The Autumn Shift and The Luteal Phase

It’s the best time of the year!

As the golden leaves start to fall and the air turns crisp, autumn invites us to slow down, reflect, and prepare for rest. This seasonal shift isn’t just a backdrop for cozy sweaters and pumpkin spice; it’s a powerful rhythm that mirrors the natural cycles inside our bodies—especially the menstrual cycle’s luteal phase.

Autumn energy is about winding down with intention. It’s a time to gather the fruits of your summer labor, savor what you’ve created, and gently transition from outward expansion to inward reflection. 

The world slows, the light softens, and the emphasis is on family, friendship, and community. Creativity during this season isn’t about rapid-fire productivity but thoughtful, soulful work.

If you track your cycle, autumn aligns perfectly with the luteal phase, the post-ovulation stretch leading up to menstruation. I like to think of each week of the cycle as a different season of the year, and as menstruating people, we experience this year-long shift every month.

During the luteal phase, energy naturally shifts inward, meaning your body asks for more rest, your mind craves reflection, and your creative output moves from spontaneous bursts to more structured, detailed work.

So what does this mean for your creative flow?

• Honor your energy. Instead of pushing for new ideas or starting big projects, focus on refining, editing, and organizing. This is your time to polish what’s already there.

• Slow your pace. Autumn’s energy pairs perfectly with gentle routines, so think shorter work sessions, regular breaks, and cozy, focused environments.

• Trust your intuition. This phase is one of the most intuitive. Creative work may feel more emotional, nostalgic, or sensitive. Lean into that. Journal, sketch, or explore your ideas with softness.

• Rest and reset. Whether you’re in luteal week, autumn season, or both, give yourself permission to pause. Your best ideas often come when you’re not forcing them, but allowing space for incubation.

Remember: autumn and the luteal phase alike remind us that creativity isn’t just about constant doing. It’s about rhythm, balance, and listening to what your body and spirit need. Embrace this shift as an invitation to nurture your inner world. Your creativity will bloom all the better come spring.