Hi Reader,
In this week's episode, guest Elizabeth King mentioned a stat that I just can't quit thinking about. She said that The Mayo Clinic did a study and found that going through a fertility/infertility journey creates the same level of stress as going through a Cancer journey. I dug in a bit further and this is what I found:
Research from the Mayo Clinic and other sources shows that women with infertility experience similar levels of anxiety and depression as those with cancer, heart disease, and HIV.
This really got me thinking about all the other life circumstances—personal tragedies, setbacks, or unmet expectations—that also generate immense stress. These situations are not isolated; they touch nearly all of us in different ways.
Recently, the Surgeon General even issued a public health advisory on the mental health and well-being of parents, highlighting the overwhelming pressures faced by families today. As a parent myself, I feel this deeply, and I know many of you with kids at any stage can relate. The world is becoming more stressful, not less.
We’re navigating a landscape full of stressors: financial pressures, careers, parenting challenges, caregiving for aging parents, political unrest, economic uncertainty, racial injustice, and environmental crises, just to name a few. It’s no wonder that stress can wreak havoc on our bodies—affecting everything from sleep to immunity, heart health to fertility.
The key takeaway here is that stress is a part of life, but how we manage it matters. We must prioritize mental health—not just during crises but consistently, in every season of life. Tough times will come, but if we’re equipped with the tools and support systems to handle them, we’ll be far better off when they do.
So, what can we do? Here are a few simple things you can start today to manage stress or prepare for future challenges:
- Practice Mindfulness or Meditation: Taking just 5–10 minutes a day to slow down, breathe deeply, and clear your mind can help you stay centered and reduce anxiety.
- Stay Connected with Your Support Network: Whether it’s friends, family, or a professional counselor, talking to others can reduce the emotional load you’re carrying.
- Prioritize Sleep and Rest: Adequate sleep is essential for managing stress. Establish a bedtime routine that includes winding down with a book or light stretching, and aim for 7-9 hours of sleep.
- Get Active: Exercise is a proven stress-buster. Even a short walk outside can do wonders for your mood. Done is better than perfect here. (put that last line in for myself:))
- Set Boundaries with Work and Personal Obligations: Learn to say no when necessary and protect your time. Setting healthy boundaries prevents burnout and ensures you’re not taking on too much at once.
The bottom line? Your mental health isn’t a luxury; it’s essential. Now more than ever, let’s commit to supporting ourselves and each other as we navigate this complex, ever-changing world.
P.S. This is the last week to vote for Life Intended in the Women in Podcasting Awards. Please go here and vote for me in the "Mindset" category. Thank you so much for your support!
THIS WEEK'S EPISODE:
Listen on: Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music | YouTube
In this episode of Life Intended, host Kelly Berry speaks with certified fertility expert Elizabeth King, founder of the Fertility Coach Academy. Elizabeth shares her journey of becoming a mother after 40 and her experience helping women worldwide on their fertility paths. She highlights the importance of a holistic approach, including emotional support, nutrition, and advocating for oneself in medical settings. Elizabeth dives into the emotional toll of infertility, discusses the impact of societal pressures on women’s fertility journeys, and explains how personalized strategies can lead to healthier pregnancies.
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Elizabeth is the host of the podcast, Friends with Fertility and is a contributing author to three best-selling books Naturally Conceived, The Creative Lifebook, and Radical Self Love. For her expertise, she has been featured in Forbes, BBC, Entrepreneur, The New York Post, New York Magazine, as well as many others, and on a variety of top podcasts.
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​Takeaways:
- Holistic fertility care enhances conception success.
- Emotional support is vital for fertility journeys.
- Advocacy in medical settings improves outcomes.
- Conception is possible after 40 with the right approach.
Links:
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