Infertility is one of the hardest journeys I’ve ever been on. Between the constant doctor visits, tests, and the endless waiting, it’s easy to feel like you’re losing yourself in the process. One thing I’ve learned is that taking care of yourself—both physically and emotionally—isn’t just a luxury. It’s essential.
For me, self-care became something to hold onto when everything else felt uncertain. Whether you’re going through fertility treatments or dealing with the emotional toll of waiting for that positive test, these five self-care practices helped me stay grounded when I needed it most.
1. Moving My Body in a Way That Feels Good
We all know that exercise is good for us, but when you’re navigating infertility, it becomes more than just a fitness goal—it becomes a way to manage the emotional rollercoaster. Before this journey, I used to push myself with high-intensity workouts, thinking that more sweat meant more success. But as the reality of infertility set in, I realized I needed to be kinder to my body.
Instead of pushing myself with exhausting routines, I shifted to lower-intensity, strength-based exercises. These workouts helped me feel strong and centered, without leaving me drained. On days when I didn’t have the energy for a full workout, or during IVF treatments where I was on activity restrictions— I’d take a simple walk outside, letting the fresh air clear my mind. The goal wasn’t about losing weight or achieving fitness milestones—it was about moving in a way that felt nurturing to my body.
One thing that made a huge difference was working out at home. With just a few weights and resistance bands, I found a way to stay consistent, even on the hard days. No more excuses about crowded gyms or hectic schedules.
2. Feeding My Body—and My Soul
When you’re trying to conceive, it’s easy to feel like every decision you make, including what you eat, needs to serve the goal of getting pregnant. But I quickly realized that while a nutrient-rich diet is important, so is feeding your soul.
For me, it was about balance. I focused on healthy eating most of the time, prepping meals packed with high protein and nutrients, but I also allowed myself the joy of indulging in the little things that brought happiness. Whether it was a pumpkin spice latte in the fall, a spontaneous popcorn movie night with my husband, or enjoying a second scoop of ice cream, I made space for these treats without guilt.
Meal prepping became a big part of my self-care. It helped me feel in control of my nutrition without feeling stressed about what to eat after a long day. But I also reminded myself that it’s okay to indulge. Life is about balance, and finding joy in the little things is just as important as nourishing your body.
3. Finding Joy in New Hobbies
Infertility has a way of making life feel like it’s stuck in place. When we started trying to conceive, I thought parenthood would naturally be our next big adventure. But as the months turned into years, I realized that I needed to find other ways to keep moving forward.
That’s when I turned to hobbies—small, manageable projects that brought me joy and reminded me that life was still happening, even if it didn’t feel like it. Writing this blog has become a huge source of comfort, giving me a place to express my thoughts while helping others who are experiencing a similar journey. I also started learning the piano and picked up stained glass crafting. These activities gave me something to look forward to and allowed me to focus on something outside of fertility treatments.
Hobbies don’t have to be elaborate or time-consuming. They just need to bring you joy. Whether it’s something creative or simply something you’ve always wanted to try, finding that spark of happiness can make all the difference when you’re navigating infertility.
4. Reflecting and Meditating
Infertility doesn’t just affect your body—it affects every part of your life. Your relationship with yourself, your partner, and even your friends can feel the strain. For me, the emotional toll was heavier than I expected, and it took me years to finally start seeing a therapist. Looking back, I wish I had started sooner.
Talking through my emotions with a therapist helped tremendously, but I also found personal reflection to be a powerful tool for self-care. Whether through journaling, meditation, or prayer, these quiet moments of reflection can give you space to process your emotions.
If you’re going through this, give yourself permission to reflect. You owe it to yourself to acknowledge the emotional journey you’re on and take time to process how far you’ve come.
5. Treating Myself—Without Guilt
During my infertility journey, I learned the importance of treating myself—without guilt. There were days when I needed a little extra happiness, and I wasn’t shy about giving it to myself.
Treating yourself doesn’t have to be expensive or elaborate. For me, it was the little things, like doing my nails at home while watching my favorite show. I didn’t need to spend money at a salon; I just needed to carve out time for myself. Whether it’s buying yourself a nice coffee, indulging in a bubble bath, or treating yourself to a new book, these small acts of self-care can make a big difference.
It’s about reminding yourself that you deserve moments of joy, even in the middle of a difficult journey. Self-care is not selfish—it’s necessary.
Final Thoughts
Self-care during infertility isn’t about grand gestures—it’s about finding small, meaningful ways to nurture yourself during one of the most challenging experiences of your life. Whether it’s moving your body, reflecting on your emotions, or indulging in something that brings you joy, these practices helped me stay grounded and connected to myself throughout the process.
If you’re on this journey, I encourage you to find what works for you. Infertility can feel isolating, but remember to take care of yourself along the way. You deserve it.
How do you practice self-care during challenging times? I’d love to hear your experiences and tips in the comments below. Let’s support each other through this journey.
