Ushasi Sinha, a fashion model based out of the New Jersey New York area. She loves creating being extremely passionate about art. The dreamer in her is always eager to try something new. She shares her personal ups & downs with PCOS.
According to her “The lens is a powerful medium to express the strongest emotions of the human mind. I believe in articulating them through my eyes, postures, and unique style.”
She is internationally published, committed to her work, and respects the value of punctuality, reliability, and teamwork.
Ushasi input on PCOS management & lifestyle modification
The first time that you realized you had a hormonal imbalance and needed to consult a specialist
My journey of depression a few years ago was interlinked with certain health issues. Back in 2008 I suffered from severe Hepatitis B which eventually left me with a relapse and the post recovery process took a toll on my mental health. It was during those two and half years I figured the hormonal imbalance along with eventual weight gain which kind of shattered my confidence to quite an extent compelling me to consult a specialist.
Challenges in the journey to control and manage PCOS
I was working for Kingfisher Airlines those days and our flight schedule demanded an insanely compromised personal life. The long hours and nonstop travel made it almost impossible for me to go for medical consultations on a regular basis. That consequently affected my health and led to the challenges of dealing with PCOS adequately. But soon I changed my job profile and spent more time on the ground following a 9-5 training roster; hence it became more convenient to keep a check on my oscillating hormones.
Role of exercise to gain control over PCOS. Your exercise routine: time, type of exercise, failures, and success
I would define myself as a fitness addict but when it comes to food, I am quite liberal and do not believe in depriving myself. I am not a morning person, so my workouts are mostly during late afternoon or as and when I have an hour or so available and feel up to it. I have always been a cardio queen and love to maintain my heart rate up for at least 20 minutes a day with a good run. Rest majorly include leg and abdominal strength training moves.
Yoga and Pilates have been an integral part of my life for the past eight years and I could not have been more grateful. Meditation alongside has helped me immensely to fight PCOS and depression.
It is especially important to have your core muscle strong hence ‘Vasisthasana”, “Bhujangasana”, “Chaturanga” and some variations of “Surya Namaskar” fuels me all the time. There are days I just want to go easy and feel happy, so I do not mind skipping my usual workout routine, instead shake it up with an intense dance session. The whole idea is to boost your immune system especially during these times when you are in dire need of some positivity to save both your mind and body.
Foods to eat or avoid
I am a big foodie. I intrinsically move a lot throughout the day regardless I am on set or not shooting. So, I guess my high metabolism calls for eating at small intervals but in small portions. Breakfast is my biggest meal and I look forward to it. The shorter breaks and frequent snacking help me stay full as well as energetic right through the day, at the same time refrain from overeating. Fresh fruits such as berries and a handful of nuts are my favorites for quick and healthy snacking. I strictly avoid processed and refined foods, consisting of artificial ingredients and preservatives. Fizzy drinks also are an absolute no. I must also mention that I have never been addicted to coffee so omission of caffeine comes easy to me. I am a tea lover so herbal options work like magic for lifting the mood.
Medication for PCOS
I have never really taken medication for PCOS. I am still old school and a believer of natural remedy and healing methods. I guess PCOS is not completely curable, but you can keep it under control with a complete lifestyle change and healthy habits. Having said that, depending upon the severity of the problem an individual may require medical attention.
Did PCOS help you to come out stronger and a healthier person
PCOS claims to inflict a great degree of mental health disorder and emotional distress in 6 to 17 million women aged 18-44 in the United States. This pretty much sums up how a major part of our life is invested in coping up with the complication. At the same time, I am a believer of living in the moment and try not stressing too much about the future. If I fail to make the best of today, how can I light up those days that are yet to come? I started realizing this after meeting some incredibly special people in my life and that has significantly contributed to my growth as an individual.
My weight loss journey from 143.3 pounds to 108.027 pounds speaks for itself. I never knew I would be able to bounce back to my teenage body and lean physique. But it happened and I feel stronger, as well as healthier now solely based on my determination and consistency in continuing to work towards my goal.
Message for Women with PCOS.
It is very essential to know your body and what works for your PCOS. We all have unique physical constitutions so you must find the courage to decide on getting your PCOS diagnosis done and seek help from the professionals who are the best in the business.
Menstrual irregularity certainly does impact a massive number of women especially teenagers, so the right kind of knowledge and education is key to bringing your cycle back naturally.
Fad diets and skipping meals alone cannot do a miracle so it is more about embracing your body and understanding nourishment. You must find the path to learning how your hormonal changes need acceptance to heal and there is nothing to be ashamed of.