Making a baby sounds like a lot of fun—and at times it definitely is—but it can also be pretty stressful. Luckily, there’s no better time to unwind than summer. Here, the best ways to relax in the upcoming months.
Get outside
Spending time outdoors has been linked to lower rates of depression and anxiety, so plan some fun activities for you and your partner to do together: Have a picnic, play a game of doubles tennis, head to the pool or, if the weather’s cold, go skiing. Not only will you be spending time getting fresh air (which is a good way to get more vitamin D), it’s also a great way to bond with each other without focusing on your fertility struggles.
Go for a swim
Time to spring for a beach pass! A Swedish study published in the International Journal of Stress Management found that floating in saltwater triggers the body’s relaxation response, which, in turn, helps lower stress hormone levels. After seven weeks, people who regularly relaxed in floating tanks slept better, felt more optimistic and reported having less anxiety, stress and depression.
Exercise—but don’t go crazy
Working out is one of the best-known stress relievers, so get out there and exercise. In just one of the many studies on exercise’s positive impact on mood, people scored 25 percent lower on anxiety tests after spending 30 minutes on a treadmill and even showed positive changes in their brain activity. And with longer days and nicer weather, your workout motivation is stronger than ever, right?
But remember: You don’t want to overdo it. Extremely vigorous exercise could interfere with ovulation. So listen to your body and know when it’s telling you to take it a little easier.
Need more tips to de-stress while trying to conceive? We have you covered.
Please note: The Bump and the materials and information it contains are not intended to, and do not constitute, medical or other health advice or diagnosis and should not be used as such. You should always consult with a qualified physician or health professional about your specific circumstances.
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