Stess free PCOS Holidays

 


Tips for stress free holidays with #PCOS


With chronic illness like #PCOS getting through the holidays can be taxing especially when others dont understand your illness.

We often go through each day as most people do and because most symptoms of pcos are not evident to people, they dont think you are sick because you dont look sick. 

So, when symptoms flare up, people dont realize we're in pain or have devastating fatigue, so bad that we can't cook and shop in the same day.

Because what we deal with seems invisible to most, we need to ensure we have a plan in place for self-care, open communication and minimizing stress through the holidays...

There are little things you can do to help get through the holidays, while enjoying the holidays at tge same time!!

Plan it out...

To keep your insulin levels on track carry snacks and water while shopping and traveling, this helps stabilize your metabolism and keep your blood sugar and ultimately keeps insulin levels in check with #PCOS

Many with pcos control symptoms with specific nutritional guidelines like low carb and gluten free.. When you go to a party, ask if you can bring pcos friendly dish that can be shared with others! Let the host know ahead of time you are dealing with a chronic illness that requires you to eat foods tgat wont excaerbate symptoms of your condition!

Give yourself me time....

During the holidays.. Shopping, schedules and obligations can make our stress levels sky rocket.. Stress can cause inflammation which can exacerbate symptoms of #PCOS find time to decompress to alleviate stress with holiday music, a cup of herbal tea or your favorite holiday movie!!

Know your limitations...

It will be much easier to muster the discipline to leave the gathering if you have a plan in place.  Communicate with friends and family and tell them your needs and ability to socialize may differ from others due to your syndrome.. this means you may need to come later, stay a shorter time and leave early.. Many with PCOS  have sleep disorders like sleep apnea and insomnia from hormonal imbalances which means we sometimes need extra rest with less stress because we have higher rates of fatigue


Allow a little indulgence...

It is the holidays! However we often feel guilt if we go off track so, make some adjusments instead... Swap out spirits that are high in sugar, carbs and gluten and replace with a glass or two of wine which has resveratrol

Have a sweet treat... dark chocolate can decrease insulin resistance and an increase insulin sensitivity. Research suggests that eating 40 g of Dark can also be an effective way to reduce stress.

Make it clear...

Conversations amongst all the holiday glitter can sometimes increase anxiety and depression, symptoms associated with PCOS. We need to let others know this is a time to enjoy family and friends we dont want pity, condolence, or worst of all, advice and questions regarding topics which can be sensitive to us like infertility and our weight!! So, you speak up and tell people your dealing with a condition that is in many ways personal and difficult and therefore discussing your health is not a topic of discussion..

Its ok not to be ok with explaining yourself!

So there you have it... keep in mind


1. Plan
2. Communicate
3. Enjoy
4. Relax

PCOS  May be difficult at times but you are not broken and youre not alone...

Happy Holidays to all my amazing followers keep burning bright and let your inner strength shine!

Much Love,
Ashley
@PCOSgurl

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