterized by emotional exhaustion, detachment, and ineffectiveness.
Despite the clear signs that the body gives, societal pressures often compel women to ignore their menstrual cycles.
There is a pervasive stigma around discussing menstrual health openly. Women who acknowledge their cycles and adjust their schedules accordingly are sometimes judged by others, including other women who have internalized these societal norms.
This judgment is rooted in a culture that values constant productivity and views any deviation from this norm as a weakness.
Women are often expected to perform at the same level daily despite the natural fluctuations in their energy and well-being caused by their menstrual cycles.
Ignoring your body may allow for short-term gains in productivity, but it can lead to long-term health consequences.
Listening to your body and respecting its needs can enhance your overall well-being and productivity.
This is where tools like Sanza come into play.
Optimized Productivity: By aligning tasks with your menstrual cycle, you can maximize your productivity when your energy levels are highest and allow for rest when needed.
Improved Health: Monitoring your cycle can help identify patterns linked to health issues, enabling you to seek timely medical advice.
Mental Well-being: Understanding your cycle can help manage mood swings and reduce stress, leading to better mental health.
High-functioning women often sacrifice their physical and mental well-being to meet societal expectations of constant productivity.
However, ignoring the body's natural rhythms can be costly, leading to chronic health issues and burnout.
By listening to your body and using tools like Sanza to sync with your menstrual cycle, you can achieve a healthier, more balanced approach to productivity and well-being.
It's time to break the stigma around menstrual health and recognize the power of listening to our bodies. Embrace the natural rhythms, and allow yourself the grace to be at your best every day of the cycle.
Love Emma From Sanza
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