Hear What Your Body has to Say! #BeingWell

So let’s take a minute to self-examine ourselves and how much do we really listen to what our body is trying to convey? Have you often felt your shoulders and neck getting strained from sitting too long in your work chair? Or heard the cracking sound of your knees?

Well at every point in time, your body is trying to reach out to you to either warn or embrace your efforts or lack of attention. I don’t mean to sound preachy but someone MUST take the step to talk about mental and physical health, however, I believe in Pakistan we are all afraid of being judged and stigmatized. But for what reason? We all have people around us that love and care, offering the most genuine advice if needed so why not reach out before it’s too late?

Now jumping to the part - what gave me the real push towards implementing a healthier lifestyle and eating habits? Well, this journey began about 9 months ago when I found myself suffering from Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) symptoms AGAIN after a good long break. Drowning in my own distress & depression, I tried to lift myself emotionally as much as one can in a state as such. I’m grateful for having a great family support system that includes my super admirable fiancé and a supporting doctor who provides mental and physical health support.

Currently I’m going through my last month for the medication which was given by my doctor and I have finally decided to share my experience & tips on overcoming the depression of dealing with a life-long syndrome. Because you may not be able to get rid of PCOS but you can afford to rid those negative vibes to look at the bright side.

So a few quick tips & tricks you should always look out for in case you’re wondering whether you have the symptoms for PCOS or you’re generally noticing changes in your body:

- Unusual or recurring acne patterns

- Unintentional weight loss or weight gain (especially swelling around the abdominal area)

- Unwanted facial hair growth

- Unpredictable mood swings and unwillingness to do much during your days

- Trouble conceiving

*Note that symptoms may vary from person to person depending on their stage of the syndrome.

I have done plenty of research & profound first-hand conversations with people dealing with PCOS, it might surprise you to know that 1 in every 7 women suffer from this condition on a lifetime basis – you can, however, improve PCOS with dietary and lifestyle changes.

Many and most of my friends and peers have suffered from this at some certain stage of their life, likewise many give up not caring about it after learning that its recurring or a lifetime condition. Whereas, some are like me, continuing to battle against it through a healthier eating pattern, lifestyle changes and embracing positivity and an uplifting state of mind.

Below are a few of the individuals that have inspired me and driven me to execute these changes in my life over time, and till yet I’m praying I stick to these recommendations, rules, and formulas to stay on the ‘improved’ side rather than facing another relapse in the near future.

- Pick up Limes by Sadia, a Canadian foodie and Dietetics graduate currently living in the Netherlands.

- Simply Quinoa by Alyssa, sharing the love for nutritious and delicious food recipes.

- Heather Robertson, internationally recognized fitness influencer, model and highly sought after health and wellness coach.

- POPSUGAR Fitness, offers fresh fitness tutorials, workouts and exercises to help you on your road to healthy living, weight loss and stress relief.

- Mona Rand, a pharmacist who believes in the power of food and natural healing as a first choice and medicine as a last resort.

- Tasty.Co is the world’s largest food network, inspiring millions of people to cook and eat healthy (check out their vegan and healthy recipes for a healthier You.)

- PCOS Girl, a girl with a B.S. in Nutrition helping women with PCOS find balance and food freedom.

So after deriving plenty of motivation & self-live alike these influencers, I began on a journey to make myself healthy with a positive mind and good health – eating habits + fitness. Although I know it can be challenging to fit in a workout routine during working days, but hey no excuse here, I’ve bought myself a yoga mat which I use to do Aerobics, Pilates, Cardio Exercises & Yoga – duh! So put on your positive faces of girls because we have to overcome our low morale and win ourselves over with optimism.

Stay tuned for more positive vibes and information on how to counter your confusions, dislikes, concerns and finally kick-starting a healthier lifestyle. #BeingWell