Hypothyroidism is a difficult condition to live with. When your thyroid gland isn’t producing enough hormones, there’s no end to the health difficulties you will endure. You may find yourself experience weight gain, fatigue, depression and muscle aches to name but a few symptoms. But fear not, there is a way forward. And we are on hand to reveal those coping mechanisms.

Maintain a Healthy, Balanced Diet

Obviously, anyone who wants a healthy body will prioritise this tip, but there are certain ways you should be doing it for hypothyroidism. Especially considering that weight gain is one of the most common symptoms. Focus on vegetables, fruits, healthy fats and lean proteins. Remember that your thyroid gland needs iodine in order to produce thyroid hormones, so stock up on iodine-rich foods such as fish and dairy products.

Work Up an Exercise Regime

Exercise is all-important to your recovery as it helps to boost your metabolism. It also boosts your energy levels, decreases stress and helps you maintain a healthy weight. Now, there are several types of exercise that you need to be focusing on; aerobic (cardio), consisting of walking, jogging, swimming and cycling. Strengthening, such as squats, pull-ups, and bench presses. And flexibility, such as shoulder rolls, chest mobiliser and neck-and-shoulder release. The main exercises you should be trying based on your condition are walking, weight-lifting and yoga.

Release the Stress

Relaxing can be difficult for you if you’re in chronic pain. But, taking a short period of time to indulge in relaxing exercise can dial down the stress you’re feeling. The exercises that you can do yourself include a few minutes of meditation and yoga. You could also go the extra mile and book yourself into a spa treatment, like a massage. This will work wonders on those muscle cramps.

Have the Right Medication

Chances are, one of the key factors that brought on your condition was that your thyroid gland wasn’t producing enough hormones. Luckily, there are medications that provide manufactured hormones; liothyronine is a form of triiodothyronine (t3 medication), while levothyroxine is a form of thyroxine (t4 medication). Both of which can help to balance out your hormone levels and alleviate some of the symptoms.

Keep Your Temperature Even

Your thyroid gland contributes to your body temperature, but with the lack of thyroid hormones being produced, your body temperature could drop below average and you can feel quite chilly. A simple solution to this is to wrap yourself in layers and keep the bare skin protected at all times.

Make Sleep a Priority

Never underestimate the power of a good night’s sleep. Those eight hours are going to be vital in giving the body time to rest and repair. Try to stick to a strict sleep schedule, going to bed and waking up at fairly similar times, which will make recovery less turbulent.

Of course, before you embark on any recovery plan, you should consult with your doctor about what you need – be it food, exercise, medication – to overcome hypothyroidism. But you should know now that while hypothyroidism is a stressful condition, it is still a manageable condition. And you should now have what you need to win the battle.