(Courtesy of PUAH Cares) Being stuck at home for an extended period of time is challenging for all of us. So many of us are feeling stressed professionally, financially and personally. For many parents, this experience is testing their patience like never before. And for many couples who don’t yet have children, the sense of loneliness has never felt starker.

Here, Shulamis Cheryl Mayerfeld, LCSW, a member of our PUAH Cares team, shares her top five tips for coping in this time of crisis.

1. Cut yourself some slack. It’s normal to feel down or unmotivated during this time. In fact, we seem to be experiencing a collective grief right now, and it is important to allow yourself to experience these feelings without judgment. It is absolutely okay if you use this time to catch up on movies and books you’ve been eyeing, or to simply relax!

2. Focus on what you can control. It is so natural to get caught up in the fears of the big picture and the distant future—worrying about how this pandemic will impact you financially, fertility-treatment wise, etc. Do your best to stay in the moment; in this week, this day and this hour. Ask yourself this: What can I do, right now? And then do only that.

3. Choose your sphere of influence wisely. Surrounding yourself with community has never been more important, but be discerning about it. Many people are finding social media and news sites to be triggering now. You do not need the constant updates on coronavirus effects; this will only serve to increase your sense of anxiety and hyperarousal. You certainly don’t need to bury your head in the sand, but you may find a “digital detox” very helpful. Instead, use your downtime to connect with others in a more meaningful way, via phone calls, texts and Zoom parties.

4. Start a gratitude journal. You can do this on your own, or together with family and friends. Write down one thing you are grateful for each day. This will help cultivate a sense of peace and positivity. Try it—you’ll see!

5. Remember: we’re all in this together. Although the impact this virus is having on our lives can feel overwhelming and scary, there is something incredibly powerful about our unity. We truly have more in common than that which divides us.

For over 30 years, PUAH has been providing medical direction, halachic guidance and emotional support to those struggling with infertility. Now, our community needs support more than ever. The PUAH Care team is on standby with the expertise and time-sensitive updates you may need.

For any questions and support, call PUAH Cares at (718) 336-0603, email questions to [email protected], or visit our website at www.puahfertility.org.