How Your Cycle Affects Your Productivity

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I've been making productivity videos for a long, long time.
One thing I've noticed is that, despite people discussing the methods, the supplies, the apps and programs and going in deeper like discussing chronotypes, routines and schedules, I rarely see periods and the menstrual cycle being approached in this conversation
I think there's a lot of guilt involved in this conversation about our mood and the way it fluctuates during the month, impacting our performance and our productivity. When you go through your cycle you may feel like this sudden drop of productivity is your fault or is the result of you doing something wrong or not pushing yourself hard enough.
So that's why today I wanted to make a chattier video, more personal and up close to shed some light on what goes through your body during the month and why you should never feel guilty about a drop in performance and even discipline
As you may understand, this video went through a whole lot of research so nothing I'm saying here is a byproduct of my brain, I'm basically trying to filter and conveying the information I came across, as best as possible. I'll link down below the papers and articles I've read on the subject as well, in case you want to read more on the topic.
☞ Read more on this topic:
Productivity loss due to menstruation-related symptoms: A nationwide cross-sectional survey: www.researchga...
The normal variabilities of the menstrual cycle: www.fertstert....
The Impact of Menstrual Cycle Phase on Athletes’ Performance: A Narrative Review: www.researchga...
Menstrual Cycle and Workplace Issues: repositorio.ua... Cycle and Workplace Issues.pdf
The role of progesterone and GABA in PMS/PMDD: www.medref.se/p...](www.medref.se/p...
Estradiol and cognitive function: Past, present and future: www.sciencedir...
Effects of menstrual cycle on creativity: www.sciencedir...
Effects of estrogen on higher-order cognitive functions in unstressed human females: www.frontiersi...
Estrogen and female anxiety: news.harvard.e...
☞ Free stuff:
‣ Goal Setting Notion Template: www.notion.so/...
‣ Mid-Year Reset Printable: drive.google.c...
I offer organisation consulting services. If you're interested, contact me via [e-mail]
Video edited by: Mary Among Stories ([e-mail])
Imagery supplied by Getty Images
FTC: This video is sponsored by Brilliant.

[@mariana-vieira]

Don't forget to go to brilliant.org/mariana to sign up for free and get started on learning new subjects that you've never mastered before 😎

[@rebeccaw9656]

Tracking my period from month to month in my journal was a game changer. Particularly marking ahead of time the days that I’d be PMS-ing (the week before a period) would be when energy is at lowest and anxiety levels would increase - this was when I knew to be kinder to myself.

[@nahiedlaila9601]

I track my period thru an app and it made my life soo much easier and predictable!

[@Yaimiee]

This is a very good idea. I think I will start doing that as I have many physical symptoms before the period! Thanks for the idea.

[@daisykusiima8573]

Thought I was the only one having changes in productivity and moods the week before my period. Glad to know it's normal. Let me start tracking this and incorporating it in my plans

[@kaiareuter4874]

this is what I needed to read, thank you!

[@finallyfree2BMe]

Lol I wrote down my Autumn time period for the rest of the year and wrote "Avoid people if possible / Don't go socualize...stay home read books, journal, Process your emotions

[@nellsie_]

I feel like this isn't talked about enough. Those who have a uterus, are forced to go through this every month regardless of how stressful their lives are. It messes with us physically, mentally, and emotionally and it puts us at a significant disadvantage. We are forced to overcome to appear strong for ourselves, work, and society. Yet those that bring life into this world are still universally mocked for being weak and melodramatic. Huh, what's up with that. Anyway, thank you for this informative video, it actually made me feel a lot less guilty about my cycle.

[@Chosengirl1]

Girl preach

[@beeee4249]

"those who have a uterus" : women

[@Car-jy8pw]

You can say women. It’s not a bad word.

[@DehaniVlogs]

Inclusive wording 🙏🏾 love it

[@DehaniVlogs]

@@Car-jy8pwaren’t women people with uterus- why so upset

[@mnr98.x]

I have ADHD, so around my cycle I always notice a major fluctuation of my symptoms. I usually end up getting even lower levels of motivation and my ability to focus becomes increasingly impaired. It feels like a persistent brain fog. It's really interesting to learn how your hormones can affect all these things. Thank you for all the advice ❤ P.S. loving the new face to face video style!

[@gasly1018]

Thank you for writing this comment, it makes me feel not so alone ❤

[@mnr98.x]

@@gasly1018 Aww, thank you, I'm glad my comment made you feel that way 🙏

[@terapia.desenredada]

Have you pay attention to your diet during those days? If you’re not doing it, focus on Whole Foods and maybe having snacks through your meals.

[@mnr98.x]

@@terapia.desenredada I find I crave more sugar and meat during those days because they provide your brain with more dopamine. I haven't tried whole foods, but I'll give it a go! Thanks for the suggestion.

[@neards9612]

❤️ here with you fellow adhd'er

[@ginadias2007]

Bleh when I'm on my period, I never feel like working. Like for the first two days even if my cramps aren't that bad, when I sit down to work, I'm just very frustrated and unmotivated and I go back to bed and cry....😔 and then I feel guilty :')

[@laceandribbonsviolin]

Don’t feel guilty! If you look ahead to the follicular phase you have something to look forward to❤ the cycle will always return to it eventually

[@scottief8616]

This! This is why representation matters. This sector of KZbin is so male dominated that fully expected this topic to never be breached for any reason ever. Im so happy I was wrong, im sure this will help so so so many people.

[@estelafigueiredo]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS I've always felt extremely guilty and like I was using my period as an excuse to be lazy, unprofessional and etcetera. It's really important to further this conversation. Congrats on the video

[@Fran-gw8mo]

i value you for bringing this "taboo" topic to conversation, its ia a very important subject that can never be talked about and it relates greatly to our productivity, thanks mariana

[@mariana-vieira]

Glad you enjoyed the video!

[@overratedlove8551]

I cant believe the timings I just got mine today and was thinking how no one really talks about it Thank you so much❤❤❤

[@nahiedlaila9601]

I am also on my period and cramping😬

[@nahiedlaila9601]

Its really a coincidence hahaha

[@albertalbertocchi2382]

me tooooo

[@heyhey9103]

sameee

[@joacasbar]

Incredible, same thing happening here

[@etherfromheaven]

This is a really relevant point and aspect of the productivity community!! Thank you for making the video and putting the effort to show the different sides to productivity.

[@mariana-vieira]

Glad it was helpful!

[@skylightlife4572]

Sorry for my English 🇧🇷 It's always like this. First week: wow I'm fine, if I have plans I can execute them! But... I no normally have plans or something.. Second week: Well I like my life! 3th week: I don't like my life that much... So many stupid problems coming all the time... 4th week: why? And then... 1 week: I didn't know why, but I see that my life is not that bad! I'm good! [...]

[@mariana-vieira]

That’s exactly how I feel 😭😭😭

[@celyncemine-mapula3537]

Thank you for discussing this topic. I have never seen any other productivity youtuber ever doing this before. That time of the month affects me so much I could take about a week to get through it. During this time I hardly get anything done. Because of it I get guilty feelings of having "wasted" precious time.

[@authenticroots8042]

For my girlies who are in school, Uni, or studying on your own I'd suggest that during menstruation, you get into revising instead and slowly look back at what you've done instead of tackling the anxiety of learning a new lesson on your own❤. Or you could start doing anything you've left behind and use that time to catch up on things that you procrastinated doing, make your study space comfortable and silent, grab a good cup of herbal tea, and take it slow. Taking breaks at this time is crucial, so taking naps in between and taking in moments to just sit in silence helps ease anxiety from brewing.

[@calmwaves_74]

Thank you ❤ Needed it most

[@LydiaReneeDarling]

Yes. THIS! This is so important. I have PMDD and it is devastating. My cycle literally disrupts my entire life because of the condition. Thankfully the implant has helped improve my symptoms and self awareness and tracking has helped me build a better schedule. (L-GABA vitamins have really helped me, too.) I feel like there are so few people talking about the menstrual cycle’s impact on everyday life and work. Thank you so much, Mariana! This is wonderful and so so important to talk about. 💫

[@kau0303]

Hello! I hope you are doing okay. If you do not mind, I want to ask you a question. I have something so similar wherein before my periods arrive, I become extremely depressed and anxious to even get up from my bed, it rips me apart inside and gets in the way of my life. Before it was not like this but it slowly started picking up and now it happens almost regularly in almost all my cycles. I went to the psychiatrist but he said I do not have it but that was when it did not happen in every cycle. I feel terrible and I have no idea what to do. Does my situation sound similar to yours?

[@intanyuniatri4901]

I got my period while having tight schedule to finish my thesis and this video comes up. Such a coincidence knowing that I got that toxic relationship with myself everytime I didn't work very well to finish daily goal. Thanks Mariana ❤️

[@larissaprates1384]

What an original idea, Mariana! You really outdid yourself. Thanks for spreading good and useful information. Also, I love this format of you talking to the camera.

[@learningbird9940]

Congratulations, Mariana, for talking about period and the fluctuations it can bring to your motivation and work productivity. I think you're the first I've seen touching this issue here in YT.

[@megharanimeher2044]

She looks a little like katrina kaif 😅😅 What do you think ( any Indian )

[@nathalia5167]

I find during the PMS days I am really good with physical work, but not mental work. Reorganizing by myself and hauling boxes around really helps with being annoyed and anxious.

[@sallyibrahim9135]

I will watch anything you film. Thank you for this amazing video. I'm extremely thankful to see that someone is taking about how the menstrual cycle affects everyone who has it. As someone who experience serious cramps I want to thank you. Thank you Mariana. ❤

[@internetpotato6734]

Thank you for taking about this important topic. During my cycle, I usually go through a depressive episode. This video reminded me that I shouldn't guilt myself over my lack of productivity during that episode!

[@terapia.desenredada]

Thanks Mariana. I am having my period right now and I feel every period is really different because I am not the same person every month. What I always notice is that I need time for myself and I want to be alone during my periods. As women, we don’t talk enough about our periods. I use two apps to track my period and one has a forum to chat, I noticed that a lot of women don’t know how their cervical fluid changes through their cycles or even to recognize when they’re ovulating. It’s really sad and I believe it’s everything connected to our patriarchal society. I wish we all have off days during our periods and we have conversations about our cycles like we can learn a lot about of ourselves if we can pay attention to our cycles.

[@sushicatwarrior7302]

Thank you so much! Even tho I'm on birth control every day (where I don't really get periods monthly) I still feel waves of being way more confident and then way less motivated/more stressed throughout the month. It sucks that to some extent, we won't ever be able to be productive 100% of the time, but it's good info to know about hormones and how they're affecting us.

[@vitoriadesa5386]

Claramente mereces mais reconhecimento nacional. Obrigada Mariana!

[@missxyz4963]

I am facing this 😭 thank you so much. Idk why, but during my menstruation, I will be sleepyyy

[@soylalilalilalula]

This is SUCH an important conversation to have, I've never had the opportunity and yet I find I have to adapt my academic and PHD calendar to my cycle. I've felt so lonely for so long in what I perceived as incompetence... Wow, thank you, I didn't expect to get this much relief just from hearing you talk about it!

[@RameshKumar-ng3nf]

Hi Mariana, Feels excellent to see a face-to-face chat 👌❤️. If possible please make a video on RemNote if you using it in studying. Thanks 🙏🏻

[@tiny_tuba9756]

My periods are irregular, it’s a trait that runs in my family. But when I do get my period? It’s horrid. Combined with my ADHD, I have no motivation or focus. I get pretty much all the symptoms and I always have very heavy bleeding. Im a productive person, and I put a lot of value of my self worth into what I get done so it has really been hurting when I get my period. Yet, I get no support from school or society in general because Women’s health is overlooked. I’m very grateful for this video, us Women (and people with uteruses) need to help each other.

[@saphide]

I’m on my period, just opened KZbin and this was the first video ahah

[@nahiedlaila9601]

Same here hahaha

[@lavine1219]

when mariana posts, i know it’s gonna be a good day 😙

[@lavine1219]

informative+ sit down style is my new favorite thing

[@annyaww]

Thank you, it is such a useful video! ❤

[@nataschajones960]

If I do exercises for 3 weeks then my cycle hits I don't continue doing it after the cycle. Which makes me so upset because I am in my lazy state.

[@nayanasahadevan8047]

Much needed. I never thought of planning my schedule in such an orderly manner with respect to my cycle. Love love.

[@TheGummiebearrock]

I was so happy when I saw this video in my feed. Thank you so much for talking on the subject!

[@lulopes1895]

Mariana, estudo enfermagem e seus vídeos sempre me ajudam. Parabéns pela abordagem deste tema! P.S.: uso o app Clue há alguns anos e me ajuda bastante para saber em que parte do ciclo estou

[@studywithadhi]

Thank you for this video...being an University student ...this was extremely helpful ❤️much love from India

[@parmait3520]

Guilt of eating sugar like hell😦😦😦thanks a lot for this video hun' because it is a less than-talked subject , however it affects significantly our life ..for example if I could I would miss a workday every first day of my period ...the pain is ..

[@nahiedlaila9601]

I have been binge eating as well, it feels so wrong but cant control my cravings sometimes😬

[@CrisTryingToBeProductive]

@@nahiedlaila9601 don't put so much pressure on you, it's hard as it is, indulge yourself a little.

[@littleswan411]

can't study can't focus can't do anything at all and i have 2 exams

[@sarmisthajena9371]

OMG I Just got mine today, and really needed someone to talk about all this, when this video popped up... Thank you so much Mariana.. helped a lot 💓

[@laracombina]

This is really valuable information, thank you♡ Its important to understand your body and how it works in order to accept it

[@nahiedlaila9601]

Exactly and work with it, instead of against it which will set you up for failure and misery in the end so acceptance makes life a lot easier

[@AhmetKaan]

*Growth and change is painful, but nothing is painful as being stuck where you don't belong.* Love from a small youtuber 🖤

[@Erika-pq7ip]

I have an exam tomorrow and im on my period feeling soooo unmotivated to revise

[@prcr]

Congratulations for your channel and useful content, you're doing great! 💪

[@joyleenstrozier4295]

Hi Mariana's Corner, I like your content. I love watching your videos.

[@e.t9403]

Me, non binary, amazed by the non gendered terms used in this video and in 99% of the comments

[@Mani-ks2em]

That random dude who want to know about period:hmm very interesting

[@nahiedlaila9601]

I respect men that actually care and make an effort to understand since it affects men as well when they deal with women, when ur married for example, sisters, daughters etc. You will always have to deal with it so its good to be prepared and know how to handle it haha. Women do really appreciate it when men know what they r going thru and make them feel better about themselves instead of worse so good for you for wanting to be educated on this often overlooked yet soo important topic which a big part of the population has to deal with!👍

[@Mani-ks2em]

@@nahiedlaila9601 welp yes I do agree and I am one of them or at least I try my best to be one (I mean i try become the one who understands evry one)

[@lavine1219]

ngl the title was really intriguing so here i am 💀 also i LOOOVE these sit down videos.. please do more ❤️❤️❤️

[@mariana-vieira]

I will!

[@kamertonaudiophileplayer847]

It is not only your productivity, it is also about your mental stability. When you are few days ahead of a period you can notice that you react on same things quite different, so I would recommend to reduce communications with people beside of absolutely essential.

[@edivaniald]

This was such a good and important video, thank you! 🙏🏽 I hope you are well.

[@durgakulkarni5659]

She's looking like Nupur Sanon😍

[@cjstudio1000]

I’m a guy but I wanna know more

[@suzisaintjames]

I've been looking into this subject lately. Please do a video or give me links on "carbs and my cycle" as I'm thinking that you could adjust your diet to boost your motivation on the days your cycle is slowing you down... Any thoughts on this subject would be helpful... I know you are not a medical person, but with all the research that you have done... I'm thinking that you might have some thoughts. Sending lots of love 💖 from sunny 🌞 Arizona 🌵. 😷

[@carolinaparra5001]

Nice to see your face!!!! :-)

[@lavanyaravichandran8456]

Thank you so much! I’m really grateful people are talking about it! I was so guilty for not being able to complete my school work during my cycleT-T I love creators like you

[@ebinezersamprincea9710]

You look like Nasir from kharma medic

[@Mithrandeer]

This is an extremely important video. thank you for this.

[@applecrumble8625]

really love the tone you struck with this video ❤️

[@LB-ri5hy]

Thisss I envy non menstruating folk when it comes to working out because they can go through the whole calendar year uninterrupted. I always lose momentum when shark week comes around argh 😂😭

[@yasamananvari8274]

Thanks ... Thanks ... Thanks ... 🦋_🦋

[@LisArgollo]

This video is brilliant, period. No pun intended haha

[@nisthanakarmi4511]

Face to face video yayy .... you are rocking it gal !! Looking forward to see more you in your videos ...

[@katherinekharchenko1633]

Oh My God, THANK 👏 YOU 👏 SO 👏 MUCH 👏 FOR 👏 TALKING 👏 ABOUT 👏 THIS 👏

[@karlaoalima]

Recently, I've been reading Giocconda Belli's book, O País das Mulheres, and the characters said something that makes sense. Labour market did not adapt so that women could work, it was women who had to adapt to a double working day

[@MarselinaNehorosheva]

Thank you so much! That’s really important and useful!

[@emielou]

This is a fantastic video, thank you

[@ActiveAdvocate1]

Oh, I'm an absolute monster for two weeks out of every month, and that's with ONEW ovary. My other one went into torsion and had to be removed. I've discussed this with my gynecologic, but she has made it very clear that, because I'm not suicidal, I'm not her problem. So I get to lock myself up in my office for two weeks. It's EVER so fun.

[@rishakumari2803]

Thankyou for talking about this topic. It's most less discussed topic, yet it affects a women and her whole life to such extent throughout our life. ❤️

[@TaylorJohnson1]

Literally cramping right now and my mood is dull. I’d rather be in bed asleep.

[@Carolina-rd3gh]

I’ve thought about this several times. Wonderful and relevant video. ❤️❤️

[@vi3818]

Very important video, thank you Mariana.

[@RekaSG]

Thank you for this!!! 👌❤❤

[@love_anneliese]

I think I should watched more videos like this 🌷 I don’t know I need it until I watched it 💖 thanks for sharing with us 🌟 you are always a role model and inspiration for me as a small creator

[@justalittleguy733]

i think it was fate that i saw this video while trying and failing to be productive. i totally forgot the date! i feel better just thinking about it as now i'm not beating myself up over something i don't have control over. thank you so much for this video - i love your channel!

[@User11ug]

As a student i needed this video before I felt like i was fighting my inner demons to be complete tasks😂 Could you suggest a free app if possible for tracking the cycle

[@prarthanapramod3861]

Thank you for starting this conversation.

[@aalyahjackson8479]

A week before my period I have ZERO motivation or energy to do anything. Luckily, I've been starting getting a hang of it once I started using cycle syncing in my life. I use Bellabeat app to create workout and meal plans based on where I am in my cycle, and my symptoms are finally easing out. Can't wait to see how much more I can improve in different parts of my life.

[@annemaryrussell2239]

I love this video! This is something I've been wondering about this a lot recently, thank you for the tips!

[@chifreabelhudo]

thank you 💞🥺 I'm in my period right now and I have been thinking about this a lot lately. this video came at the perfect time

[@GioZilke]

Voce pensa em portugues?

[@veridianaferreira6760]

Thank you for this video, Mariana!

[@Unfortunatelyinked]

i wanna point out that period after the word period :)

[@mariana-vieira]

Thanks for noticing, it was on purpose 😂

[@blessingclarkson7568]

Thank you for making this video on this subject. Menstruation should not be taboo at all, especially seeing as so many women menstruate, and creating this video helps to go against this cultural misogyny.

[@annickwillis1173]

Thank you for sharing, very helpful!

[@lannac]

Excelente vídeo, muito importante! Precisamos falar mais sobre isso.

[@toyang..]

sudden lack of productivity… 🥺

[@freesimorgh]

This might be a stupid question, but is it different if you are taking birth control pills?

[@madelinethompson1751]

Got the notification for this video as I'm rolling in my bed from aches and cramps, this is definitely a sign

[@hectorperez7453]

Just watching this video to relay information to my female coworkers.

[@NHarts3]

So glad you made an in depth video on this 💖 such an important topic. I'm going through a real energy slump right now because of a delay from my period. The lethargy and lack of motivation can really get you down.

[@jenjencartridge]

Thank you for this video! I am researching my creative productivity for my oil paintings and promotion of my work, and how this is affected by my cycle. This was helpful!

[@mariana-vieira]

So glad it helped!

[@joanasolposto2598]

Obrigada por falares sobre isto Mariana, é muito importante 💕💕🌹

[@clarameller5806]

Thank you that really helped! I needed to hear this

[@mininasuprime]

This Is so important! I'm glad u decided to talk about this

[@alessandra_pia]

Thank you for this video. I am a student, and 12 days before my period (as I enter my luteal phase) I begin to experience extreme lack of concentration and emotional fluctuation. Except, I can’t skip lectures. I can’t avoid my exams that determine my future. This. Is. It! Unfortunately, I’ve bombed exams before due to these hormonal changes. How do I even explain that? I am struggling to cope. In fact, I don’t know how! But, I am trying.

[@mariana-vieira]

The struggle is REAL!

[@ternhaven]

really needed this rn the timing in insane 😭 thank you so much 🤍

[@Olesya1215]

Thank you for rising this topic!

[@andreap2204]

Thank you for talking about this topic. It affects so many of us and it is never discussed. We can always trust you to bring up important issues in a well-documented manner!

[@valeriaperedo1183]

Thanks for this video, Mariana!

[@laceandribbonsviolin]

Thank you so much! You so succinctly explained and summarized it all and I had been needing someone to explain it. I’m 37 and just learning this

[@mariana-vieira]

Happy to help 😊