Coping Tools

Exercise is one 'tool' in your resilience coping tool box and a morning walk each test day was my saving grace! Other coping strategies may involve:

• ensuring you are well educated and informed about aspects of your treatment to alleviate stress of the 'unknown'.  Knowledge is power and understanding the ins and out of your treatment will give you some control over the process.
• letting go of treatment elements that you have no control over and focusing on those that you do, such as making yourself as healthy as possible by exercising and eating well.  Be kind to yourself and make your well being a priority.
• surrounding yourself with a support network. This could be talking with a good friend, your partner or 'chatting' in an online community. Know you are not alone, and reaching out every now and again can be a great way to put everything into perspective.
• adopting a positive, hopeful outlook. Pessimism has been shown to predict ivf failure so start your day with some positive affirmations!