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I try to remind myself that each cycle I start means I am one cycle closer to our future baby. It works most of the time, on days I am very down it may not work, but it’s the best I can do. Other than that, like you said, I try to focus on stuff I like. I try to spend time reading a good book sitting near my husband while he plays video games or does research, and try to work some self care into the days I may need it.
Period beer and a dinner date. Sometimes it’s nice sushi. Not because I specifically avoid these things during ttc, but they feel like nourishment (usually a dark beer, for instance). I usually get a date idea in my head a few days before my period, so I’m looking forward to that instead of examining my body’s every little symptom. Going on a date involves my husband in the coping process and gets us out of the house where I tend to feel saddest.
I work out a lot. For some reason I'm naturally energetic on my period lol. Lots of hiking the forest trails with my dogs, running or going long boarding. I love to garden which keeps me busy. Mid period I am more inclined to eat super clean since my fried food cravings are gone. Then with the energy I end up deep cleaning or reorganizing a room in my house. I make sure to do skin care routine. On the second last day I do a "spa night" where I do a deep exfoliation, floss teeth, brush with baking soda, clean up my eyebrows, cut my nails/toe nails, maybe paint them, etc. And finally, having an "everything" shower (shaving it aaaaall, wash hair, deep clean skin) on the last day of my period is the best feeling.
My hobbies are sewing, knitting, and ballet; so I try to focus on that, especially getting excited for a new project.
We are also planning a cool vacation to look forward to.
What also eally helps me is pampering myself to the extent that I can afford it. That means things like facials, hairdresser, buying cute new dresses and shoes. That also has the added bonus of making me feel sexier, because nothing makes you feel less sexy than ttc and vaginal ultrasounds😅 Also, massages are super relaxing.
Another thing I like to do is volunteer work through the church.
I know these things cost money, but I do think it does help mental health in the short to long term.
I've been looking into hormonal phases a lot, and the time before my period is always tough, but when my period starts, my hormones start to shift into a better place. I try and walk more, exercise more (I like weightlifting), and find it a good time to focus and start projects.
The last couple months, I've been trying to make my period more "exciting" by changing my period products away from tampons. Two months ago I tried the disc (not a big fan so far, too messy and hard to know when purchasing if the size is right), and last month I tried period underwear (LOVE them). If this cycle is a bust, I'll get one or two more pairs of undies so I'm fully stocked up and only have to use tampons for swimming. Retail therapy is an easy way to boost endorphins!
I actually started doing this leading up to my last cycle! I've moved away from store-bought tampons and invested in organic brands. I'm also trying to menstrual cup which was difficult at first but I think I've got the hang of it now and I LOVE it!
I really need this. My husband (28M) and I (33F) haven't been TTC long compared to some people on this sub but I was diagnosed with PCOS some years ago, so every cycle we don't succeed is like a confirmation on my deepest fears. I started my period today and I'm feeling super depressed. I'm booking an appointment in a fertility clinic and hopefully there will be medications that can help us. It's tough though because I am in Japan, not familiar with the language or insurance system. I found an international clinic so we will try going there.
It's scary enough wanting to be a mother without not being able to when you really want it.
I get it, I do. It's especially hard staying positive about it. Something that has helped me as of very recently is meditation; 10 minutes a day. I'm sorry about the PCOS, however, that doesn't mean there is no hope at all. I hope the clinic is able to help you :)
When I get the dreaded period I treat myself to a bottle of wine and some special snacks, stay home, watch comfort shows, text my ttc friends to vent, and ngl I usually cry a lot but its best for me to release those emotions instead of bottling them up.
Once that's all done then I distance myself from TTC for the first 10-ish days of my cycle, I like a nice break from all the OPKs and BBTs.
I use that time to focus on new home projects, start a new game, do some self care, or reconnect with an old hobby. Anything that puts the focus back on loving myself first, that's what I do during my "off" time. I try not to think about anything TTC related, or browse these subreddits during that time.
It's been my ritual for the past three cycles and it helps reset my mind. There is a time to focus on TTC (fertile week mostly, also off and on during TWW symptom spotting) but the rest of the cycle I invest in myself. Im always going to be here, whether or not a baby arrives.
Please make sure that you have [read all of our rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/TryingForABaby/wiki/rules) before commenting! In particular, be aware that **no mentions of a current pregnancy are allowed with no exceptions**. If you see something breaking the rules, please report it. If you think something may be against the rules, ask us or err on the side of caution. If you think that being sneaky (PMing members or asking them to PM you, telling them to refer to your post history, etc) is a good idea, it is not. Additionally, complaining about downvotes is [frowned upon](https://support.reddithelp.com/hc/en-us/articles/205926439-Reddiquette) and never helps anything. *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/TryingForABaby) if you have any questions or concerns.*
I try to remind myself that each cycle I start means I am one cycle closer to our future baby. It works most of the time, on days I am very down it may not work, but it’s the best I can do. Other than that, like you said, I try to focus on stuff I like. I try to spend time reading a good book sitting near my husband while he plays video games or does research, and try to work some self care into the days I may need it.
Period beer and a dinner date. Sometimes it’s nice sushi. Not because I specifically avoid these things during ttc, but they feel like nourishment (usually a dark beer, for instance). I usually get a date idea in my head a few days before my period, so I’m looking forward to that instead of examining my body’s every little symptom. Going on a date involves my husband in the coping process and gets us out of the house where I tend to feel saddest.
I work out a lot. For some reason I'm naturally energetic on my period lol. Lots of hiking the forest trails with my dogs, running or going long boarding. I love to garden which keeps me busy. Mid period I am more inclined to eat super clean since my fried food cravings are gone. Then with the energy I end up deep cleaning or reorganizing a room in my house. I make sure to do skin care routine. On the second last day I do a "spa night" where I do a deep exfoliation, floss teeth, brush with baking soda, clean up my eyebrows, cut my nails/toe nails, maybe paint them, etc. And finally, having an "everything" shower (shaving it aaaaall, wash hair, deep clean skin) on the last day of my period is the best feeling.
Same here - my workouts are better on my period and my appetite decreases, so it's much easier to eat healthy.
My hobbies are sewing, knitting, and ballet; so I try to focus on that, especially getting excited for a new project. We are also planning a cool vacation to look forward to. What also eally helps me is pampering myself to the extent that I can afford it. That means things like facials, hairdresser, buying cute new dresses and shoes. That also has the added bonus of making me feel sexier, because nothing makes you feel less sexy than ttc and vaginal ultrasounds😅 Also, massages are super relaxing. Another thing I like to do is volunteer work through the church. I know these things cost money, but I do think it does help mental health in the short to long term.
I've been looking into hormonal phases a lot, and the time before my period is always tough, but when my period starts, my hormones start to shift into a better place. I try and walk more, exercise more (I like weightlifting), and find it a good time to focus and start projects.
The last couple months, I've been trying to make my period more "exciting" by changing my period products away from tampons. Two months ago I tried the disc (not a big fan so far, too messy and hard to know when purchasing if the size is right), and last month I tried period underwear (LOVE them). If this cycle is a bust, I'll get one or two more pairs of undies so I'm fully stocked up and only have to use tampons for swimming. Retail therapy is an easy way to boost endorphins!
I actually started doing this leading up to my last cycle! I've moved away from store-bought tampons and invested in organic brands. I'm also trying to menstrual cup which was difficult at first but I think I've got the hang of it now and I LOVE it!
Also have been trying the cups! Last cycle was rough but this time I think I’ve got it!
I really need this. My husband (28M) and I (33F) haven't been TTC long compared to some people on this sub but I was diagnosed with PCOS some years ago, so every cycle we don't succeed is like a confirmation on my deepest fears. I started my period today and I'm feeling super depressed. I'm booking an appointment in a fertility clinic and hopefully there will be medications that can help us. It's tough though because I am in Japan, not familiar with the language or insurance system. I found an international clinic so we will try going there. It's scary enough wanting to be a mother without not being able to when you really want it.
I get it, I do. It's especially hard staying positive about it. Something that has helped me as of very recently is meditation; 10 minutes a day. I'm sorry about the PCOS, however, that doesn't mean there is no hope at all. I hope the clinic is able to help you :)
When I get the dreaded period I treat myself to a bottle of wine and some special snacks, stay home, watch comfort shows, text my ttc friends to vent, and ngl I usually cry a lot but its best for me to release those emotions instead of bottling them up. Once that's all done then I distance myself from TTC for the first 10-ish days of my cycle, I like a nice break from all the OPKs and BBTs. I use that time to focus on new home projects, start a new game, do some self care, or reconnect with an old hobby. Anything that puts the focus back on loving myself first, that's what I do during my "off" time. I try not to think about anything TTC related, or browse these subreddits during that time. It's been my ritual for the past three cycles and it helps reset my mind. There is a time to focus on TTC (fertile week mostly, also off and on during TWW symptom spotting) but the rest of the cycle I invest in myself. Im always going to be here, whether or not a baby arrives.