PCOS & Me: Living and Wellness

When it comes to managing PCOS, exercise can be incredibly beneficial for improving hormone balance, reducing insulin resistance, and boosting overall mental and physical well-being. However, it’s important to find a routine that is manageable and tailored to your body’s needs, rather than stressing yourself out and pushing yourself too hard. In this post, I'll be explaining my ideal, balanced exercise routine that has worked wonders for me when it comes to PCOS management. 1. Start with Gentle Cardio Low-impact cardio can be great for supporting your heart health and helping your body use insulin more effectively. Here are a few activities I like to alternate between: Walking : A brisk 20-30 minute walk a few times a week can do wonders for your energy levels and stress reduction. Even if you're not focusing on your pace and going slow, incorporating more walking into your everyday life is still is still incredibly beneficial for your health in all aspects. I always aim to hav...

Managing PCOS often means finding ways to balance hormones, including reducing cortisol—the “stress hormone.” Elevated cortisol can worsen PCOS symptoms like weight gain, sleep issues, and even hormone imbalances. Crafting a calming night-time routine can help lower cortisol levels and promote restful sleep, which can be beneficial for all, not just PCOS sufferers. Below are some steps I try to follow as part of my bedtime routine to lower stress and consistently get a good nights sleep. 1. Wind Down with a Warm, Calming Beverage I love to start my bedtime routine with a comforting, warm cup of decaf tea. Herbal teas like chamomile, spearmint, or lemon balm are great options for helping the body relax. Chamomile and lemon balm, in particular, have mild sedative properties that can naturally reduce cortisol and ease anxiety. I sometimes like to ass a little bit of almond milk, which contains magnesium—a mineral that helps relax muscles and reduce stress. 2. Red-Light Therapy to Soot...