The waiting game (from someone who struggles with anxiety)

The anticipation and anxiety that comes with waiting can be dreadful. How does one wait patiently for test results? To hear back from a recruiter? To know if you are pregnant?

The anticipation is too much for someone like me, that struggles with anxiety and is not very patient. I would like to share some tips that I use that help with the uncertainty of the waiting game.

It can feel like an eternity has passed when having to wait for important news. I often struggle with uncertainty and what is out of my control. This past month has really tested my patience with having to wait for test results.

A bit of a back story, I am currently going through the IVF process and there are different stages to it. I am currently in the stage where we start prepping for transfer. More on my journey here:

https://www.sulyslifeinablog.com/ivfjourney

The point of the background, is that there has been a lot of waiting involved. Having to wait three weeks for genetic testing results (which I finally got a couple of days ago) was BRUTAL. I really had to practice patience, distract myself to keep from overthinking the worst. Once I finally got my results, I was so relieved and the waiting became worth it. More updates on this to come soon!

These were some of the tips that have helped me throughout this process. I do have more waiting during this process (and in general) so these tips continue to be relevant.

Tip # 1 - Distract yourself

Lately, I have been working on home improvement projects, gardening, decorating for Christmas, all to keep busy. I do work full-time, which helps distract myself during the day. However, after work and the weekends, while still waiting for test results, can go by incredibly slow. I have also been cleaning the house much more than normal. I tend to keep the house pretty tidy, but a good way to keep busy, is getting around to that pile of laundy, cleaning out the pantry, cleaning out the garage, decluttering in general. It is also super satisfying to have a clean, decluttered home.

I also love writing and vlogging. I have been documeting my journey through vlogs and this blog which is therapeutic, kind of like a journel/diary but publically. This allows me to put my skills to use and remain productive.

This is the perfect opportunity to do those things that may have been put off. I find that I am more productive when I have to distract myself. It is also a good opportunity to go out and trying new things. Is there a new restaurant you want to try? A new amusemenet park you have been wanting to go to? During the waiting game, it is the perfect time and you will have fun during the wait.

Tip # 2 - Focus on what you can control

I have started focusing more on my own emotions and health to combat the waiting anxiety. I have been regularly exercising, remembering to breath deeply, getting sunlight, eating healthy, going to church, since these are things I can control. Doing this has helped me not neglect my own health and have a healthy mind/body. It can be easy during this time, to let the anxiety consume us. I often get so stressed that I start binge eating or just laying on the couch scrolling on my phone. But I remind myself that with the time I have on my hands, I could be doing so much more. I have also had to keep reminding myself that the results are in God's hands and they will come when they are ready.

Tip # 3 - Reach out to your support group

Reaching out to family and friends is also a good idea when uncertain times are ahead. It can be very isolating to have to keep things to oneself. Reaching out to loved ones to share that is a great way to combat that anxiety. It has also been helpful to connect with people going through the same waiting game as myself. I have joined some IVF groups and have gotten great insight from the people I have met. Some people have said they combat their waiting anxiety by picking up a new hobby. I have always wanted to learn to knit. Maybe one day, I will gather the patience to learn while waiting for more news.

In closing

The waiting game is difficult. As a reminder, you are not alone. There are so many ways to pass the time and make it a productive waiting game. Also, remember tha the wait is temporary. Whatever you are waiting for, make sure to remain as hopeful as possible. There is not much more we can do to change the outcome, if it is beyond your control. You have already done what you can, take a breath and relax. Following these tips will help the waiting game not be as painful and then when you hear that important news, it will feel like time flew by!

Whether you recieve good or bad news after the waiting game, I hope you get something good out of it.

Always remember to be kind, you never know what someone is going through and what their challenge may be.

With love,

Suly