It’s no secret that struggling with infertility can take a toll on even the strongest of relationships. If you’re beginning to feel like your relationship is more work than play, you may want to consider taking a break from focusing on your fertility issues and take some time to reconnect with your partner. An occasional date night gets you out of your regular routine and adds a sense of spontaneity that may have fallen by the wayside.
Showing gratitude to your partner, and yourself, is a wonderful way to help reduce stress and strengthen your relationship. Below are a few ideas on how you can spend some quality time with the one you love.
Stretch & Strengthen: The list of benefits associated with yoga goes on and on…balance, agility, flexibility, weight reduction, increased muscle strength, etc. Couples yoga takes things a step further; by moving and breathing together couples experience better communication, increased trust, and, often, a deeper expression of postures. It’s an ideal way to connect with your partner in a supportive, caring environment.
Break Away: This could be anything from heading to the movie theater to checking out that new art exhibit to seeing your favorite author speak. Experiencing something new together, even just as spectators, can broaden your horizons, give you something new to discuss, and reinvigorate your bond.
Hit the Road: It doesn’t have to be far. Choose an interesting destination–a cute downtown, new restaurant, fun flea market–about an hour from home that neither of you has been to before and explore. Keep an eye out for interesting sights along the way, and use the drive to talk…about anything but your fertility struggle. You may find that the drive itself is just as interesting as the destination.
“Days Off” Sex: Hitting the sheets for some physical connection when you’re not actively trying to conceive can breathe fresh air into an act that has become anything but spontaneous. Send your partner a sexy text. Break out some lingerie. Interrupting a routine, you may have fallen into can help revive any romance.
Kick Back & Relax: That could mean anything from enjoying a couples massage to delving into your favorite books to lazing around watching Netflix all day. Being on the merry-go-round of infertility is draining. Taking a break together doing what you find most relaxing is a great way to reconnect and appreciate just being with each other.
For more ideas on relaxation techniques you can practice with your partner, contact The Reproductive Care Centre.