Madeleine Shaw’s top tips for fertility anxiety
In a world where health anxiety and TTC (trying to conceive) stress are all too real, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
To help shift the vibe and bring some positivity to the journey, we tapped wellness expert and bestselling author Madeleine Shaw for her go-to tips.
Take it away, Madeleine!
Top tips for coping with TTC stress
Between packed schedules, hustle stress, sleepless nights, and making-it-work nutrition, life can feel like a lot—especially when you’re trying to conceive (TTC).
Stress and anxiety are totally normal, but the good news? There are ways to manage them and bring more calm into your journey.
Here are my top fertility tips to help you feel happier, healthier, and more at ease!
1. Take time out
We can all get caught up in the moment and work ourselves down to the ground – but it’s important to listen to our bodies and know when to take a break. Personally, my favourite way to relax is to practice yoga and meditation daily.
Listening to music or getting a massage are also great ways of clearing your head and relieving any tension.
Check out The Glow Space where you can find yoga guides and meditation practices that will help carve out a little you-time each day.
2. Exercise
Daily exercise is so important for your health and your mind, especially when you’re trying to conceive.
Exercise gives us all a natural boost from all those lovely endorphins being released. It will make you feel so much better – I know how great it makes me feel!
Even when I’m feeling sluggish and lethargic, I pop on my favourite pair of leggings and just do it (Nike style!) I always feel ten times better for it.
It doesn’t have to be a marathon. Just taking a walk round the block or a gentle yoga session from home will give your body the movement it needs.
3. Lean on community
Never underestimate the power of a good friend and a good laugh. If you are feeling stressed out, catching up (even virtually) with a friend at this time can be a great way to make you feel better.
Welcome humour and remember, a good laugh goes a long way!
4. Nourish
What we put in our bodies plays a huge part in how we feel and function. It is so important to nourish the body – I have my eye on gut health in particular, right now – so that it gives us the energy we need.
Follow some of my delicious recipes to start nourishing your body.
5. Sleep
Hooray! That 10 minute extra snooze in the morning might actually be doing you some good, or even better – getting to bed earlier.
Getting enough sleep is important for the body to repair itself. My favourite night-time routine is winding down with a warm drink – a cup of chamomile or peppermint tea is my go-to – and meditating right before I drop off to sleep.
6. Stay positive
The most important of all – remember you are beautiful, and life is beautiful. It may not seem it right now, but things will get better.
If you are struggling trying to conceive and can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel right now, just remember that there are so many things that are going well in your life, and so many beautiful reasons to be happy.
You will get through this – promise. TRB’s Keeping hope during infertility – a psychologist’s survival guide (think boundaries and self-compassion) – is a beautiful, supportive read for next steps here.
Anxiety when TTC – you’re not alone
Everyone at team TRB who’s been through it really felt this one.
We know just how closely anxiety can be tied to the fertility journey – it’s something so many of us share. That’s why creating a safe, supportive space here means so much to us.
Head to Insta to connect with others who are trying to conceive, and meet mentors who’ve been there too.
