Laetitia Felix On Hidden Wisdom of Your Cycle: How the Body Protects You When You’re Not Ready

Recently, I noticed my period hadn’t arrived for over 40 days, which doesn’t usually happen. I was utterly exhausted, low on energy, and experiencing all the usual symptoms, yet I sensed my body was holding on — though I wasn’t sure why. It turned out my anaemia had worsened, and my iron levels were critically low; even a bleed could have put me in danger. The day after my iron infusion, my period began.

It felt as if my body was saying, “Now I feel safe.”

This small experience reminded me just how deeply our bodies protect us — often in ways we do not consciously understand. Your body is always checking whether it has what it needs to feel safe: for energy, for healing, and even for creating new life.

Sometimes, a delay, a pause, or a symptom is not a problem. It is your body protecting you, preserving energy, keeping you strong, and waiting until conditions are right. Paying attention to these signals helps you respond to its needs instead of reacting with frustration — especially when it comes to conception.

Empowerment Through Awareness

Your body constantly sends signals through energy levels, moods, digestion, your cycle, and even subtle aches or tension. Connecting to these signals is not about forcing answers or judging what you feel; it’s about creating a safe space to listen deeply.

Stress plays a huge role in how your body prioritises energy and resources. When we’re in fight-or-flight mode, triggered by:

Overthinking or constant self-talk

Social media pressure or comparison

Unresolved fears or worries

Poor work-life balance

Challenging relationships

Lack of self-care or rest

And more

Our body interprets this as unsafe. When the body feels unsafe, reproduction and conception become low priorities. Your cycles, hormones, and fertility are sensitive to these signals because your body’s first job is survival.

Practical Ways to Tune In and Support Your Body

Mindful check-ins: Notice energy, emotions, and physical sensations. Where do you feel tension? Where is there ease?

Journalling with intention: Ask your body, “What am I needing right now?” or “What would help me feel safe to move forward?”

Breath and body scans: Slowly scan your body from head to toe, noticing areas of tightness, heaviness, or warmth. These are messages.

Mind-body practices: Yoga, mindfulness exercises, meditation connecting to your heart and womb, EFT (tapping), and other somatic practices.

Restorative self-care rituals: Baths, nourishing food, quiet time, nature walks — anything that signals safety to your nervous system.

Cycle and pattern awareness: Track your cycle and energy, noticing shifts with hormones, stress, and lifestyle. Delays or changes are often messages, not problems.

Reflection Prompts

How is my body keeping me safe right now?

What is it asking me for more of or less of?

What would it need to feel safe enough to let go, open, or move forward?

What patterns, sensations, or stressors have I been ignoring that my body is trying to bring to my attention?

By noticing, listening, and responding, you begin to build trust in your body’s wisdom. This is especially important for conception, but not only that; your body knows when it’s ready and when it needs support, nourishment, and a sense of safety. Consider yourself a partner with your body — working together to create the conditions for health, balance, and life.