Stress can play a dominant role in anyone’s life. And sometimes it can be difficult to pinpoint what exactly is causing it. Sometimes it wraps you in its claws and refuses to let go, which is an unpleasant experience for anyone, but especially couples trying to conceive. Studies have shown that stress can lead to infertility, a causing factor of stress in itself, which can quickly lead to a vicious cycle of cause and effect.
There could be multiple factors contributing to your stress, especially if you’re trying to conceive. Whatever is causing you restless nights, increased anxiety, or making you feel more irritable, there are ways to combat your stress levels.
So take a deep breath, in and out. In this article, we will address six ways you can destress while you’re trying to conceive.
You’ve got this, future mamas and papas!
1. Explore health and wellness options
Specialists are critical during this time. It’s good to have an expert to talk to and measure your stress levels, and keep track of what else is happening in your body, be it a fertility specialist, gynecologist, or family GP. This could also be an opportunity to explore options you hadn’t considered before, for example, fertility acupuncture. Acupuncture aims to relax the body, but there are tailored fertility acupuncture treatments that may help support your body’s natural hormone production and aid in conception, alongside relaxing you more generally and relieving some stress.
When we say ‘health and wellness’, we’re not only talking about speaking to your doctor. Get a massage. Book a spa treatment. Join a yoga class. It may sound daunting at first, but speaking to specialists may help clear up misconceptions you have about these treatments, and discover something new that may end up being a perfect stress reliever for you, and in turn, help you conceive.
2. Maintain a balanced, nutritional diet and stay hydrated
Both of these simple self-care steps are equally important. Try using a motivational water bottle with measurements. That way you can reach your water goals much easier, and see your progress throughout the day.
Additionally, and contrary to popular belief, maintaining a balanced diet is about meeting personal nutritional needs that fulfill you, and that varies from person to person.
Eating nutritionally isn’t about limiting your calorie intake by prohibiting certain foods. Instead, you should eat foods that satisfy your body’s nutritional requirements. Just ensure that you’re balancing your week with nutritionally satisfying foods, as well as occasional tasty indulgences.
3. Stay active and exercise regularly
A fantastic way to destress is to stretch and actively move your body. That’s because it promotes the production of endorphins – ‘the happy hormone’. Exercise clears your head, and relaxes your muscles. If intense exercise and exertion aren’t for you, try yoga for stress relief.
There are techniques and positions designed to help with just that.
In order to reap the benefits of exercise, it’s crucial that you adopt and maintain a regular exercise or active routine. Whichever activity you pick, try to do it between three and four times a week, even if it’s just for 15 minutes a day. You may also find that exercise and yoga help develop a healthy mindset, setting you in the right mood for whatever the day may entail.
4. Practice mindfulness
Sometimes stress can be distracting, and others it’s all-consuming. Practicing daily mindfulness and meditation can improve your headspace, including any negative thoughts or feelings of doubt you may repeat over and over in your head. Effective mindfulness is about connecting with what’s already out there, right in front of you. You’ll learn to better appreciate the five senses and allow them to guide and ground you out of swirling thoughts. Focus on being grateful for what you currently have, rather than worrying about what you don’t.
Mindfulness activities like doodling or drawing on a blank page or shading in a coloring book are powerful relievers of stress. Music is also very therapeutic for some people. Simply listening to your favorite playlist could be the refresh you need.
5. Get plenty of rest and sleep
Sometimes we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of our lives that we forget we’re not invincible. While it’s easy to dismiss this step, it’s important to acknowledge that our minds and bodies need efficient rest and at least seven hours of sleep to function well.
Keep in mind that this varies from person to person, and you’ll be able to tell based on your energy the following day if you need more. A good night of sleep resets your mind and places you in an instantly brighter mood. Resting and sleeping is a crucial part of looking out for yourself and giving yourself a proper break from the trials and tribulations of your day.
6. Spend plenty of time with your loved ones
Our loved ones have the ability to bring us back to reality. Whether with your partner, family members, or friends, make sure you’re spending lots of time with the people you love. Talk to your trusted loved ones about your stressors and worries around your attempts to conceive, sometimes simply reaching out can help relieve some of the weight. Spending time with those closest to you will clear your head and give you a greater purpose and perspective outside of all those clashing thoughts.
Try not to take out your stress surrounding conception on your partner. Make an effort to spend more romantic time with each other, and focus on your quality time together. Remove the pressures you’ve put on yourself as much as possible, and remember that your love for each other should not be affected by your attempts to start a family.
Dealing with stress, especially while you’re trying to conceive, can be a challenging and confronting feeling. In this article, we addressed six ways to destress, from health and wellness self-care to a nutritionally balanced diet, to regular exercise and practicing mindfulness, to efficient sleep and spending lots of time with the ones you love. Remember: you are in control of yourself at all times.
