Navigate the Holidays with R-E-S-T

For those that don’t know, we are BIG fans of Tricia Hersey at Full Bloom Fertility. She is an artist, activist, and author who preaches the power of rest as resistance to the never-ending grind culture in which we are all living. Using her message as inspiration (because, quite frankly, her voice lives in my head daily), I wanted to share some ways that we all,  especially fertility patients, can carve out space for  ease and rest this holiday season. 

We all know that navigating the holiday season, with or without fertility challenges, can be draining and stressful  for most people. It can be especially difficult for folks on a fertility journey. Here are some tips for moving through the holiday season with less stress and more joy:

R - Remember who you are. 

You are so much more than someone facing fertility challenges. Your diagnosis and journey do not define you. Remember who you are and what you enjoy outside of your specific circumstances, and lean heavily into those things. Maybe it’s reading a page-turner while listening to holiday music. Perhaps it’s running a Turkey Trot. Gathering with supportive friends for a game night is always a great time. Whatever it is, prioritize joyful experiences. 

E - Explore outside. 

Countless studies have shown that spending time outside in nature does wonders for your mental health and nervous system. Find a buddy (or embark on a solo adventure!), pack some snacks and water, and go for a hike. Seek out the nearest body of water and listen to nature for a while. Sit on a bench and watch the sunset. Take a walk on your lunch break. It doesn’t have to be complicated, and it doesn’t have to be long. Even just 15 minutes outside can make a big difference.

S - Say no. 

Now is the time to be fiercely protective of your peace. If situations or people are triggering and you know will bring you more stress, practice saying no! Be mindful of the energy around you, and adjust accordingly. You are not obligated to do anything you don’t want to do or explain anything to anyone you don’t want to explain. If you have an obligation you really cannot get out of, try to limit the amount of time you engage in said obligation. Be sure to do something enjoyable beforehand so that you are in a positive headspace, and deliberately carve out time for decompression afterwards. 

T - Time to rest. 

Take rest when and where you need it. A 20-30 minute nap a couple of times a week,  a full-on sabbatical from treatment cycles until the New Year, and everything in between, count as rest. You are not a machine and neither is your body. Be gentle with yourself, and know that rest is a critical requirement for overall health and well-being. 

Happy Holidays from Full Bloom Fertility!