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The Importance of Self-Care During the Infertility Journey

Managing infertility can be physically and mentally challenging, and it’s normal to experience a wide range of emotions throughout the process. While stress does not directly cause reproductive issues, many individuals feel stress while facing infertility. That's why it's important to prioritize your overall well-being and practice self-care to help effectively manage these feelings.

For National Infertility Awareness Week® (NIAW), we encourage you to focus on self-care, regardless of where you are in your infertility journey. With that in mind, let’s review the importance of self-care and how you can incorporate this practice into your daily routine.

Why Is Self-Care Important?

Self-care has many short and long-term benefits. It can boost your mood, help you develop better relationships with yourself and those around you, and even improve job satisfaction. When you utilize self-care to better manage your health, reduce stress, and foster strong social relationships, your overall quality of life can improve. This is important for anybody, including those struggling with infertility.

Easy Ways to Practice Self-Care

There’s no right or wrong way to practice self-care, and you can customize your routine to address your unique needs and interests. There are some simple things you can try as you embark on your self-care journey like:

1. Breathing

In the hustle and bustle of everyday life, it’s important to take time to sit and breathe, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Meditating, for example, allows you to focus on your breath and center yourself. One study even found changes in the brains of people who meditate regularly that were linked to a decreased reactivity toward stress.

2. Doing Something You Love

Whether it’s a hobby you enjoy or a place you like to go to, it’s important to carve out time to do something you enjoy. Engaging in an activity that makes you happy can give you a much-needed break from fertility-related concerns and allow you to be in the moment.

3. Exercising

Not only is exercise great for you physically, but research shows it can also improve mental health. One 2014 study found that regular exercise is associated with emotional resilience to stress. Something as simple as taking a short walk around your neighborhood can help release endorphins and boost your mood. Be sure to speak with your care team about what exercise is recommended and permitted during treatment.

4. Being Kind to Yourself

If you’re struggling with infertility, you’ve likely had moments where you were hard on yourself. Self-compassion is an important self-care practice that can boost overall well-being, resulting in better mental and emotional outcomes for patients undergoing fertility treatments.

Try talking to yourself like you would a close friend. How would you give them reassurance and support as they go through a challenging time? You deserve the same kindness you’d extend to someone else.

5. Asking For Help

Self-care is about taking care of yourself physically, mentally, and spiritually. If you’re struggling in any of these areas, don’t be afraid to ask for help. Whether confiding in a friend, counselor, or fertility specialist, there are many people and resources available who want to help you as you navigate infertility.

Fertility Care You Can Trust

Self-care is important for individuals experiencing infertility. If you need help from a team of fertility specialists, schedule a consultation with the experts at the Center for Reproductive Medicine in Orlando, FL. We provide custom treatment plans to help our patients grow their dream families.

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