There are so many things we can do physically to help us deal with stress. However, when we are in distress, it is often hard to motivate ourselves to get up and move or to eat right. I have personally found that the most motivating things for me are the promises of the Word of Wisdom (found in Doctrine & Covenants 89:14-21):

"And all saints who remember to keep and do these sayings, walking in obedience to the commandments, shall receive health in their navel and marrow to their bones;

"And shall find wisdom and great treasures of knowledge, even hidden treasures;

"And shall run and not be weary, and shall walk and not faint.

"And I, the Lord, give unto them a promise, that the destroying angel shall pass by them, as the children of Israel, and not slay them. Amen."

When dealing with the physically, emotionally, and spiritually exhausting parts of infertility, I feel very weak, confused, andoverwhelmed. If I can be assured promises such as are mentioned in the Word of Wisdom, you bet I am going to do everything I can to receive them. I have found incredible power in following the guidelines regarding eating and exercising that have been divinely given for our benefit.

Community Participation--Please leave your comment below: What experiences have you had that have helped you cope physically? They don't have to be related to the Word of Wisdom.

Here are some to think about:

Exercise. This is an excerpt from my book:

"When we were in the midst of one of our IVF cycles, I found exercise to be therapeutic. The daily injections in my hips were not only causing a great deal of pain and bruising, but they were causing intense swelling as well. Perhaps you can imagine my discouragement because I was having to go to extraordinary means to do something I thought should be basic—conceiving—and now, my pants wouldn’t fit...more

A Daily Dose of Fresh Air. I am convinced that fresh air does wonders for our human bodies. Even though the air outside is not always perfect, there is something soothing and healing about stepping outside and taking a deep breath. I know there have been many days that I trap myself inside, convincing myself that being a recluse is an okay thing, only to find out that it really just makes me feel worse. On those days, it takes a feat of strength...more

* New * Smile...Our Muscles Remember. I attended a workshop a while back that had a powerful affect upon the level of happiness in my life. I wish I could remember the name of the woman (a marriage and family therapist) who conducted the workshop, but I cannot. Among the things she taught was how the power of laughter is a great medicine (see also Proverbs 17:22). I remember how she gave each of us a small pencil and asked us to put it in our mouths, biting on it, for a minute or so. We talked about how we felt after the exercise...more