Mindfulness and Infertility: Finding Peace Amidst the Struggle

Infertility can negatively impact your mental health in a variety of ways. One way to help cope with the myriad of emotions that can come with fertility issues is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is a meditation technique in which you focus on being intensely aware of what you're sensing and feeling in the moment without judgment. Let’s discuss some benefits of mindfulness and how you can use it to find peace amidst the struggles of infertility.

The Benefits of Mindfulness for Infertility

Stress is one of the most common emotions that aspiring parents experience during their family-building journey. While experiencing stress when trying to grow your family is normal, you don’t want it to take over your life. Mindfulness can help improve your ability to process and manage stress. In fact, studies have shown that mindfulness-based interventions reduce emotional distress, pain perception, depression, and anxiety in those struggling with fertility issues. Additionally, mindfulness techniques can boost your working memory, increase focus, and possibly even improve relationship satisfaction.

Effective Mindfulness Exercises You Can Try Now

Mindfulness only requires you to take a few minutes out of your day. Here are some quick and easy practices you can try right now to help you find peace as you navigate your fertility journey: 

1. Saying Affirmations

Whether you’re at the beginning of your family-building journey or you’ve been trying for a while without success, infertility can cause feelings of shame, isolation, and disconnection. Mindfulness strategies like affirmations can help boost your sense of self-worth. Affirmations are words or phrases that offer kindness, love, and support, serving as reminders of your inner power. Some examples include:

• I am worthy.
• I am strong.
• I am resilient. 

Repeating these affirmations regularly can help build your sense of worth and make it easier to navigate through difficult times.

2. Checking In with Yourself

Take a few minutes out of your day to check in with yourself and your body. Tune into what you’re feeling — physically, emotionally, and mentally. Are you holding any stress or tension in your body? Allow any negative thoughts to float in and out without judging yourself. Then, determine what you need to do to take care of yourself in that moment, whether it’s taking a walk, drinking some water, or talking with a friend.

3. Cultivating Gratitude

Tuning into the present moment and identifying what brings you joy can help you step outside the chaos of infertility and find the good in what you already have. This task can be easier said than done, and it’s okay to find it challenging to think of things to be grateful for. Consider the small things you do daily without even thinking about them, like breathing or enjoying a hot cup of coffee in the morning. Over time, this practice will become easier.

Qualify Fertility Care for Your Peace of Mind

Mindfulness is an incredible tool for finding peace amidst infertility, and so is having top-rated fertility experts in your corner. At The Prelude Network^®, we offer exceptional treatment options and patient care to anyone aspiring to become a parent. For more information or to schedule a consultation, contact us today.