| Life changes as soon as you begin IVF, and come to | | | | X month). |
| think of it, all fertility treatment, but you don't have | | | | Tip 4: Ensure that you have what it takes |
| to let it get on top of you. The positives are the | | | | Estimate how much time and energy each goal |
| hope and the chance offered to have the child you | | | | requires. Remember that during IVF, your medications |
| dearly want. Perhaps not so positive; IVF takes over | | | | and appointments are often strictly set. Fluctuating |
| with its strict schedules of appointments, injections, | | | | hormones can also affect your energy level. Give |
| lab tests and medication, regardless of the routine | | | | each goal a realistic time frame, specifying any strict |
| you used to have in the "real world." You may feel | | | | deadlines, to avoid stress. |
| stripped of control over your life temporarily, which | | | | Tip 5: Impose some orderRemember the domino |
| can then lead to stress. | | | | effect. Fulfilling one goal can make another one easier. |
| As stress impacts your health through interruptions | | | | For example: clearing the clutter in your inbox could |
| to your sleep pattern, diet, menstrual cycle, mood | | | | pave the way to reconnecting with old friends and |
| and your ability to fight off illness, among others, it is | | | | explaining the fertility journey you are taking. This |
| widely thought to have a negative impact upon your | | | | may lead to a resurgence of your friendships, social |
| reproductive health. To alleviate any stress you may | | | | life and support network. |
| be feeling, get on top of something that you can | | | | Tip 5: Reach out for support |
| control; for instance, your "To-Do" list. Follow my | | | | Do you need to do each task personally in order to |
| Seven Top Tips to help you maintain as much | | | | fulfil your goal? Perhaps someone else can help out, |
| balance as possible during IVF and maximize your | | | | exchange services with you or be paid to do what |
| chances of becoming pregnant. | | | | you cannot. Make your needs known. |
| Tip 1: Put yourself first | | | | Tip 6: Daily remindersRevisit your list of goals daily to |
| Your health and peace of mind are paramount during | | | | remind you about what you have achieved and what |
| your treatment. Learn to say "No" instead of | | | | still needs doing. This will help you avoid a pile-up of |
| stretching yourself to meet others' needs and | | | | unfulfilled goals and the anxiety that could accompany |
| demands. You can always say, simply; "This is | | | | it. |
| necessary for me right now. I hope you understand." | | | | Tip 7: Reward yourself |
| Tip 2: Establish priorities | | | | With so much focus on the IVF, you can forget |
| Priorities are based upon your needs, values and | | | | other needs. Rewards are important, both as |
| responsibilities. Rate each task from 1 to 10. Forget | | | | motivation and as validation. How about a bubble |
| the "should"s and "ought-to"s and strike off anything | | | | bath, a bunch of fresh flowers, a girls' night out or |
| you don't need or want to do. Stay on top of your | | | | dinner out with your partner? You will benefit from |
| core responsibilities and offset medical down-time | | | | the light-hearted, relaxed time or pretty touch. |
| with self-nurturing time, good company and other | | | | This strategy encourages you to acknowledge your |
| treats. | | | | values and be a bit self-protective during IVF |
| Tip 3: Re-frame your tasks as goalsA task can feel | | | | treatment. The resulting boost in efficiency also |
| like pressure, while a goal is a personal and positive | | | | creates more "me time." Being more in control of |
| choice. A smart goal is written, specific, achievable, | | | | your life should help you achieve a more relaxed |
| backed up with resources and time-framed. So, | | | | state of mind, which is after all, one of the health |
| re-write each task along those lines. (i.e. I will have | | | | essentials that can give your IVF cycle the best |
| brought the 2 bags of unwanted clothing to the | | | | chance possible. |
| charity shop by closing time on Tuesday, the 10th of | | | | |