Tuesday 21 April 2015

#AtoZChallenge: R is for Relaxation

This is the eighteenth of a series of posts that I’m posting during the A to Z Challenge; that’s a blogging challenge where you aim to post a blog post for each letter of the alphabet throughout the month of April (with Sundays off for good behaviour). During my first A to Z Challenge I wrote about infertility, which I’m sort of revisiting during A to Z Challenge 2015.

My theme this year is IVF/ICSI, a process we’re starting at the moment and today it’s R for Relaxation.


I’ve mentioned in a couple of my other posts about how stressful the IVF process can be, as well as how important it is to take time out for yourself for a little bit of pampering and relaxation. I thought this would be a good chance to go into a little bit of detail about how I like to relax.

Different people will relax in different ways, that goes without saying. What you might also find is that what normally helps you to relax, doesn’t during treatment. Towards the end of my cancelled cycle I was no longer comfortable being on my feet for long periods of time; considering I really enjoy taking our Labrador, Tara, for long walks, especially when I’m feeling stressed, this wasn’t much of an option for me.

It’s just a question of adapting to what works for you; a relaxing shower, a good book, a craft or hobby that you enjoy. You can buy CDs or MP3s of relaxing music (as well as IVF specific ones, which I’ll talk about more on Saturday in my V post) which some people find helpful as well.

While it would be nice to get into a relaxed state and just stay that way for the rest of the treatment process, we all know that’s not possible. It is possible to try and avoid stressful situations. Again, not always possible, but you can always try. Hide people on Facebook whose posts irritate you, don’t get drawn into conversations that you know will wind you up, walk away from things if you can. You’re under enough stress and pressure as it is, you don’t need to add to it.

Remember as well that your partner needs time to relax as well. It’s a stressful time for them as well; they’ll probably be watching you going through all the tests and treatment and their involvement will be relatively limited (aside from the obvious bit towards the end). Give them opportunities to unwind as well; let them go out and let their hair down, have a long relaxing soak in the tub, take the dog for a nice long relaxing walk. ;-) It’s easy to get very focused on yourself during IVF treatment and your partner is going through it as well but may often get forgotten.


If you’ve got a friend or family member going through treatment, try to remember that this is a stressful period in their lives and they’ll be grateful for not being riled up. You might be able to offer them opportunities to unwind or help take the pressure off them in some way. And above all, remember that both partners are going through the treatment, so don’t just focus on the one who is getting all the drugs and tests.

8 comments:

  1. Good advice on relaxation at any time! Hope it works for you at this present time.
    Anabel's Travel Blog
    Adventures of a retired librarian

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    1. Thank you, I'm certainly relaxed right now, but that's probably because I know it's another two or three weeks before I need to go back to the hospital, hehe.

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  2. One should always hide the people on Facebook that irritate you, not just when you're over stressed. Or, better yet, unfriend them entirely. Life is too short to keep stressful people in your life. (Unless they're family. Then you're kinda stuck.)

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    1. This is so, so true. Facebook is supposed to be the sort of place where you can connect and have fun, not to get wound up by other people.

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  3. Great advice about Facebook Cait - it must be very hard to stay relaxed at this time - for both of you... My sister in law went through the process twice - I wish you both lots of luck :)
    Fil @ Fil’s Place - Old songs and Memories

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    1. Thank you. :-) & I hope it all went smoothly for your sister-in-law.

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  4. Your relaxing advice is good for any time, but I'm sure extra important when going through many medical procedures as IVF. Good advice about FB, too. The BLOCK button can be your FB friend. I especially liked your thoughts on doing a craft or hobby....for me needlework has always been a go to relaxing and feel good outlet. Thanks for visiting my letter R post on Reading. I am a new follower. Very glad to meet you through the AtoZ Challenge.
    Sue at CollectInTexas Gal
    AtoZ 2015 Challenge
    Minion for AJ's wHooligans

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    1. Thank you for the return visit. :-)

      Knitting is my go to hobby when I need to relax, but I'm determined to learn to crochet soon as well.

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Let me know what you think. :-)