Throughout any fertility journey, it’s completely normal to swing through a rollercoaster of ups and downs—and when it comes to trying to conceive, the process can be both emotionally and physically demanding. 

Lots of people may go from feeling excitement and joy, to stress, anxiety and even grief, sometimes all in the same day.

But our emotions, especially our stress levels, can have a significant impact on our fertility and our ability to conceive—which is why managing our stress and prioritising our well-being during this time is crucial. 

Don’t worry, we’re not going to tell you to “just relax’’, or “go with the flow”—here are 5 things you can start doing today to proactively reduce your stress and set you up for a positive conception journey. 

1. Know where you’re at with your fertility
Knowledge is power and the first step in any family-forming journey should always be to understand where you’re at right now when it comes to your fertility. Luckily, it’s easier than ever to check in on your hormones and fertility with scientifically-backed comprehensive at-home tests, like the Hertility Hormone & Fertility Test. 

Sent straight to your door, without a GP referral, the Hertility test includes a comprehensive Online Health Assessment, a personalised at-home blood collection kit and a doctor-written report analysing your results.

Testing you for up to 10 hormones and screening for up to 18 reproductive health conditions that affect fertility, tests like Hertility can be a great way of knowing exactly where you’re at, even before you start trying to conceive.

You can get £10 off a Hertility Hormone & Fertility Test for the next month, using the code BALANCE10.

2. Get to grips with the fertile window
Timing is key when you’re trying to conceive, so understanding exactly how your reproductive health works, including your cycle and fertile window, is essential. Utilising tools like tracker apps and ovulation predictor sticks can be a great way of keeping tabs on when you’re ovulating. 

Make sure you get clued up on all of the factors that can influence ovulation too, like diet, lifestyle and how your hormones are behaving. If you’re trying to conceive with a partner, make sure you get clued up on how their fertility may impact your journey too.

For all things cycle science and reproductive health basics, check out Hertility’s Proactive Guide to Getting Pregnant.  

3 Make Self-Care and Emotional Well-being a Priority

We’ve heard it before but prioritising quality sleep, eating a healthy fertility nutrition-focused diet and engaging in regular exercise when you’re trying to conceive can go a long way. These factors can all positively influence both your fertility and overall well-being.

Also, try as much as possible to engage in activities that help you unwind. This is personal, but it could include things like doing a sport you love, reading, cooking or simply going for a long walk.

You could also think about using stress management techniques like journaling, listening to soothing music, meditation or yoga.

4. Practice Open Communication
Open communication and a strong support system are essential during the journey to conceive. If you’re trying to conceive with a partner, make sure you’re regularly checking in with each other and being honest about your emotions as you move through them.

If you’re pursuing single parenthood, make sure you lean into other close relationships in your life and seek out friends, family and even support groups with people who have gone through a similar journey to you. 

Online communities can also be valuable resources, offering a platform for sharing experiences, gaining knowledge and receiving support from individuals facing similar challenges.

Connecting with others, especially those who understand your struggles first-hand, can provide a sense of belonging and emotional relief, no matter what you’re going through.

5. Seek Professional Support
If stress becomes overwhelming, consulting a Fertility Counsellor who specialises in reproductive health can be immensely beneficial. Counselling can offer guidance, reassurance and coping strategies tailored to your specific situation. 

They can also provide you with medical advice and potential treatment options, if necessary. Remember, whatever you’re feeling throughout this journey, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Reducing stress while trying to conceive is crucial for a positive and healthy journey. By checking in on your fertility, educating yourself, seeking professional support and connecting with others you can effectively manage stress, enhance your well-being and increase your chances of conceiving. 

No matter where you’re at in your fertility journey, Hertility can support you at every step. Get your award-winning, government-regulated at-home Hormone & Fertility Test today with code BALANCE10. Find out more at www.hertilityhealth.com