Emotional Wellness in Fertility Care: Your Mental Health Checklist
Fertility treatments can involve a wide range of emotions. Between the hope and excitement of conceiving and having a child to the anxiety of not knowing whether a treatment will work or having to undergo multiple cycles of treatment, it’s quite the ride.
No matter where you are in your fertility journey, it’s important to prioritize your emotional wellness. Here’s a mental health checklist you can use to stay positive and take care of yourself as you undergo fertility care.
Stay Active
Physical activity can actually improve mental health. Studies show that exercise enhances mood and self-esteem while decreasing stress. Depending on where you are in your treatment, you may be more limited in the exercises you can do, so speak with your doctor before developing an exercise routine. Some easy exercises you can do include:
- Walking
- Swimming
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Stretching
- Light weightlifting
Be Mindful
Mindfulness is a cognitive skill that involves being present and letting thoughts flow in and out of your mind without interpretation or judgment. Effective mindfulness techniques include:
- Meditation
- Yoga
- Breathing exercises
- Practicing gratitude
- Walking and immersing yourself in nature
Get Creative
Having a creative outlet to express yourself while you navigate fertility care can be beneficial for your mental health. Not only can being creative be cathartic, but finishing a project can improve your self-worth and give you a sense of accomplishment. Some ideas include:
- Journaling
- Knitting
- Painting
- Calligraphy
- And more — the sky’s the limit!
Practice Self-Care
Self-care is important to practice no matter who you are or what’s going on in your life, but it can be particularly beneficial for those facing fertility challenges. It’s all about taking the time to do things that help you live well and improve both your physical and mental health. This can be something big, like booking a vacation for you and your partner, or something small, like treating yourself to a warm bath after a long day. Other ways to practice self-care include:
- Drinking enough water
- Prioritizing sleep
- Reading a book
- Learning a new hobby
- Listening to music
- Spending time with family and friends
Get Exceptional Fertility Care
There are many ways to stay mentally healthy while trying to grow your family. From taking walks to writing down your feelings in a journal, anything that sparks joy in your day is worth doing. Another way to stay positive and mentally well is to partner with a fertility center you can trust. Washington Fertility Center’s expert team has the tools and resources to help you through every step of your fertility journey. Contact us today to learn more or schedule an appointment.