Summer fun? Tips for Coping with Infertility During the Summer

Summer is in full swing, meaning your days are likely filling up with invitations to pool parties, BBQs, and family reunions. Whether you’re taking a vacation or relaxing near the water, one thing is clear – school is out, and small children abound. While this is often a fun time of year for all, for those coping with infertility, the summer can serve as a painful reminder of their struggle.

If you’re struggling with infertility and trying to figure out how you’ll be able to get through the summer,  just remember to give yourself the permission to do whatever feels right in the moment – even if it may upset those around you. The fertility experts of IVF FLORIDA in south Florida offer some helpful tips on how to cope with family fun in the sun when you’re struggling to have a family of your own.

Declining Invites
If you’ve been trying to conceive without success, attending events where you’ll see loved ones with their babies and small children can be incredibly painful. So what are you supposed to do? Decline the invitation. Telling friends and family that you’re just not up for an event that will bring up uncomfortable and painful feelings is perfectly acceptable. If you’re close to the person who invited you, they’ll understand. And if you’re not close to them they probably won’t care. Give yourself permission to say no if it will alleviate some stress in your life.

Practice Self Care
When you’re going through infertility treatments, the stress associated with the testing and injections can often leave you feeling drained. In these cases, those struggling to conceive often forget to do one of the most important things they can for their mental health: practice self-care. Find some activities that you enjoy, like yoga or getting a mani-pedi, that will help you unwind and center yourself. The slower pace of summer is the perfect time to decompress.

IVF FLORIDA patients have found the following activities to be very helpful:

• Take a long bath
• Go for a hike
• Practice meditation
• Get a massage or facial
• Read a good book
• Take a yoga class

Spend Some Quality Time with Your Partner

Summer is an ideal time to plan special activities with your partner. Vacations (or staycations), excursions, music festivals, and beach weekends are great ways to reconnect and take your mind off your infertility struggles. By trying new activities, discovering new places, and participating in the things you both enjoy, you’ll not only grow closer but find that it is a great way to relieve stress.

Be Kind to Yourself

One of the biggest mistakes individuals struggling with infertility make is focusing on how they should feel rather than how they actually feel. There is no right or wrong way to feel, and it’s crucial to recognize your feelings as valid and completely normal. Remember to lean on your support system and connect with those who care about you and your emotional well-being. If you’re having a rough day, call a loved one, meet a friend for some ice cream, or take a walk with someone who’ll just be there with you. Connecting with those who care is one of the best ways to cope with infertility any time of year.

If you’re struggling with infertility and could use more coping tips contact IVF FLORIDA at 866.770.2168 to a make appointment to meet with our compassionate, knowledgeable infertility experts.