Today while waiting for the subway, I noticed the next train wouldn't be arriving for another 8 minutes.  Perhaps it was due to earlier delays or a signal malfunction, but whatever the reason I knew the delay was out of my control.  

Typically, if I had left right on time and seen the delay I would instantly get anxious.  What if the boss sees me roll in late?  What will the other staff think of my tardiness?  But I was pleasantly surprised at the noticeable difference in my anxiety level when I realized I had given myself ten more minutes -- leaving the apartment before I technically "had to."  

Not only did I give myself ten extra minutes to leave breathing room for unexpected delays, I also made sure to give myself time for a hearty breakfast and even a little dancing as I got dressed. Before being exposed to things that I wouldn't be able to control throughout the day -- train delays, a moody co-worker -- I made sure to give myself ten minutes for the things I could control -- time to myself to eat, play, and get to where I needed to be without being driven by stress or anxiety.

The "Ten Minute Rule" can be a great tool when it comes to handling infertility-related stress and anxiety.  Think about the last time you gave yourself ten minutes -- a ten minute jog, ten minutes on the phone with a loved one, a ten minute roam around the park.  How did it make you feel?  Did you notice you came back to the issues of the day in a more relaxed and logical manner?

Taking ten minute timeouts, especially when faced with the anxiety of taking your fertility treatment to the next level can help release a tremendous amount of tension.  When your mind is busy torturing you with thoughts like "what if it doesn't work again" or "if I miscarry again I can't move on", taking ten minutes to refocus and be still in the moment can actually re-route your thoughts into a more positive direction.

What do you to take time to yourself?

Image: FreeDigitalPhotos.net