Fertility Best Practices During the Holiday Season
The holidays are a time when we gather with loved ones to reflect on everything we’re grateful for in the present and everything we hope for in the coming year. It can also be a time of high emotional and physical stress. If you’re trying to conceive or in the midst of fertility treatment, you may need to prioritize self-care more than usual.
Keeping Up With Good Sleep Habits for Your Body
When you’re trying to get pregnant, it’s important to take care of yourself and reduce your stress level. This applies to both men and women. Getting enough sleep helps keep our whole body healthy, regulates hormones, and promotes overall health that benefits fertility. Holiday parties can make it tempting to stay up late and sleep in, but when practicing fertility self-care it’s best to strive for a consistent sleep schedule of around eight hours each night to give your body that vital time to restore itself each day.
Fertility Self Care Meanings Limiting Alcohol
Statistically, alcohol consumption peaks for many adults between Thanksgiving and New Year’s. While it’s important to have fun, be present, and give yourself space to destress, if you’re trying to get pregnant it’s best to practice moderate to no alcohol consumption. In women, alcohol can possibly affect ovulation and implantation. Fertility self-care doesn’t mean no drinking at all, but if you are tracking your cycle and focusing on when you’re most fertile, it’s best to stop drinking during that time. Consumption of alcohol or drugs can also affect men’s overall health and fertility, so if you are part of a couple it’s best to approach self-care as a team for the best chances of success.
Do Your Best to Reduce Holiday Stress While Trying to Conceive
While the holidays are a joyful time for many, they can also be extremely stressful. The added stress can affect your overall health in many ways. It’s important to remember that fertility is not just about your body, it’s also about your mind. Stress can be unavoidable, but creating time and space for yourself to de-stress and find a sense of calm can keep you from getting overwhelmed. Fertility self-care looks different for everyone, and figuring out what helps you to relax during this time is deeply personal. If you are already in fertility treatment, talk to your doctor and team about strategies to reduce stress.
Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Help During Your Fertility Journey
Fertility treatment can be a very intense physical and emotional experience. Feeling isolated in your struggles to start a family is very common and one of the most important things you can do for fertility self-care during this time is to ask for. This can look like talking to your medical team and letting them know you need more support. If you have questions, concerns, or would benefit from a different communication style, you can share that with them. It can also be very helpful to enroll in individual and couples therapy during this time. In addition, while fertility treatment often feels like a very private matter, letting your loved ones know what you’re going through and accepting their support when they offer it can help you feel less alone during an intense time. If the holidays are all about connecting with friends and family, then take this time to allow them to understand what you’re experiencing and that you may need extra support.
Taking Care of Yourself is Taking Care of Your Fertility
Everything that you do to take care of your mental and physical health during the holidays is applicable all year long. Fertility self-care is a reminder that the needs of your body are always important and should be a top priority.
To begin a conversation with a fertility specialist, reach out to PNWF about scheduling a consultation. We are here to support you and help guide your self-care routine.
