The waiting weeks are perhaps the most challenging part of a fertility journey. Hope and fear alternate, your patience is tested, and all kinds of thoughts rage through your head. Tensions run high, but remember, it’s part of the process. It would be much more pleasant to navigate these nerve-wracking weeks feeling calm. Easier said than done, right? That’s why we’ve put together 10 self-care moments for you.
Sometimes, it may seem as if time has stopped. Of course, you can’t speed up time, but you do have control over how you handle the situation. Be kind to yourself and don’t get too worked up when you’re a little stressed. It’s very human. The tips below will hopefully inspire you to be kind and gentle with yourself.
- Take a Walk or Go Hiking in Nature
This can be very meditative and is a great way to engage your mind and body. When you go hiking, you activate parts of the brain that inhibit areas causing negativity, stress, and discomfort. As a result, you gain more control over your emotions, such as gloom and anxiety.
- Clean Up Your Home
Cleaning up your home is not only a good distraction, but completing a task also boosts your self-esteem. Tidy up your closet and see if you can donate some items. Ask yourself if you really need all the stuff in your house right now and check your pantry shelves.
- Lose Yourself in Music
Music is incredibly healing on many levels. You probably know the feeling: you’re at a live concert and lose yourself completely in the music. Isn’t that wonderful? Even if it’s just for a minute, it’s a nice and healthy distraction. You don’t have to go big right away, just check if there are any live bands playing nearby. New experiences are good for your mind! Don’t feel like going out? Then put on your favorite Spotify playlist.
- Bake Some Goodies for Friends
During the pandemic, many people took up baking. It’s not for nothing, of course. Baking keeps your mind busy and prevents you from consulting Mr. Google. If you’re not so hungry yourself, give your baked goods to your neighbors, family, friends, or colleagues. It’s a win-win situation.
- Listen to a Podcast
When people listen to a podcast, they often feel like they’re actually sitting at the table with the hosts. Try to find something light-hearted, funny, interesting, or unique. Whatever it is, find something you really like. Of course, you might want to hear stories from other women with fertility problems right now. Then listen to the “Not Of Your Own Pregnancy Podcast”.
- Go Shopping
And we don’t mean online. A day (or a few hours) of shopping can be a fun outing. Think about what you would really like to have and give yourself that gift. You deserve it, especially during this time.
- Buy a Coloring Book
It might sound a bit dull, but it’s proven to reduce stress. Besides, you’re also getting creative without actually creating a work of art. No pressure!
- Fill Your Home with Flowers
Get to work and start planting flowers. It’s so much fun to see them bloom, and it makes your house cozier.
- Hug Your Pet
And if you don’t have one, ask if you can borrow one from friends. This is especially nice when you’re having a bad day. Thanks to cuddling our pets, we produce happiness hormones, and that’s exactly what we need. Do you cuddle enough?
- Organize a Picnic
This depends on the weather, of course. Get some delicious snacks and non-alcoholic drinks together with your friends or partner and sit on the beach or in a nice park. And hey, if the sun is shining, you’ll get some vitamin D too.
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11. Shake Off Stress
Yes, literally! Shaking is incredibly beneficial for your body and mind. Among other things, it helps release stuck emotions and relieve stress and overstimulation. Start very gently and then lower your knees a little bit more each time. Do this in quick succession, allowing your body to vibrate with you. During these exercises, gradually release your muscles so that everything can move with you. Pay attention to the parts of your body that are not moving as smoothly and consciously relax them. Then you can smooth out your body – your arms, your torso, your back, your legs. How does that feel?
Of course, we cannot speed up time, but we still hope these tips will help you get into a fine headspace. You can do it!