Guest blog by Smita Parikh, MD, founder of The Fertility Advisor.
As a fertility coach, one of the most common questions I get asked is “how do I remain calm when dealing with the stress of infertility?” It is well know that one of the reasons infertility is so challenging is because couples feel they have no sense of control over the situation. But, I have good news – handling the stress of it all IS completely in your control. Below are a few practical tactics that I have found to be the most effective with my clients.
1) The daily ritual
Each day, give yourself 10-15 minutes to ACTIVELY think about and voice your true feelings about what is happening during your journey. Perhaps you need to cry, or perhaps you are frustrated that the nurse had to stick you three times to draw your blood at the fertility clinic, or you are feeling intense jealousy towards a friend who just announced their pregnancy. Don’t judge yourself or your feelings – just let them surface. When the time is up, it is time to let go. Envision putting all of these thoughts and emotions into a balloon and releasing it into the sky. With some practice, you will begin to free yourself from these burdening feelings and eventually feel much lighter over time.
2) Do something for others
Sometimes we get so caught up in our own lives that we forget that one of the best ways to feel better is to actually do something nice for other people. We are all dealing with our own challenges in life. Reach out to an old friend by sending them a fun gift/package, do something for your parents (my mom is always asking me to help her clean out the garage!), volunteer at a local organization. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture, but just something you know will put a smile on someone else’s face. By giving yourself to others you will be the one to reap the benefits.
3) Fake it till you make it
If you want to be stress free and happy, then just start acting that way. See what happens. Spoiler alert: you will actually BE happy and stress free. Give it a go.
4) Move your body
I know you have heard this one before but that’s because it works. Put on some music and dance (I am not embarrassed to admit that 90’s pop music really puts me in a great mood). Go for a walk. Drop in a fun gym class. Do whatever it takes, but get your body moving everyday. Remember, as Elle Woods said in Legally Blonde, “Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy.”
I want to hear from you too! Please share your tips and tricks to dealing with the stress of infertility.
Dr. Parikh received her MD from Tufts School of Medicine in Boston and trained in Internal Medicine. She also completed a fellowship in Clinical Innovation where she learned about the best ways to use technology to activate and engage patients in their own healthcare. On a personal level, she struggled with infertility and explored numerous treatments including both natural and medical therapies to get pregnant. As The Fertility Advisor, Dr Parikh uses her personal experience and medical expertise to help clients navigate the system, understand what all of their potential treatment options are, and provide ongoing emotional support.
Please visit www.thefertilityadvisor.com or email info@thefertilityadvisor.com for more information.
Leave a Reply