What To Do While You Wait
There are so many feelings while struggling to get pregnant. With the decision to seek fertility services made, the waiting periods begin. Waiting occurs at multiple points during the fertility journey. Waiting for your cycle to take a pregnancy test, waiting to try again, waiting to see a specialist, and waiting for results between appointments and between treatments contribute to heightened anxiety. Now, more than ever, it is important to manage stress levels with a myriad of tactics. Adore Fertility is here to help reduce that stress and make your fertility journey more manageable with the following tips.
Focus on what you do you have control over.
Use this time to focus on managing your stress by leaning into other goals. Consider what goals have occupied your thoughts over time. For example, one individual may be motivated to use this time to refine a healthy diet, while another might set a goal to walk a certain number of steps daily or learn to meditate. Shifting your mindset to the areas you do have control over can help you level out those feelings of uncertainty.
Move your body.
Speaking of movement, how often do you find yourself moving? Regular, moderate exercise has been shown to improve fertility outcomes for natural and assisted pregnancies. Now is a great time to build healthy habits and get those endorphins activated. Please note, there may be restrictions to exercise during certain points in the treatment process.
Improve your sleep.
Typically, 7-8 hours of sleep per night is optimum for women. This sleep should be uninterrupted but look no further than melatonin if you struggle with this. Melatonin is a hormone produced while we sleep, and these tablets can help you sleep soundly through the night. As a perk, research on melatonin is beneficial for reproductive function and fights viruses.
Properly nourish your body.
Antioxidant-rich foods protect the ovaries and the mitochondria, and these can be found in foods such as blueberries, kale, and turmeric. These foods are dense in color and may improve assisted reproduction. It is also beneficial to consume omega-3 fatty acids, as they help increase blood flow to pelvic organs. This assists in delivering nutrients and reducing inflammation.
Discover your coping mechanisms.
Finding coping mechanisms to reduce your worries and increase positivity is critical. Turning your thoughts to the people in your life and positive aspects of your life can help you reset negative thinking. This thinking mindset reduces stress, thus increasing the chances of a successful pregnancy. According to a recent oncology study and a 2017 HIV research study, these eight positivity skills improve health outcomes:
- Recognize a positive event each day.
- Savor that event, log it in a journal, or tell someone about it.
- Start a daily gratitude journal.
- List a personal strength and note how you used it.
- Set an attainable goal and note your progress.
- Report a relatively minor stress and list ways to reappraise the event positively.
- Recognize and practice small acts of kindness daily.
- Practice mindfulness, focusing on the here and now rather than the past or future.
Identifying stress-relieving tools, such as talking with trusted people, exercising, goal setting, eating well, and being mindful of where you are right now, can all help you manage stress while waiting. These lifestyle improvements will improve your mental and physical wellness, preparing you for the next steps when the waiting is over.