Sarah had been undergoing IVF treatment, which brought along significant stress and anxiety. Even though she found her regular five-element acupuncture treatments so important (she's a huge fan), she was also looking for help to start and stick with a mindfulness practice in her daily life, especially during stressful times.

Initially, Sarah had concerns about whether a mindfulness practice would work for her, as she had such a busy and overwhelmed mind. But in our first session together, the guided mindfulness meditation immediately eased her thoughts and gave her a sense of calm she hadn't experienced in a long time. Sarah's pre-existing relationship with me from our acupuncture sessions made her feel comfortable and assured her I understood her goals and needs.

Managing the stress

Sarah found the waiting periods and uncertainties were the most challenging parts of IVF treatment. These stressors often spilled over into her work life, causing anxiety and making her work less efficiently. Additionally, Sarah didn't feel she could enjoy her hobbies in the same way, and it was impacting her home life and relationship with her husband. What she did find helpful was our work together on the 8-week Mindfulness course, which gave her the practical skills to easily integrate mindfulness into her daily routine, in a way that fitted in with her existing lifestyle.

Practical mindfulness techniques

Sarah learned to incorporate mindfulness practice through her day, adapting it to everyday situations, such as a quick gratitude mindfulness practice in the car to help calm anxiety on the way to work. During the dreaded two-week wait, Sarah used her newfound skills to focus on her senses, finding calm by observing nature and mindfulness yoga before bed, which also helped improve her sleep quality and sense of calm. The practice of 'letting go' was particularly helpful, which was great for managing any self-critical thoughts. Plus, the breathing techniques worked well with her yoga practice and helped enhance her overall wellbeing.

Finding support and strengthening connections

Sarah shared her mindfulness journey with her husband, which meant he could support her outside the sessions, encouraging her to use mindfulness techniques during their nature walks together and, most importantly, during the two-week IVF wait. Sharing the mindfulness experience further strengthened their bond and gave Sarah valuable extra support when she needed it.

Lasting benefits

Our thoughtful and tailored approach to Sarah's sessions helped her feel understood and valued, and this included incorporating Sarah's love for the outdoors and nature into her mindfulness activities. This personalised approach allowed Sarah to easily integrate mindfulness practice into her daily life, ensuring long-term benefits that will continue to positively impact her wellbeing for years to come.

Sarah's journey with mindfulness practice has significantly improved her ability to cope with the stresses of IVF treatment. By incorporating mindfulness into her routine, Sarah experienced increased calmness, better sleep, and improved overall wellbeing.

The mindfulness techniques she learned, along with the support of her loved ones, have provided Sarah with invaluable tools to navigate the challenges of infertility and enhance her quality of life.