Leading a busy and ambitious life can be both incredibly rewarding yet, on occasion, stressful. And, while some kinds of stress are beneficial for optimal performance, other may have a negative impact on your overall health.
Whether you are still deciding to freeze your eggs or you are already in the process of doing so, here at Chill we understand how this decision can sometimes add a little bit of extra weight on your shoulders.
The great news is, there are easy ways to curb your stress levels by adding small and intentional adjustments in your routine, so you can feel good and improve your wellbeing at the same time. More specifically, exercise has been proven to be an effective component of happiness and wellbeing. According to numerous studies, psychological stress and physical activity are believed to be reciprocally related, and those who exercise have lesser rates of depression, negative affectivity, and anxiety , which is why exercise is used as a practice to mitigate distress in our lives.
We know that it’s not everyone’s cup of tea so fret not, you do not need to begin training for a marathon. In fact, gentle exercise is proven to be the best for your wellness while coping with what can be a stressful decision in your life, such as freezing your eggs.
What are the benefits of exercise on your fertility?
While the usual culprits of cholesterol, blood pressure, weight and mood significantly benefit from exercise, stress levels and fertility are improved too, according to a study from the University of North Carolina.
Not only do the endorphins from exercise lower anxiety, depression and improve sleep quality but the harmonising impact on the body’s reproductive organs is expected to improve egg quality.
Commonly known, regular exercise is also a great way to keep your weight within a healthy range as it has a direct impact on fertility. Thus, ensuring you are not above or below your healthy weight range is a good way to keep your wellbeing in check before commencing the preservation process.
What exercises are recommended?
Gentle, low-impact exercise is encouraged throughout your fertility journey, in accordance with your treating specialist’s advice.
The best kinds of exercise are known to have great impact on your mental wellbeing for stress relief. These include:
- Walking
- Yoga
- Tai Chi
- Light hand weights
- Water aerobics and swimming
- Gentle stretching
Although these exercises are considered to be safe, it is always recommended that you follow your doctor’s instructions and refrain from exercise when advised to.
Are there any risks involved with exercising during the process of freezing my eggs?
Like anything, throughout your fertility preservation journey, exercise is best in moderation. It is suggested that strenuous aerobic exercises should be avoided as it holds the possibility of ovarian torsion which can complicate the process. High-intensity exercises that could cause a fall or serious injury should be avoided so you can remain in tip-top health while on your journey.
If you have any questions about your exercise routine and the safety of it, always feel encouraged to speak with your treating specialist.
If you wish to speak with one of our friendly staff members, feel free to contact them on 1300 215 332 or book an appointment with your specialist at your leisure.
It’s important to remember that when you are being proactive in many aspects in your life, including with your future fertility, you can also be proactive at managing your stress levels to ensure you are living your life to the fullest and in the healthiest way possible.