Getting help and therapy is no longer taboo nowadays, rather, in fact, it's encouraged to look after yourself, too. Infertility, pregnancy, and postpartum come with an array of mixed feelings and emotions, and it's crucial to have a strong support system and partner to go through the journey together. Therapy is also a healthy and eye-opening way to properly express your feelings in a safe environment and for you to be able to find a way to ease distress. Finding a compatible therapist is important, and we always tell patients that their mental health is just as critical as their physical health.

Although this term has been circling for decades, it means something different for everyone. It is not just skincare and taking a long, hot bath. Self-care activities could be taking a walk, going to the spa, playing with your dog, or it could mean painting for an afternoon, catching up with a good friend, reading, or doing yoga and meditation. The important thing is to put time aside and focus on what you want and what's important to you. These are general activities that help calm us down and put us in a better mood. 

Hobbies may seem like an underwhelming solution, but it does wonders in reality. Hobbies take our minds off stressful thoughts, and we're able to fully immerse ourselves into what we're doing. Be sure to find something that stimulates your creativity and something you genuinely love and enjoy doing. Sometimes, it takes a bit of distraction from our daily lives to restore our energy. Treat yourself well, and treat your creative mind well. 

Eat well, but eat healthy! Nutrition is important if you're trying to conceive, during pregnancy, postpartum, and just in general. Nutrition affects not only our physical health but our mental health, too. Certain nutrients and chemicals influence our hormones, and that, in turn, impact our mood, emotions, and sleep quality. Eating well also means your other organs are working properly, and that certainly will make a difference in your mental health, too. The term "you are what you eat" somehow rings true this time. This isn't to say to completely forgo the chocolate and chips, but perhaps eat everything in moderation, and be sure to remember to nourish your body, too. 

Sleep is one of the top factors in a healthy body and mind. Sleeping is your body's way of recuperating and regenerating new cells in your body. During the day, events happen, and our body and brain deplete the cells to use energy for them. When you sleep, you're replenishing your body for the next day. Studies have also shown that good quality sleep plays a huge part in your mental health, and to be sure to give your body the rest it needs.

Little movements, that's it. Before you conceive, during pregnancy, or postpartum might not be the best time to exercise all the time (depending on the person). But once in a while, to move your body a little bit helps a great deal. We suggest going for a brisk walk outside in good weather, simply just stretching or yoga and meditation. You can even try playing an instrument. By moving bit by bit, your blood circulates a lot more, and you'll be able to feel a bit more energized. Small movements stimulate the body and mind and can help a lot in the long run. 

One of life's oldest works is to venture out into the wild. We're not talking about climbing a mountain, but maybe go for a stroll in a park, or sit by a river or lake if it's close to your home. You'd find that being close to nature and feeling connected with it will make a great difference in your mental health. They always say to get your daily Vitamin C from the sun. Basking in the sunlight for a couple of minutes per day can also aid you in getting better sleep since your body reacts to the sun and will naturally produce more melatonin to help your natural circadian rhythm.