Stress Relief Methods During the IVF Process

The stress that may arise during an in-vitro fertilization (IVF) process can sometimes feel as though you are carrying the weight of the world on your shoulders. With all the different layers to an IVF process, the anxieties can be overwhelming for both you and your partner. However, knowing ways to cope with stress in healthy ways can put you in a clear and positive mindset.

Communication is Key

Bottling emotions and anxieties can be an unhealthy way of handling stress. It is always important to put our emotions at the forefront and have open conversations about your feelings. A clear and honest conversation with your partner to better understand why you feel a particular way can help strengthen your relationship, and clear away anxieties you both may be feeling.

Surrounding yourself with a stable group of people, whether family or friends, who will listen to your feelings can also offer new perspectives, which can put your concerns at ease. Support groups with other people undergoing or have undergone the IVF procedure can also help you better understand the process as they may offer their own experiences and advice. Your feelings are always valid, but sometimes a new outlook on them can truly offer clarity. 

Catch Your Breath with Quiet Mindfulness 

Escaping the bustle of everyday life in conjunction with the stress that can arise from IVF is important for both your mental and physical health. Meditation and yoga are both great practices when you or your partner need stillness and balance.

Centering yourself with a positive outlook while meditating, may be easier said than done. However, a great place to start is learning not to focus on the parts you cannot control, for this can smother you further with stress and anxiety. Rather, focus on what you can control: practicing optimism while in a meditative mind frame.

Pour Your Feelings to Paper

Journaling the intrusive thoughts that constantly loop in your mind can be a liberating feeling. Rather than quietly dealing with the overwhelming emotions, releasing them onto a tangible form can help you understand those emotions a bit more clearly. It is great to also document your emotions at different moments in the process as a reminder that overcoming past anxieties is very much possible. Organizing your stress can help you evaluate it much more visibly, for a cathartic release. 

Journaling about the positive progress and the exciting possibilities is also a great way to shift your focus on how an IVF process can lead to a beautiful rite of passage.

Don’t Forget About Yourself

Allowing yourself time to indulge in healthy hobbies or pastimes that make you happy can help distract and pull you out of a stressful state. Whether you wish to have an outing with friends, or have quality time alone, doing what brings you joy can make you feel more like yourself without that cloud of anxiety.  

Embarking on the journey to start a family is a wonderful rite of passage, but sometimes stress can overrun the experience. Remembering to stay grounded and practice stress-reducing methods can help make a positive difference for you and your partner.