The Art of Patience How to Stay Positive During IVF Waiting Periods
by Maria Aikaterinari, last updated 16 Dec 2024,
3 min read
The journey through IVF treatment is often described as an emotional rollercoaster, and one of the most challenging aspects is managing the waiting periods. We understand that these intervals – whether waiting for test results, during the two-week wait, or between cycles – can be emotionally taxing. Here are some suggestions that will help you maintain a positive mindset during these crucial times.
Mindfulness and Relaxation
Practices such as meditation and breathing exercises have shown that they can help with maintaining a calm state. It could be guided meditation or not, whatever suits you better. Also, gentle yoga or stretching to stay connected with your body could also be beneficial.
Support System
We have been mentioning the concept of a support system a long time now, and that is because it’s crucial for an individual in any aspect of life in order to cope with the situations that may arise. You can always connect with other IVF patients through support groups because sharing except for caring can help you relieve stress. Always remember that open communication is the best way through. Identifying your emotions and sharing them with transparency is helpful not only to you but also to others who are next to you trying to support you. Don't hesitate to reach out to your fertility team at Newlife for any trouble you might be going through.
Stay Productively Occupied
During waiting periods, immersing yourself in activities that captivate your mind and spirit can make a world of difference. Consider revisiting hobbies that have always brought you joy, whether it's painting, gardening, or playing music. This might also be the perfect time to tackle that project you've been putting off – perhaps reorganizing your space or starting that blog you've been dreaming about. Learning something new can be incredibly fulfilling; why not explore an online course in photography, cooking, or any subject that interests you?

Manage your Information Intake
This is a tricky one, because we all know how information may mislead you and stress can cause a bunch of negative thoughts to pop up, creating a counterfeit reality you probably shouldn’t be in. So set some boundaries for yourself, limit the time you spend researching IVF statistics or other stories you might think would help.
Emotional Processing Techniques
OK, so the way you process your emotion is so unique that we couldn’t actually predict the best technique for you, but it wouldn’t hurt to suggest a few!
You can keep a journal to express the thoughts and feelings that are hard to say. They say that putting it on paper makes it smaller. Practising gratitude will also help you. Most of the time when someone is in a dark place, they tend to think about the worst case scenarios and it’s totally normal. In reality, saying or writing the things that you are grateful for is like opening the first window in this dark place in order to get the light in.
Lastly, if things feel unbearable, consider professional counselling. It might not be the first option, but if things go south, take the step.
Remember, the waiting period, while challenging, is temporary. Each day brings you closer to your goal, and maintaining a positive outlook can significantly impact your overall experience. Our team at Newlife IVF Greece has witnessed countless success stories, and we're here to support you every step of the way. Keep the end goal in sight, and remember that this waiting period is just a phase in your journey.
Need additional support or guidance? Don't hesitate to reach out to our caring team at Newlife IVF Greece. We're here to help you navigate this journey with hope and positivity.

Maria Aikaterinari, BA, MSc
Maria is an Engagement Specialist at Newlife IVF.