Published on 21, Dec 2022

Rejuvenating Fertility Center (RFC) Shares Tips for Mental Health & Self-Care To Optimize Your Fertility Treatment

Caring for mental health is important for everyone - but there’s a special kind of pressure for those who are undergoing fertility treatments, which is why the providers and staff at Rejuvenating Fertility Center (RFC) make it a priority to emphasize self-care.

New York and Connecticut’s first non-conventional fertility clinic has 4 locations in New York and 1 location in Connecticut - but at least 40% of RFC patients are from outside this area - from as far away as Europe and Asia! This is because RFC is one of the only fertility clinics to offer remote services such as its patented At-Home IVF Kit, Portable IVF, and IVF with outside monitoring.

Because RFC focuses on whole-body health, including mental, emotional, and spiritual health, and has holistic treatments available, patients working with RFC feel cared for in all aspects. Whether you’re a patient with RFC or not, the team came together to share 5 keys to mental health to optimize success to your fertility journey.

Social Connection

Humans are social animals. Studies show that people who report feeling connected to a social group, whether it’s family or friends or both, also report lower levels of anxiety and depression. Social connection creates a higher level of empathy, which is the ability to put yourself in someone else’s shoes and creates more understanding of what other people are going through. This leads not only to stronger relationships, but it also creates perspective. Sharing problems lightens the load. RFC is here to help with any free advice related to social connections (feel free to send a DM on instagram).

Staying Active

While we might not always feel like going out and exercising (or staying in!) this is an essential part of mental health. Research shows that any kind of increase in physical activity, even walking or stretching while sitting down, can alleviate symptoms of depression. It also works as a preventive measure against developing depression in all ages. Exercise also helps to ease anxiety, stress, PTSD and trauma, and other issues that severely affect mental health.

Managing Stress

Speaking of stress, there are lots of ways to manage it. Taking a break from watching the news is a good way to disconnect from disturbing events - while it’s not a bad thing to know what’s going on in the world, many people spend far too much time plugged in. Stepping back from the internet and spending time in nature is a peaceful and healing way to decrease stress. Cutting back on alcohol and tobacco and caffeine is another way to de-stress. RFC can help as well by offering acupuncture and ozone sauna; both of which have been studied and shown to alleviate stress. 

Quality Sleep

A good night’s sleep is essential to both physical and mental health. But one single night of great sleep doesn’t fix all the problems that come with chronic insomnia, so while it might be tempting to just take a sleeping pill, it doesn’t solve long-term problems. Many experts recommend acquiring desk lights that include “happy light,” to replace the natural sunlight that our bodies need but don’t get inside, as windows block this essential light. Avoiding the harsh light from computers and phones for at least an hour before bed greatly helps the brain to “calm down” and prepare for healthy sleep as well. RFC recommends the use of mediation apps at bedtime to improve quality of sleep. 

Brain-Healthy Diet

You are what you eat! While it’s not usually a big problem to enjoy your favorite foods, it’s all about balance and moderation. Who doesn’t love pizza on a Friday night? Most of us do - but think about everything you’re putting into your body, and be sure to include brain-healthy foods, because what we eat can have an effect on the brain - and our overall health. Fatty fish such as salmon, trout, tuna, herring, and sardines are great sources of omega-3, which actually builds your brain and nerve cells - so this fish can help with learning and memory! 

Other good choices are coffee with moderation (yes, coffee!), blueberries, turmeric, broccoli, nuts, and dark chocolate are known to be brain-boosters. But again, it’s all about balance and moderation! A brain-healthy breakfast of eggs, maybe oatmeal with blueberries, or an orange smoothie is an excellent way to start the day - and helps balance out that admittedly less-than-healthy Friday night dinner of pizza. Or, switch out the traditional greasy pepperoni pizza for a healthier alternative, like a thin crust pie topped with spinach and chicken! RFC believes, after intense research in this field, that brain-healthy diet is ovary-healthy diet as well! Metabolism and reproduction always go hand-in-hand. 

RFC’s medical director, fertility specialist Dr. Zaher Merhi, reminds everyone - patients or not - that mental health is a precious commodity and we all deserve some peace in our lives. He sends a special shout-out to those going through fertility treatments, and reminds them that the staff at RFC is very sensitive to their mental and emotional needs during these challenging - and often rewarding - times in their lives.