Coronavirus pandemic brought difficulties to many of us. International model and influencer Joanna Borov additional had to cope with her hip injury, which brought additional stress but also helped her discover the power of mindfulness practices.
The fashion industry is extremely competitive, with fresh faces emerging on a constant basis. Because of this, there is always high pressure to maintain a slim, fit figure and a beautiful aesthetic. Long before the pandemic, Joanna maintained her 5’8 figure by going to the gym five days a week, with kickboxing her main exercise of choice. The intense sport not only provided muscle tone and effective calorie burn, but a way to also cope with stress and release tensions. In 2019, however, she faced an hip injury that consisted of a labral tear, possibly needing major surgery. As time of the pandemic is not the best time for the surgery, seeking alternatives, Joanna began to do more exercises that would help her with her joints, such as yoga. She also started meditating and keeping a gratitude journal. In the midst of 2020, the hip labral tear was still painful at times and it made her decide to do stem cells therapy in Los Angeles. She also studied health courses at Yale University and Stanford University and started focusing more on her diet and healthy habits. For example, on a typical day, Joanna would practice intermittent fasting in the early morning before eating salmon or a salad with eggs for lunch. She would then do stretches with yoga, practicing mindfulness and having a quiet time to help her re-focus. By practicing mindfulness, Joanna began to find more centeredness, balance, and more peace. While she worked immensely on the physical aspect due to her career and her health, she also emphasized working on inner strength and self-growth. It was a concept not completely new to her since her family always taught about positivity, being helpful to others, and always seeking to learn, but this time, she was able to discover new mantras and new ways to cope with life’s challenges.
Even tho she faced a serious injury and coronavirus pandemic she has never stopped working and has always been focused on her career. She graced the cover of playboy Ukraine in September 2020 and was featured in many other magazines including Maxim, Marie Claire and FHM. She has been invited as a special guest to the Orion Star Awards in Dubai, which is scheduled for October 2021. It is a prestigious event in which entrepreneurs, designers, and other figures within the fashion and art industries are recognized for their contributions. She feels very honored to be seated at such an event, especially where creativity and artistry are able to shine. In the meantime, she is writing a book about fitness, health, and mindfulness. Joanna wants to reach out to others, share tips, and continue to pursue self-growth in her journey.
Her photoshoots can be reached at @joannaborov on Instagram.