Going through fertility treatments is exciting, but also very stressful and it’s often made more stressful by doctors telling you to avoid unnecessary stress. Don’t be surprised to find yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally drained during the process. It’s completely normal. Fortunately, a little self-care can help you regain a normal life balance and alleviate any unnecessary stress you might be feeling.
Self-Care Tips for Fertility Treatments
Keep Resources Handy
Fertility treatments typically include rounds of hormone injections. Most likely, these hormones are given to you in amounts your body doesn’t normally process on its own. Because of this, you might experience waves of emotion, migraines, and fatigue. The changes your body is going through is completely normal, but it can be difficult to handle at times. Having resources, such as YourFertilityFriend.com handy helps you cope, gives you answers to questions you have, and helps you remember you aren’t alone.
Take Relaxing Baths
Baths help you relax and can help with any migraine symptoms you might be experiencing. However, you can not just run bath water and jump into the tub. You need to set the stage for relaxation.
- Use your favorite bubble bath.
- Add essential oils to your bath lavender helps you relax and peppermint is known to help relieve headaches.
- Light candles throughout the bathroom and turn the harsh overhead lights off.
- Use a bath pillow to support your back and head.
- Turn on light, relaxing music or nature sounds.
- Heat up a wet washcloth to place over your eyes while you rest.
Eat Healthy
The healthier you eat, the better you will feel. Plus, it is important to give your body all of the nutrients it needs while you’re going through fertility treatments. You should do your best to avoid fast food, artificial flavorings, preservatives, junk food, and sweets. Instead, fill your diet with natural, whole foods that are nourishing and filling. Skip the soda, coffee, and other caffeinated beverages, and drink lots of water. Staying hydrated helps increase your energy levels and makes you feel better. Also, it does wonders for your skin and seeing the healthy glow of properly hydrated skin when you look in the mirror gives you a nice confidence boost too.
Also, whenever possible, make your meals a social event. This doesn’t mean that you have to eat out all the time or entertain guests. Just don’t eat alone whenever possible. Eating with friends or family regular helps keep you from isolating yourself, which can make you depressed.
Exercise Regularly
Regular exercise helps you battle any additional fatigue you might be feeling from the hormone injections. It also helps you clear your mind and relieves stress. Don’t overdo it though, especially if you don’t already exercise on a regular basis. Generally, taking short 30-minute walks several times per week and stretching daily is a good idea, but talk to your doctor before starting any type of exercise routine.
Get Enough Sleep
You need to get between seven and eight hours of sleep each night. This means, if you aren’t already on a healthy sleeping schedule, you need to get yourself on one. The key to this is routine.
Approximately 60 to 90 minutes before bed, begin your nighttime routine. Sticking to the same routine each night, and starting it at the same time, tells your body that it’s time for bed. You should avoid screen time during your nighttime routine. The blue lights used in electronics acts as a stimulant, and you need to teach your body how to relax and prepare for sleep. Consider adding these things to your regular bedtime routine, if you haven’t already.
- Prepare for the morning
- Finish random chores so you wake up to a clean house
- Get ready for bed
- Read a book or write in your journal
Taking care of yourself is the single most important thing you can do while you’re going through fertility treatments. So take some time to rearrange your schedule so it includes your new bedtime routine, time to exercise, and time for relaxing activities such as taking baths. Also, don’t forget to delegate tasks, lightening your load a bit is a great way to relieve stress.
