Stressful jobs & keeping relaxed 💗✨

[CLou21]

Does anybody else have a stressful job and still manage to take care of themselves and relax?

My job is extremely rewarding but soooo stressful at the same time and I worry about the impact of this.

This week has been a bloody nightmare and Im mid Frozen Embryo Transfer. Although I feel more relaxed about this cycle as a whole, this worries me.

I have the most amazingly supportive manager who tells me I am still doing above and beyond, even though Ive cut my workload down massively.

Anyone else? ✨

[Orla9298]

Me! My job really stresses me out, sometimes I barely get a chance to eat properly and often get out after 7pm so shattered that I can hardly face making dinner.

My bosses are supportive but nothing they do reduces my workload so I have to choose to ignore things and let things slip.

I took my last 2ww off and it failed to implant anyway! 🙈🙈🙈

I have my next FET in about 6 weeks and don’t think I can take time off xx

[CLou21 in reply to Orla9298]

Hey, nightmare isnt it?! I did the same I took a a few days around egg removal then a full week and it didnt work...i was the most relaxed ive ever been so it makes me wonder if it will just work when it works xx

[Orla9298]

I keep meaning to try and meditate - it’s very alien to me as my waking hours are 100mph but I’ve managed twice this week. Not sure what I’m meant to be doing it for as soon as I’m finished I’m back to rushing around!

[CLou21 in reply to Orla9298]

Ive toyed with this too, Ive tried the mindful app which is fab but I need to start making time. My brain is too busy and I need to slow it down 🙈

[Hidden]

I guess stress is all relative but I think I have a really stressful job, I have a 4 hour round trip commute into London, have targets I am always being threatened about if I dont hit them, and a global job which means long hours.

I haven't managed to take any time off for IVF as my work don't know I am doing it (would jeapordise my career). I have managed to work from home a bit though.

Initially I did reflexology and also the MindfulIVF App which I found very soothing. I did Acupuncture but it didnt do much for me. Out of all of them the Mindfulness is the one that I have found easiest to fit in to my life and the most beneficial.

Gradually over my IVF Journey I've just discovered that actually TTC is way more important to me than a job, and when I've had some ups and downs work haven't been there to support me in the way I would expect (eg during an operation expecting me to answer emails the day of the op)... so over time the stress has decreased as I've got less and less loyal to them and more and more focused on looking after number 1.

Not sure how I've done it but just remind yourself they would probably replace you tomorrow if they needed to, so be loyal to yourself and optimise your chances of your IVF journey working, this is real life - thats just a job.

Masses of luck xx

[CLou21 in reply to Hidden]

Hey, thats such a shame that you don’t have that support from work, I’m not sure I could have managed if not!

Ive tried the mindfulness app and its wonderful! I just need to make more time for myself and slow it all down.

I work in a deprived community, which I love, but I hold alot of the burden on my shoulders when I go home which I cant stop!

Best of luck to you xx

[Louanne33]

I’ve worked throughout the whole ivf process as didn’t want to tell my boss. Sadly can’t trust that it would remain private. Getting out for appointments was my main worry but I managed it and nobody is any the wiser! My job can be very stressful and I often have to take work home with me, but I’ve just reminded myself what my priority is at the moment and I make sure I relax every night! I was worried about working throughout my 2WW but I actually feel it’s been the best distraction. I’m on holiday next week and my OTD is Wednesday so I’m really glad I won’t have to deal with work if my result is not what I’m hoping for 🙈!!

Just make sure you look after yourself and rest when you’re tired. Everything else can wait!! Xx

[CLou21 in reply to Louanne33]

You are so right we absolutely need to take care of number one! I had a week off work for my last cycle and it wasnt successful, so im just deciding if I should work or take the distraction. Im very lucky as my managers a dream xx

[Bunnywoo]

I have just started down regulating for my first ever IVF cycle (Donor egg ICSI) and I also have a quite stressful, but really interesting job. I enjoy working, and I know I am so lucky to have a job I enjoy, but I've been basically away with the fairies most of this year with all of the infertility stuff going on. I genuinely don't know how I have managed it. I have days where I feel guilty that I have been so unproductive. I only told my boss this week I was starting IVF, and only told her because I was worried I might feel poorly from the buserelin.

One thing I have done is try to control my calendar a bit and not accept meetings at crazy hours. I've then ensured I have some relaxing activities in the evenings and weekends. This weekend I am going for a spa weekend, and I have just started reading a really good book which means I'm going to bed earlier just because I am so excited about reading it. I know that's not really work related, but it is helping me to de-stress/switch off from work, where before I'm guilty of checking work emails throughout the evening. I'll keep an eye on this post to see if anyone else has some good tips xx

[CLou21 in reply to Bunnywoo]

Thankyou for such a lovely response!

I couldn’t agree with you more, I have this most wonderful job which I love and I have reduced my workload so much (my manager still tells me I’m doing more than most!) but Its the emotional investment which is unavoidable. I work with young people and families in an extremely deprived community so it cant be helped.

I have my first frozen embryo transfer tomorrow and feel like I havent prepared myself at all this time round, but feel much more chilled about it- strange!

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