Last night I started my period again – a day early. It’s been a full cycle since I began to write a period journal and use Mood Runner Mood & Period Tracker to track my moods, symptoms, and health habits. Usually a month just flies by, but this past month seemed longer, more substantial and memorable. Here are some of the benefits I’ve gained from my period journal.

I am more in touch with my feelings. A couple of times a day I get into the habit of asking myself, “How do I feel?” and record my moods on Mood Runner Mood & Period Tracker. I’ve noticed that my mood and energy level usually peak in the morning and dip at around 5-6pm. It goes back up again in the evening after some walking or yoga.

I am more able to change an undesirable mood to a desirable one. Sometimes when I felt moody, I would ask myself, “How do I want to feel?” I would then select a desired mood on  Mood Runner Mood & Period Tracker. Interestingly, the simple act of tapping on the desired mood icon helped me shift my mood toward it.

I am more in touch of my natural rhythms. I’ve learned to listen to my natural rhythms throughout the day and throughout my cycle. And instead of fighting them, I’ve learned to synchronize my daily activities with them. I’ve also noticed that, for me, sleep and energy level have a direct effect on my moods.

It motivates me to keep my exercise regime. It’s helped me build a rhythmic exercise routine: 40-60 minute walks every Monday and Wednesday, 90 minutes yoga class every Tuesday and Thursday, Friday off, and a long hike on a weekend day.

It reminds me to take my supplements. I generally eat pretty healthy. And being Chinese I have the mindset of getting all my nutrients from food – but that didn’t work so well for me. For a while, I had fatigue as well as mood and energy fluctuations. Now I am reminded to take my calcium, magnesium and iron pills daily.

It helps to anchor my day. By recording my moods and what’s going on in my day, I feel more grounded and anchored. There is something therapeutic and magical about putting things down on paper. If it is a joyful thing, it feeds more joy. If it is a stressful thing, it helps sooth emotions. I feel more alive and my days seem fuller.

Do you keep a period journal? If you do, care to share your experience? If you don’t, I highly recommend you start one. You’ll be amazed by how much you’ll learn and grow from it.

Use our Mood and Period Tracker to track moods, cycles and health habits. Live better, love better and feel better!