You may be wondering what the purpose of using a period app is if you are already tracking on paper or why you would need to use a paper calendar if you are using an app on your phone. Still, the reality is that paper tracking and period apps go hand in hand and are two sides of the same coin. Let’s explore four steps so you know how to use a period app when tracking your period on paper.
Enter in your most recent period information into our app.
If you have the information on your past few periods, enter that in as well. You’ll see highlights of your past cycle and where you are now and calmer colors indicating what is coming up.
Grab your paper planner and a pen.
You can create personal markings or symbols or use our same color coordinating system, but mark where your last period was and where you are now. Some prefer to write down their period and ovulation, whereas others highlight them at the top of the dates in their monthly calendar layout. Do what works best for you.
In this example, she marks the days starting at day 1, and writes those next to the dates on each day. She put a 1/2 on day 14, the midpoint of her ovulation. To highlight the days she was bleeding, she used brackets and counted out the days till she bleeds again. She knows day 17 or 18 roughly begins her Luteal stage, so the counting works well for her; whereas you may want your own system to mark the differences in phases if you don’t bleed as regularly.
Look at what is on your calendar.
Sometimes if something is in two different places, it’s hard to see what overlaps and what doesn’t. Having your period in your paper planner alongside your upcoming tasks can make it clear that the big project launch that will be three days before your period might either need to be shifted to a different date. Knowing this info means you may choose instead to clear some space on your schedule to help make it easier to do depending on your energy during your Luteal Phase. Shift around what can be moved, so you feel clear about your cycle and schedule in the upcoming month.
Take notes on big days.
Perhaps you have cramps on certain days or headaches. If you are tracking other symptoms in your paper calendar, you can transfer them into your app in the notes section. Your paper planner can help you see any patterns at a glance as you add things to your schedule. Use your app to see what is projected so you can plan accordingly.
Both paper and app are fantastic for planning, but together they can help ensure nothing falls through the cracks and you have all the tools you need to feel supported through your cycle and beyond.
Ready to download our app and dive in? Grab the App on Google Play here, or on the Apple Store here! Want another way to track and plan? Download our pdf planner of The Agenda. here!