The Healthy Effects of Positive Thinking in Your Infertility Journey
By Dr. Ellen Hayes
Believe me when I say that I can relate to all of you glass half-empties out there.
I can still drift that way if I do not actively work for positivity, and for those of you also struggling with infertility or recurrent miscarriages, you certainly have good reason to harbor some truly justified negative feelings.
The fact that our thoughts are not completely out of our control did not occur to me until I was attending a lecture about mental health several years ago. The theme was that human beings have evolved for survival, not for happiness. The speaker emphasized that despite this fact, the potential for happiness is not just within some people and missing from others. It is something that everyone needs to choose for themselves. It is an active process to cultivate positive thinking.
So what are some ways that we can change the script running through our head to a more positive, more productive, and happier one? Some obvious things that have a profound effect on our mood and thinking are healthy food, getting exercise, finding ways to minimize your daily stress, and getting adequate sleep. In addition, here are some suggestions that can also make a big impact:
1. Be open to finding the HUMOR in life. It is ok to smile, laugh, and still be happy even when things are difficult. It does not mean that you are not taking things seriously, it is simply a more positive approach to adversity.
2. Surround yourself with POSITIVE PEOPLE. We cannot choose everyone we spend our time with, but when possible, seek out those who support you and who are positive thinkers themselves. This includes the accounts you follow on social media. Unfollowing toxic or negative thinkers is very freeing.
3. Work on using POSITIVE SELF-TALK. If you would not say it to someone else, do not say it to yourself. Actively change the script to one of kindness and encouragement.
Positivity reduces stress and depression, boosts your immune system, and can increase longevity. It has profound effects on us both mentally and physically. With infertility, staying positive and working toward happiness is not always easy and some days are just overwhelming and sad. Those are the times when someone else’s positive energy can help you through it so do not be afraid to ask for the help you need.
Dr. Ellen Hayes is a Board-certified Reproductive Endocrinologist and Infertility Specialist dedicated to assisting patients experiencing infertility issues. Dr. Hayes received her medical degree from Loyola University Chicago and completed OB/GYN residency training at the Medical College of Wisconsin. She completed a fellowship in Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility at Emory University. She is experienced in all aspects of fertility evaluation and treatment, advanced reproductive technology, and surgical treatment of infertility. Dr. Hayes is the Medical Advisor for Hope Against Infertility, Inc.