Protecting Your Energy While TTC + Journaling Prompts for Support

Why it’s essential to protect your energy when trying to conceive (plus journaling prompts!)

You may have already heard about the need to safeguard the mother's energy during pregnancy – there's a general understanding that stress is 'harmful to the baby,' and many cultures worldwide treat pregnant women as sacred, offering them utmost care and consideration. In Ayurveda, for example, pregnant women are encouraged to stay away from distressing stories or music, as well as content that generates fear, like horror movies or the news.

However, this concept isn't only relevant during pregnancy. It’s just as important to begin protecting your energy during your fertility journey as well. The process of trying to conceive can be tough, and although each experience is different, people may feel compelled to share unsolicited advice or recount their own fertility or pregnancy stories. While their intentions may be kind, such narratives might not help you create the sense of calm and safety you need during this time. It may be useful to start considering what boundaries you’d like to set with certain people**—such as defining topics that are off-limits or only accepting advice when asked.

When we think about health, we often focus on what we eat, but we often forget about the non-food elements we consume, such as media, advertisements, and entertainment, and how these can affect our energy, thoughts, and emotions, particularly our sense of well-being. Given the impact of stress and trauma on fertility, it’s crucial to focus on protecting your peace during this period, which includes feeling secure in your body, home, and surroundings. Additionally, addressing this now means that, when pregnancy comes, you won’t have to worry about establishing boundaries and shielding your energy because you will have already done the groundwork, enabling you to experience the journey with greater peace and ease.

Protecting your peace looks different for everyone, but here are some suggestions to consider:

• Avoiding fear-inducing content like horror films
• Limiting your exposure to news (staying informed while controlling how much and what type of news you engage with)
• Setting clear boundaries with others regarding topics you do or don’t want to discuss
• Reducing contact with people who drain your energy
• Cultivating a sense of safety in your body through nervous system regulation, somatic therapy, or other calming practices
• Carving out personal time for rest and rejuvenation

If any of these suggestions resonate with you, I encourage you to take a moment to reflect on whether protecting your energy might be the missing piece to bringing more peace (and even joy!) into your fertility journey. If you don’t feel ready to make changes just yet (and that’s perfectly fine!), a simple way to start is by journaling on the topic. Reflect on these questions:

• Where in my life do I feel my energy is being drained? (Is there a particular friend or task that leaves me feeling exhausted?)
• What type of content am I consuming (TV shows, podcasts, news, etc.)? How does it make me feel afterward?
• Are there certain subjects that trigger fear or discomfort for me?
• Do I generally feel safe and comfortable in my body?
• Is there unresolved trauma that I need to address?
• What activities or environments (like nature) make me feel peaceful and calm? How can I integrate more of them into my daily routine?

If you'd like more support in this area, feel free to reach out to me (@drcharlottehay on Instagram) or schedule a discovery call to learn how I can guide you through this journey.