The Best Summer Playlist For Each Phase Of Your Cycle

Throughout your cycle, your hormones ebb and flow. As a result, your body and mind go through lots of changes. You may prefer a quiet night in over socializing, crave a rare steak, or feel more energized to complete a strenuous workout. You may even notice a change in your music choice depending on what phase of the cycle you’re in! It’s totally normal. Just like it’s important to give your body the extra rest, food, or self-care it needs based on what phase you’re in, it can be equally important to use entertainment like music to support each phase and keep you feeling your best. 

Menstrual

Day 1 of your cycle. Your period has started. Your body craves rest and needs extra nourishment. You may feel especially tired and need extra sleep, be a little moodier, and your workouts might feel harder to complete. Your friends have invited you to join them for a lake day, but you just don’t feel up to it. And that’s okay!

Music that is soft, relaxing, and supports a calm mind can be especially helpful during your menstrual phase.

This is the perfect time to listen to your body and allow it to recharge. Music that is soft, relaxing, and supports a calm mind can be especially helpful during your menstrual phase. Pull up these songs while lounging in some morning sun (Vitamin D is especially crucial at this time!), practicing slow, deep breathing, and hydrating with some coconut water. 

Lana Del Rey always comes through with awesome summer tunes, not to mention her voice is incredibly soothing. “Say Yes to Heaven,” “Chemtrails over the Country Club,” and the classic “Summertime Sadness” are great for supporting this physically and mentally demanding phase of your cycle. Austin Farwell, a skilled pianist, has great singles that make you feel like you’re lying in a flower-covered field on sunny rolling hills, a place I think we’d all enjoy during our menstrual phase.

You may have already heard his hits “New Home” and “Once Upon a Time.” Some other favorites to include in your menstrual phase playlist are The Lone Bellows’ “Honey,” Stephen Sanchez’s “Until I Found You,” as well as pretty much anything from Zach Bryan (hello, “Summertime Blues”), Gregory Alan Isakov, Explosions in the Sky, and prm. 

Follicular

Your period typically lasts three to seven days, and now you’re moving on to the follicular phase. Your energy increases, your mood improves, and you’re generally feeling more upbeat and social. Now you’re feeling more excited about joining your friends floating down the river or trying yoga in the park. 

Now is a good time to start cranking up the tunes! Empire of the Sun’s “Walking on a Dream,” “Alive,” and “Standing on the Shore” are perfect for your sunny day jog, as your body is more energized to take on physically demanding workouts. “Pumpin’ Blood” by NONONO and Jane Doze and “Lil’ Bit” by Nelly and Florida Georgia Line are great songs to kick off a day boating with friends. Lana Del Rey definitely gets another shoutout for “Summertime Sadness,” only this time give the Cedric Gervais remix a listen. It still has Lana’s class but adds an upbeat pace that will get you pumped up to try out the rope swing on the lake. Some honorable mentions include Ian Munsick’s “Mountain Time,” Miley Cyrus’s “Party in the U.S.A.,” and Josh Abbott Band’s “Real Damn Good.”  

Ovulatory 

The main event of your cycle has arrived – ovulation! If you have a 28-day cycle, you’ll typically ovulate around day 14. At this time, your body releases an egg with the hopes it will be fertilized. You’re probably feeling especially frisky around this time, and your confidence is soaring. It’s time to put on your tallest cowboy boots and join your friends at the local rodeo for bull-ridin’ and cowboy-watchin’.

Carly Rae Jepsen’s “Runaway With Me,” Queen’s “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and Fifth Harmony’s “That’s My Girl” should be top of your list for the drive. If you love the classics, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers never disappoint – “Don’t Do Me Like That,” “American Girl,” and “Learning to Fly” are all ideal dance-on-the-dock tunes. For the country lovers, Morgan Wallen’s “Ain’t That Some,” Dierks Bentley and Brothers Osborne’s “Burning Man,” and Jon Pardi’s “Night Shift” will give you that extra confidence (not that you need it!) to ask the cute guy at the fair if he’d like to ride the Ferris wheel with you. 

You’re probably feeling ready to take on a tough workout around ovulation, which is best accompanied by music that motivates.

It’s also the perfect time to host a summer BBQ, and good music will be a must! Borns’ “Electric Love” has such feel-good vibes, and anything from Walk the Moon will be sure to keep you an enthusiastic hostess. Don’t forget about AC/DC and Florida Georgia Line!

Lastly, you’re probably feeling ready to take on a tough workout around ovulation, and a trail run or challenging hike is best accompanied by music that motivates. Fifth Harmony’s “Work From Home,” Olivia Holt and Martin Jensen’s “Generous,” and Martin Garrix, Bebe Rexha, and DallasK’s “In the Name of Love” are the perfect mix of strong and sexy that’ll help you crush whatever workout you choose. If you wear headphones during your workout in a public area, make sure you’re aware of your surroundings and staying safe!

Luteal 

It’s around day 18, ovulation has passed, and your body starts winding down in preparation for menstruation. You may start to feel more fatigued, less social, and your emotions might feel like you’re on a roller coaster (and not the fun kind). Much like your menstrual phase, your luteal phase is a good time to slow down and reflect, tune in to your emotions, and get extra rest. This time might be ideal to do some low-key, solo ventures. Try visiting the farmers market, berry picking at your local farm, or going on a solo picnic in the park with your journal and some tunes. 

Similar to your menstrual phase, slower-paced music is perfect for this time. Josiah and the Bonneville’s “Anti-Hero” (the country version), Ian Munsick’s “Horses are Faster,” The Wilder Blue’s “Palomino Gold,” Kacey Musgrave’s “Golden Hour,” and Kendrick Lamar and Zacari’s “LOVE” all fit the perfect vibe of slow and steady with a little extra zest compared to the menstrual phase tunes. A few artists that generally fit this vibe include This Will Destroy You, Sting (“Fields of Gold” is a classic), The Lumineers, Flatland Cavalry, and Vance Joy. 

Closing Thoughts 

As always, it’s important to listen to what your body wants during all phases of your cycle. Every woman is unique and may have different preferences throughout the month. Most importantly, music should make you feel good! Listening to the tunes that brighten your day and keep you enjoying the hot summer will help you stay positive during every phase of your cycle. 

If you’d like to learn more about why you feel the way you do during each phase, download the free feminine fitness app 28. It not only recommends food and workouts for each phase of the cycle, but also gives you great insight on how to support your body throughout the month. 

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