Wombshine is delighted to welcome the wisdom of Red Rebel FM founder and cycle coach Lisa Higgins to the Periodical!
How often have you pushed through the pain, discomfort, and fatigue when you’re on your period? As a society we’ve been conditioned to view rest as weakness and productivity as a measure of our worth. But as menstruators, our bodies are cyclical by nature, and one of the most powerful acts of self-care we can give ourselves is the permission to rest when we need it most—especially during our periods.
During menstruation, your body is going through a significant process of shedding and renewal. Hormone levels drop, leading to lower energy, and your immune system can weaken as your body works hard to support this natural cycle. While society might tell you to keep going at full speed, ignoring your body’s needs can have serious consequences over time.
When we push through exhaustion, ignore pain, and carry on as if nothing is happening, we’re not only dishonouring our body’s wisdom but also putting ourselves at risk of burnout. Many women experience the long-term effects of constantly "powering through" their periods: chronic fatigue, heightened PMS or PMDD symptoms, and even adrenal fatigue.
What Happens When We Ignore the Need for Rest?
Have you ever been so drained by the end of your period that even the smallest tasks feel overwhelming? Maybe your body feels achy, your mind foggy, and your emotional resilience depleted. These are tell-tale signs that your body is screaming for rest, and yet so many of us try to push through, telling ourselves that it’s just part of being a woman. It doesn’t have to be this way.
Ignoring your body’s need for rest during menstruation can lead to more extreme symptoms such as:
Worsening Menstrual Symptoms: Pain, cramps, and mood swings can escalate when we neglect our body’s needs. Hormonal imbalances, exacerbated by stress, can lead to more intense PMS or even PMDD.
Burnout: You may think you’re “coping,” but the effects of never slowing down can lead to burnout—a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion that takes far longer to recover from than a few restful days each month.
Rest is an Art Form!
Many of us feel there’s simply “no time” to rest at menstruation. Our jobs, personal commitments, social lives, even our self care schedules are booked in advance and often don’t allow for interruption. But resting during your period isn’t about giving up or losing productivity; it’s about aligning with your body’s natural rhythms and restoring energy for the month ahead. It’s about recognising that your body is sending you a clear message: slow down, nourish yourself, and prioritise well-being. It’s also crucial to get a purge of emotions at this time and to come back to yourself on a spiritual level through quiet reflection.
Rest can look different for everyone. It might mean taking time off work or simply doing less. It could involve curling up with a book, enjoying some Wombshine chocolate, listening to a meditation or some music or indulging in a long bath. What matters is that you listen to your body and give it the care it deserves.
By reframing menstruation as a free monthly retreat for yourself, you’re allowing yourself to heal and recharge but also creating space for reflection and inner connection. Honouring this part of your cycle can also lead to greater clarity, creativity, and vitality. If you can’t manage a whole day or two, just think about the 1% rule that we have at The Red Rebel Collective; how can I give myself 1% more rest this coming period? It’s crucial to remember that rest is not a luxury but a necessity. Your body, mind, and spirit will thank you for it.
Lisa Higgins is a Menstruality Mentor teaching women and people who bleed how to optimise their wellbeing through menstruality. She is also the founder or The Red Rebel Collective, an organisation providing menstrual health training, workshops and free resources. They have their own radio station Red Rebel FM - the world's first period positive radio station that showcases emerging women and non-binary DJs and raises awareness of PMDD.
Check out Lisa's free cycle class at https://www.lisahigginscoach.