Creating a healthier lifestyle to manage my polycystic ovary syndrome
- Meg Clifford
- Nov 27, 2020
- 2 min read
Updated: Sep 30, 2021
I have been blogging about my PCOS journey for a while now (although I have had a break for a few months) and have mainly been focusing on how PCOS has impacted my life. I want to move my blog in a slightly new direction (but don't worry, I will still be blogging about my PCOS) - I'll be posting more content about how I'm getting healthier and fitter both physically and mentally whilst living with polycystic ovary syndrome.
Joining a yoga studio
I recently signed up for my first yoga class. I've never been big on mindfulness and yoga and had always thought it was a bit of a waste of time. The idea of a bunch of adults in a room saying 'Ummmmm' made me feel a bit weird and I definitely didn't think it would be for me. However, I recently experienced my first class and my preconceptions were given a good shake.
After being diagnosed with panic disorder and anxiety, my doctor suggested mindfulness and exercise would be a good way to try and move away from focusing on the negatives and making my panic worse. I was dismissive of this idea but nevertheless, I signed up to my nearest studio for an introduction class.
My first class of Hatha Yoga
This was a strange experience... I finished work slightly later than usual so arrived at the class when the only available mat was right at the front of the class next to the instructor. On my mat were a blanket, a very small exercise ball and a cylinder-shaped cushion.
My immediate thought was 'oh dear - why am I at the front, this is going to be awful!'
The class started with some deep breathing and then we had to lie down on our mats and continue the deep breathing.
To my surprise, I actually did start to feel relaxed. All my negative thought started to fade away as I focused on my breathing. The cylinder cushion was very comfy to use, especially when doing neck stretches which did also make me feel very sleepy!
My anxiety means I have a lot of tension built up in my body, and the stretching genuinely felt really good.
At the end of the class, I remember thinking that it really wasn't that bad and that I had actually enjoyed the session. I did feel that next time I would try something more physically demanding - I've signed up to Pilates next! I'll update my blog once I've been and let you know how it went!
A healthier Meg
Moving forward, as I said in my intro, I will be including more posts around my journey to a healthier life both physically and mentally. If you'd like to follow along, don't forget to subscribe to my blog. You can also follow my journey on socials - I'll add these down below!
I would love you to follow my journey on social media and drop me a comment or message to say hey!
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