Living with PCOS is a journey filled with its ups and downs. A diagnosis of PCOS can be life-changing, but it’s only a part of your story. You could take charge of your PCOS and not let it define you. Here are some insights that I’ve learned to be helpful at managing symptoms and risk factors.
Small lifestyle changes could go a long way to improving your overall health. Exercise doesn’t have to mean spending hours at the gym. Activities such as hiking, bike-riding, and dancing are great ways to get much-needed physical activity, while still having fun. Aside from exercise, it’s important to focus on mental health as well. Activities such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and yoga could help reduce stress levels and curb some of the mental impacts associated with the hormonal imbalance from PCOS.
Managing your diet is an important part of living with PCOS, due to the potential for excessive weight gain and insulin resistance. It is important to avoid foods that are high in simple sugars or saturated fat. Instead, it is better to choose fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, healthy unsaturated fats, complex carbohydrates (such as brown rice).
It can be challenging to manage your PCOS on a daily basis. It’s okay to make mistakes. It’s okay to not want to exercise today. It’s all about learning about and loving your body, inside and out. It’s ultimately about trying to reduce the likelihood of complications in the future. We’re here for you every step of the way. Every single day is an opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, and together, we can navigate this journey with courage and strength.
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