5 Ways to Manage Stress During Fertility Treatment

Research shows that stress during fertility treatment can negatively impact outcomes. However, in these circumstances it can be hard to not feel stressed. So we have pulled together our top 5 ways to help manage and reduce stress during fertility treatment. Let’s dive in.

Make a List of Priorities

It is easy to feel overwhelmed when you are juggling too many things. It is important to set clear boundaries with work and even friends and family so that you don’t take too much on. Learn to politely decline requests from family members, friends, and colleagues and prioritize your own well-being.

Practice Mindfulness

Studies show that mindfulness can help ease stress by calming the amygdala, the part of the brain that processes emotions. It helps us stay grounded when stressful events occur.

Here are some ways to practice mindfulness.

➢   Practice gratitude by focusing on the things you are grateful for in your life.

➢   Try to experience your environment using all your senses. What do you see, hear, smell, feel and taste?

➢   Live in the moment – there is no point worrying about the unknown.

➢   Try structured mindfulness exercises such as sitting meditation, body scan meditation, and walking meditation. There are plenty of apps to use for guidance.

➢   Focus on your breathing. Close your eyes and take a deep breath. Pay close attention as air moves in and out of your body.

Give Acupuncture a Try

Acupuncture is a key component of Traditional Chinese Medicine for a reason. Several studies have found that acupuncture can help ease stress during fertility treatment by stimulating the body to produce feel-good/happy hormones such as endorphins and serotonin. These natural pain-killing hormones promote happiness and well-being. Acupuncture can also help reduce your stress hormone levels.

So, if you are looking for fertility acupuncture near you in Walnut Creek, then reach out to our experienced team at Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness today to schedule an appointment.

Eat Healthfully

What you eat throughout the day can affect your stress levels. Avoid unhealthy, processed foods, sugary snacks, and caffeine, as they can cause stress or worsen your symptoms if you already feel stressed. Instead, try incorporating healthy foods (that help relieve stress) into your diet. Typical examples include kimchi, artichokes, eggs, shellfish, fatty fish, broccoli, sunflower seeds, and parsley.

Get Enough Sleep and Rest

Sleep deprivation causes your body to go into panic mode and release cortisol and other stress hormones. In addition to causing stress, lack of sleep can affect your performance at work, it can affect your relationships as well as how you feel and think. Sleep deprivation can also impact your immune system and cause weight gain.

Here are some proven ways to sleep better at night.

➢   Stick to a sleep schedule that involves going to bed at the same time every night.

➢   Prioritize exercise in your schedule.

➢   Create a restful environment in your bedroom and a nighttime routine.

➢   Avoid large meals, bright lights, and loud TV before bedtime.

Monarch Acupuncture & Wellness is committed to helping women undergoing fertility treatment increase their chances of getting pregnant. We use acupuncture to prepare the body for implantation. To schedule an appointment with one of our acupuncturists, click here.