Ten ways to take your mind off your IVF treatment

You might be thinking ‘Is this even possible?’

If you were trying to conceive naturally before IVF, you’ve probably already had too many people telling you to ‘just relax and you’ll probably fall pregnant’ or telling you that stress is probably ‘causing’ your infertility. This type of ‘well-meaning’ comment can just add to the pressure and isn’t helpful. Stress alone doesn’t prevent people from conceiving, but infertility can cause stress and it’s good to be able to find ways to reduce it.

Taking your mind off of your treatment, especially when everything is constantly being done to time and monitored, isn’t always easy.The waiting time to find out if you have any viable embryos and if you have conceived can also seem endless.

So, is there anything you can do to relieve some pressure, to relax your mind and to shift your focus? We have come up with ten suggestions for you to try.

1.    Quality time with your partner (or a friend if you are single)

Going through trying to conceive naturally and not being successful, followed by questioning and examinations from medical professionals, can take its toll on any relationship. Think of all of the things that you used to enjoy doing together, as a couple. Sit down together and make a list of those things. Which ones would be practical to do at the moment? You are already scheduling everything to do with IVF, so try scheduling in some of these activities too to build in more quality time.

2.    Try crafting

Lots of crafts can be done with no risks involved, sitting down and at a time that suits you. Knitting, sewing, crocheting, card making, jewellery making, pottery and watercolour painting are many options that can help you to focus your mind on something else and achieve a state of flow.Choose crafts that don’t involve the use of solvents or chemicals, however, as they can affect fertility and an unborn child. You could join an in-person or on-line craft club too, to meet new people and mix with others removed from your IVF situation.

3.    Escape into a good book

Whether you favour light-hearted modern fiction, a classic novel, autobiography or other non-fiction, or even just a magazine, reading provides a great opportunity for escapism from everyday life.

4.    Get stuck into a new box set or dig out your old favourite films or comedy episodes

Watching TV can help you to switch off from everything you are currently going through. It’s easy to slot in between appointments and can be done in the comfort of your own home, curled up on your own or together, with a cuppa and snacks.

5.    Have you considered meditation?

Many people believe that yoga is great for stress release and relaxation and can also direct blood flow to the reproductive organs. Some yoga poses are recommended and considered safe for use at some stages of IVF, but it is very important to speak to your fertility specialist and other...