Here’s how you can keep stress at bay while undergoing fertility treatment

Are you planning to conceive? Or are you trying to conceive with support from fertility treatments? The process of taking treatment for fertility-related issues can be an incredibly stressful journey for couples. Besides the costs involved, mental fatigue and medications can take a toll on your body. There is also a factor of uncertainty whether your efforts will lead to success which can contribute to your anxiety, despite your best efforts to remain relaxed. 

Here are seven things you can do to manage stress during fertility treatment, especially treatments such as IVF, and get yourself into a calmer frame of mind: 

1. Practice yoga

Yoga is an ancient mind-body technique that helps sharpen your focus while stretching and strengthening your muscles. Many studies have shown that yoga can help reduce stress and anxiety, both in the short and long term.

2. Regular Exercise

Exercise releases endorphins that immediately make you feel better. Light to moderate cardiovascular exercises such as jogging, cycling, dancing, enhance blood flow and can redirect your thoughts from negative to positive. Exercise also regulates your overall mood and improves sleep patterns, both of which keep stress levels in check.

3. Meditation

If you’ve ever been curious about trying meditation, the best time to explore this activity would be around the start of your fertility treatments. Meditation doesn’t require any special skills or equipment. Simply set aside a few minutes per day in a quiet location where you will not be interrupted. Sit or lie in a comfortable position and focus on your breath. Let your thoughts pass through your mind and relax.

4. Practice mindfulness 

Make a purposeful effort to slow down and connect with what’s happening right here, right now. Bringing your focus back to the present moment can lower your stress levels by preventing your anxious mind from hijacking your enjoyment of what’s going on in front of you.

5. Connect with online support groups

Connect with other couples undergoing fertility treatments. Meeting others who are undergoing a similar experience can provide some relief of knowing that you are not alone. In-person and online support groups can connect you to others who can share their experiences and offer suggestions to ease your anxiety and improve your journey. This will also help you educate your family and people around about what you are currently undergoing.

6. Communication with your partner

Communicate with your partner but don’t expect your partner to always feel the way you do. Women tend to be more affected by infertility hence it’s important they share their feelings openly with their partners and make them understand how they help to alleviate stress.

7. Take regular breaks

If trying to conceive is taking over your life, take a break and allow yourself a couple of months to revisit the issue. The best way to reduce stress during this time is to get yourself prepared for everything and anything that could possibly come up. Treatments with IVF can take anywhere from 2 weeks to 2 months, hence plan your travel, time & expenses accordingly. Preparing yourself to maintain a calm attitude through this time will help you cope better and maintain your overall health. Try your best to live in the present and know that you are doing the best that you can do for your future.

Always remember, stress will only have a negative physical impact on your body and it can also affect the results of your treatment, and being chronically stressed over long periods of time will only contribute to health problems. So go ahead with all the positivity.