🌿 Balancing Work, Life & Pleasure – with Teodora Sabau

Umaversity
May 4
4 min read

Interview by Jo Sarah | Founder of Umaversity

What if work-life balance as a woman+ had nothing to do with “having it all” — and everything to do with rhythm, cycles, and intention?

In this grounded and powerful conversation with menstrual cycle coach Teodora Sabau, we talk about navigating career, pleasure, and daily life in tune with your body. Teodora blends science, mindset, hormones, and heart — helping women+ reconnect with their cyclical nature to live with more ease, clarity, and joy.

📺 Watch the full Interview on the Umaversity Podcast

Let’s start with you, Teodora — who are you and what’s your mission?

“I’m a menstrual cycle coach. I use the cycle as a tool for self-discovery. When women+ reconnect with their bodies, they start feeling what truly works for them. And that’s when everything changes — the mindset, the choices, the healing.”

Teodora’s approach is part mindset, part hormones. “Our inner dialogue never leaves us. You can disconnect from people, but not from your own mind. That’s why mastering your mindset is key. And when you add hormones into the picture — which affect everything from emotions to metabolism — you unlock the whole map of your well-being.”

So today we’re talking about balancing work, life, and pleasure. Where do we even begin?

“Balance isn’t about perfection. It’s about zooming out. We often judge our lives by one stressful day. But just like reading a graph, you have to pull back to see the trend. Are you thriving overall? Then you're more in balance than you think.”

Teodora uses the metaphor of a table with four legs:

Nutrition – what fuels you
Physical – how your body moves
Emotional – your daily emotional load
Spiritual – your purpose, beliefs, and connection

“If one leg is wobbly, the whole table is unstable. You don’t need to give all four equal energy, but you do need to give them all attention.”

I love that. But balance shifts, right? Depending on your life stage?

“Exactly. Balance is fluid. A woman+ in her 20s might prioritize love and friendship. In her 30s, maybe it’s career. Later, family. I’m currently in a ‘build-my-business’ phase. I’m giving 70% of my energy to work so I can slow down later when I start a family — and I’ve made peace with that.”

What tools help you zoom out when you feel overwhelmed?

“I use a visualization exercise. I imagine zooming out — like Google Maps. First my room, then my city, my country, the whole Earth. Suddenly, that stressful decision feels small. I remember the bigger picture. It brings instant clarity.”

Do you have rituals to support this kind of clarity?

“Yes! At the start of each cycle, I do 3 things:

Mark my cycle phases in my calendar — so I can schedule tasks based on my strengths.
Tell my partner — so he knows when I’ll want rest or fun.
Set a goal for the cycle — one intention that guides all my decisions that month.

It's like monthly micro-manifesting. It helps me stay aligned.”

How do you balance pleasure — even in busy times?

“Schedule it. Don’t make it robotic, but make it intentional. Whether it’s dates, sex, or time with friends — if it matters to you, make space for it.”

Teodora adds: “Balance isn’t just work vs. rest. There are three types of moments you need:

Moments of stress
Moments of nothing (like TV or scrolling)
Moments that heal inflammation and stress (like walking, dancing, yoga)

True balance comes from those healing moments. They reset the system.”

That hits so hard. I love my work but I can overdo it — breathwork, Yin yoga, dancing — those are my rituals.

“Yes! And those moments of intention are what keep you in balance. Even if you love your work, your nervous system still needs to recalibrate.”

How do you personally balance fitness and nutrition as a woman+ entrepreneur?

“My focus is business right now. But I know I need good fuel to do it well. So fitness and food are non-negotiable — even if I’m not obsessed with being lean anymore.”

My go-to movement? Weightlifting.

“Weightlifting isn’t just about aesthetics. It supports hormonal health, especially as estrogen declines. It protects against insulin resistance, fat gain, and bone loss later in life.”

For breakfast?

“Always savory. Eggs, cottage cheese, avocado — low carb, high protein. Protein supports dopamine, which helps with focus. Carbs spike serotonin and give you that dreamy, floaty vibe — which is great if you want a soft day, but not if you need to get sh*t done.”

What if someone has a full day of meetings — and they’re on their period?

“If you can, don’t book heavy days on your period. That’s when your body is lowest in energy and needs rest. How you care for yourself during menstruation determines the quality of the rest of your cycle.”

And if you can’t avoid a busy day?

“Plan in recovery time before and after. It’s about energy budgeting.”

What about women+ with PCOS or irregular cycles — how do they stay balanced?

“Even if your cycle isn’t regular, you can still create rhythm. Track how you feel, sprinkle in your rituals, and zoom out monthly. Evaluate: did I allow time for rest? Did I give myself love? That’s your foundation.”

Wow. That’s such a beautiful reframe. So… where can our community find you?

“You can find me on Instagram at @thesyncway, or visit thesyncway.com for coaching and resources. I also run a newsletter and will open a new group program in May!”

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