The holidays are stressful without the experience of infertility looming over you. Undoubtedly a friend or family member will point out how easy you have it because you don’t have kids to worry about. So what can you do to keep your sanity during the holidays while navigating infertility? Here are five of my best tips to make it through the next few weeks.
Don’t overcommit — only do as much as you feel up to. With the constant parties and social gatherings, make sure you aren’t overcommitted as the celebrations start to unfold. Overwhelm stems from thoughts about a packed schedule. Make sure you plan enough rest and relaxation time for yourself.
Modify your holiday schedule as you see fit. Holidays come with rituals, traditions, and routines that often seem like our entire schedule is planned out from mid-November to the end of the year. No one can make you do anything or attend any event you don’t want to. Make sure you modify your schedule as you need to this year to take care of you.
Give yourself permission to pass on invitations that make you uncomfortable. Allow yourself to say, “No, thank you.” to any invitation that comes your way. Even if it is an event you have always attended, it is okay to step away this year and not participate. Give yourself some grace.
Only go to those events that allow for a quick exit. If you are in the midst of fertility treatment and your schedule is up in the air it would be good to leave yourself a way out if you are not up for making merry with everyone. Tell people you appreciate the invitation and will let them know closer to the date if you can be there. Don’t get locked-in to events where your participation is critical.
Pay attention to what you eat and get your body moving. The holidays are often a time of overindulging with food and alcohol which can drastically impact your fertility goals. You may be emotionally navigating a lot during the holidays, but if you don’t take care of your body and pay attention to what you put into it, you are going to end up running the gauntlet of sugar stress all month long. If you are struggling with how to spend the actual holiday, find and activity you can do that gets your body moving and leaves you feeling good. This time can help you stay focused on the goals you have for yourself, your health, and your family.
Need help formulating a plan to get through the holidays successfully? Reach out to me and set up a time to talk.