It gets really hard to cope with all the stress of waiting and anxiety related to procedures and anticipation of good outcomes. I recall going through this, I felt alone and very depressed. Unintentional and sometimes well intended comments from family and friends were a routine.
All I know is that the steps towards parenthood are hard with many tears, some disappointments and tons of money. But hopefully you will find ways to go through it with little patience and lot of courage, like us.
Try these strategies to help manage stress during your journey.
Regular exercise and balanced diet:
- Brisk walking 3-5 days a week, swimming, yoga and a healthy diet will not only help you keep those extra pounds away but also help in reducing stress levels.
Find a support system:
- Talking to others, especially your family, friends, and sometimes a completely stranger, can help you vent out your guilt of not conceiving.
- You don’t have to do it in person if you are not comfortable. There are many online support groups you can join to learn from others’ experiences and share yours.
Be optimistic:
- I know a lot of things can go wrong with the treatment and its totally ok to feel sad and angry but try to find one good thing that happened during that period and be grateful.
Distract Yourself:
- Try to focus on other things like developing hobbies or pampering yourself.
- It doesn’t have to be expensive salon trips etc. Just turn on relaxing music or song and homemade mask will do the magic.
Go on Fertility Moon:
- Take a long weekend break with your partner and forget about doctors, medicines and treatment.
- Just focus on communicating, relaxing and enjoying the location, food and togetherness.
Plan for the moment of truth:
- Remember the quote “Hope for the best, expect the worst” you will never be disappointed.
Rethinking your attitude:
- Be honest with yourself and do what you can to at least not make matters worse.
- Things may not be going the way you like but this is no time to give up.
- Keep the faith and keep going.
Positive Affirmations and Visualization Techniques:
- Try positive affirmations and visualization techniques like gratitude journal or meditation videos to manifest.
- Affirmations technique is basically the practice of positive thinking and self-empowerment fostering a belief that will help achieve success in anything.
I would encourage everyone to share stories and misconceptions about infertility from your perspective whether you are at initial stages of treatment, in the middle or the end, to help each other on the journey towards parenthood.
As always any feedback is highly appreciated.
Have a great day!
Summi:)