How Embracing Inner Winter Can Ease Premenstrual Symptoms

In this post, I’m going to explore your inner winter—also known as your menstrual phase—and how this time in your cycle can support your healing if you experience PMS or PMDD.

What is Inner Winter?

Your inner winter is the time of your bleed, including the day before it starts. This phase is all about rest. But I know this can feel unrealistic for many of us. Whether you’re juggling work, family, or other commitments, finding time to rest can feel like a luxury.

For those of us with ADHD, like me, it can feel especially hard. But this doesn’t mean you have to give up. Even just 1% of what you need—five minutes to breathe or a moment to be still—can make a difference. Every little bit counts when it comes to nourishing yourself.

Why Rest During Your Period Helps with PMS and PMDD

When you take time to rest during your period, you’re building a buffer for the premenstrual phase. I’ve talked about this before—it’s like nurturing the part of yourself that can hold everything that comes up later. By caring for yourself during menstruation, you strengthen the nurturing, generative adult within you, giving you more resilience when the challenges of PMS or PMDD arise.

The Five Chambers of Menstruation

One of the ways menstruation can support healing is through what my mentors at Red School call the "Five Chambers of Menstruation." These chambers reflect the psychospiritual process we go through during our bleed when we allow things to flow naturally.

One key chamber is Renewal, a beautiful space where we fill our cup with love. It’s not romantic or passionate love, but more like the gentle, unconditional love of a grandmother. This sense of deep, self-sustaining love helps carry us through the rest of our cycle, including the difficult premenstrual phase.

What if You Experience Pain During Your Period?

You might be thinking, “This all sounds great, but my period is hell.” I hear you. I’ve been there, and I still experience some menstrual pain. But what I’ve learned is that the more I rest, the less pain I have. Your menstrual cycle is incredibly intelligent, and pain can be a signal from your body that something needs attention.

This is not about pathologizing—your body is not broken. Instead, it’s about being curious and seeing what your cycle is trying to tell you about where you might need healing.

Challenges to Resting During Inner Winter

There are two common challenges I see when it comes to resting during menstruation:

• ADHD and Guilt Around Resting: For those of us with ADHD, taking true rest (without guilt!) can be incredibly difficult. We’re often conditioned to believe that if we’re not being productive, we’re not worthy. So slowing down enough during Inner Winter can be quite challenging
• Codependency and Fear of Abandonment: If you struggle with codependency or fear of being abandoned, stepping back and taking time for yourself can feel threatening. We often base our self-worth on being there for others, and it can feel scary to say no.

What About You?

I’d love to know how you experience your inner winter. Do you struggle with resting, or does it come easily to you? How does your menstrual phase show up for you, and where do you find yourself meeting resistance?

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