The Role of Gratitude in the Fertility Journey: Finding Joy in the Process
Posted on April 18th, 2024
As you navigate your fertility journey, you’ll experience no shortage of emotions. One feeling you may not immediately think of when discussing reproductive obstacles is gratitude, but it plays an important role in the process.
You may wonder if it’s possible to be thankful and find joy while going through something so challenging. We say yes! As we celebrate National Infertility Awareness Week®, we encourage you to reflect on your experience and find ways to embrace positivity.
Your Feelings Are Valid
It would be wrong for us to tell you to simply “be happy” all the time. Infertility isn’t easy to manage, and you’ll have moments of sadness, fear, and frustration. We want you to know that it’s not only okay to feel these emotions — it’s par for the course.
However, you owe it to yourself to seek happiness where you can. Finding the right balance between feeling your emotions and encouraging yourself to be grateful is difficult, but you deserve to experience joy no matter what obstacles you’re facing with your fertility.
How Gratitude Impacts Fertility-Related Stress
Research shows that gratitude can help reduce stress surrounding fertility-related procedures like in vitro fertilization (IVF). A 2019 study of 357 women found that participants who scored higher on a gratitude questionnaire reported lower levels of fertility-related stress. This may be because gratitude directs people’s attention towards the positive aspects of life rather than the negative. Additionally, these findings suggest that it’s possible to relieve fertility-related treatment distress by cultivating gratitude and acceptance.
Tips for Practicing Gratitude
Being grateful and finding joy while trying to grow your family can be tough, but it’s extremely beneficial for your well-being. Here are some ways you can incorporate gratitude into your daily routine:
1. Write It Out
Journaling is a healthy way to release negative emotions and express the things in your life that you’re thankful for. A simple yet effective exercise is to write down three things that you're grateful for at the end of every day.
2. Practice Mindfulness
Mindfulness is the practice of being aware of your thoughts, feelings, and accompanying sensations, and accepting them. It allows you to see things from different perspectives without judgment. A good way to practice mindfulness is to meditate or do yoga.
3. Change Your Perspective
When going through a difficult situation, it’s easy to feel alone. Thoughts like “Everyone I know is getting pregnant except for me” are not only untrue but emotionally damaging. Changing your perspective is easier said than done, but it can go a long way in helping you feel better.
Counseling can help you practice cognitive restructuring, which is the process of identifying and disputing irrational or maladaptive thoughts. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is also a great tool for helping change your perspective surrounding your fertility.
4. Go Outside
As human beings living in a modern world, it’s easy to become addicted to our smartphones and social media. Immersing yourself in nature can help ground you. Try going for a short walk every day or eat lunch outside rather than indoors. A simple change of scenery can help clear your head of negative thoughts.
Explore Your Fertility Care Options
You can find peace of mind by working with a compassionate team of fertility specialists. At Aspire Fertility, we offer exceptional fertility treatments and patient care to help you find joy and gratitude as you navigate your fertility journey. For more information or to schedule an appointment, contact us today.
