This year has been a difficult one for everyone.
I bet you entered January thinking 2020 was going to be your year. Don’t worry, you certainly aren’t alone so that should be comforting to remember we’re all in this together. Then through PCOS into the mix and we’re really struggling!
Most of us are working from home, trying to juggle relationships, family and children all while trying to social distance. The rules don’t seem to make sense half the time, and frustration is probably up there with a top emotion we’re all feeling.
I guess it’s the fear of the unknown.
Not knowing if or when we are going back into lockdown.
Will the borders suddenly close again? Will I not be able to see my partner? Can I escape my home life just to socialize with my friends and catch a break!?
It’s all very unsettling, and I can completely understand if you’ve struggled with your mental health.
Women with PCOS are much more likely to suffer with anxiety, depression and poor mental health than women without. 40% more likely infact! So the added coronavirus has put an extra strain of uncertainty across us all.
Many of you asked me to write a blog on mental health, and my coping mechanisms behind it. So here it is ladies, I really do hope this helps you.
I know we are about to enter 2021, and many of our goals and aspirations can’t truly be made as things could get in the way that are completely out of our control.
But first off, remember – you are okay. You are doing JUST fine.
You are loved, you are worthy and you are supported.
These I do feel we take for granted and forget quite easily.
1) DON’T AIM FOR PERFECTION
When it comes to our PCOS diet plan, it’s probably the number one thing we need to adjust and get right in order to help our hormones.
Covid has pushed a spree of panic across the world. Many shelves are empty and people are buying items they might not need.
This might mean you can’t get access to healthy produce everyday or PCOS friendly foods.
It’s okay. Don’t panic and remain calm. Do the best with what you have.
Remember this is temporary and things will go back to normal soon. Continue to make healthy choices where you can, and if you’re on a weight loss journey start picking lower calorie foods.
See it as a new challenge, what’s the healthiest meal you can whip up? Tinned vege, chickpeas, tinned tuna etc
2) EXERCISE
Have you ever walked out of a workout and felt worse? No, me neither.
Exercise is literally medicine. It pumps endorphins around our body filling us with happy thoughts and energy. There are so many great exercise videos available now. If you struggle with motivation, speak to your nearest gym.
I guarantee you they are doing home workout videos, many are live with the instructors and this will give you the boost you need.
Find a schedule, commit to 3-4 a week and GET IT DONE!!
3) START KEEPING A DIARY
Keeping a diary and writing our thoughts down can definitely help with reducing anxiety and finding clarity.
Make sure to write down 3 affirmations everyday and what you are grateful for. Use it to keep track of your cycle and how you feel both physically and emotionally.
Keeping a food diary will also help to keep you on track, especially if on a weight loss journey.
4) DON’T EMOTIONALLY SELF ISOLATE
Yes we can’t go out and socialise like we used to. But that doesn’t mean you should hide away and ignore your friends and family.
We are blessed with so much technology and communication has never been easier. It’s fast, free and fun!
We need each other.
We need human connection.
Start to reach out and book in some calls. Wine Wednesdays did someone say? Create some old friend whatsapp groups, reflect on memories and share old photos/videos. It really will boost your happiness and help with anxiety
5) TURN THE NEWS OFF!
When I was back in the UK, I couldn’t help but think how negative our news is and how it had such an impact on how I felt every day.
It’s the same with social media. If you scroll through and there are photos of influencers that make you doubt yourself, UNFOLLOW THEM.
Do not compare yourself to anyone. You are doing great and are an amazing human.
Start the day with some yoga or exercise, make a green juice, fresh shower, lather on the moisturiser and put something nice on. It makes such a difference to your anxiety and productivity levels.
Put it this way, if there was something super important on the news you really needed to know about – you would.
Put on a comedy or a funny series and laugh! What life is about.
6) BREATHE
Might sound silly, but there is a lot of proof in the pudding about breathing and how it really can calm you.
Take some time to meditate – download the calm app or search ‘meditation’ on your podcast app. I’ve been putting them on to help me get to sleep recently, and it’s made a dramatic difference.
TO CONCLUDE
If there is one positive that has come out of 2020 I genuinely feel it’s the fact we are all talking more and supporting each other more. I really hope it’ll make people be kinder and offer a shoulder to cry on when someone needs it.
Your thoughts are worthy, and someone will listen. Please never sit in silence. I did it for years and that’s where I ended up suffering with severe anxiety and depression.
Be kind to yourself.
Allow room for mistakes.
You can’t be the best version of you every single day! We need to treat ourselves with a lot more love and grace.
Wherever you are in the world I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment or pop me a DM and let’s chat.
Oh – If you want to work with me in 2021 to heal your PCOS for good, I still have some coaching slots available.
I’ll help you reverse your PCOS as well as being your shoulder to cry on. Your supporter. Your friend.
Hope to hear from you soon,
