The two-week wait (TWW) can feel like a rollercoaster: a mix of hope, dread, and endless Googling that can leave you emotionally drained. Sound familiar? The truth is, the TWW doesn’t have to consume your every waking thought.
I’ve put together 10 simple, actionable ideas to help you stay sane, supported, and even—dare I say it? — joyful during this time. Whether you’re feeling overwhelmed, restless, or simply unsure how to fill the days, these tips are designed to guide you through this time with confidence and calm.
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Don’t Put Life on Hold
When you’re TTC, you’re likely already doing all the things to support egg quality and balance hormones—goodbye caffeine, wine, and those indulgent snacks. But here’s the thing: life doesn’t stop just because you’re trying to conceive!
If there’s a special event or a reason to celebrate, let yourself enjoy it. Have a glass of wine. Savour the cake. Dance like nobody’s watching. The joy, laughter, and memories you create will do more for your mental health—and maybe even your hormones—than rigidly sticking to every single rule.
Book the holiday. Apply for the dream job. So many women reflect on the opportunities they put on hold during their TTC journey, and it’s a reminder that life doesn’t pause while you’re waiting. While this article focuses on navigating the TWW, those weeks add up, and no one has a crystal ball to predict how long this journey will be for you. Embrace the present and allow yourself to live fully, even as you hold space for your dreams.
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Set a “No-Googling” Rule
We’ve all been there—falling down the rabbit hole of symptom spotting online. But let’s be honest, it only adds to the anxiety. Try setting a firm boundary to avoid Googling during your TWW. In fact, consider uninstalling the app or blocking the site on your phone to interrupt the habit and give yourself a chance to pause and rethink. If you absolutely need to look something up, jot it down instead and revisit it after the TWW. This small shift can make a big difference in preserving your peace of mind.
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Know Your Trigger Points
Let’s get real—sometimes the best thing you can do for your mental health is opt out. If your TWW coincides with a baby shower, gender reveal, or anything else that might be emotionally tough, it’s perfectly okay to decline the invitation. Let’s normalize saying “no” to anything that doesn’t serve you right now. Protect your peace like it’s your full-time job.
TWW tip: Set your boundaries with confidence. A simple “Sorry, I can’t make it!” is all you need to say. No explanations, no apologies—your time and energy are yours to protect.
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Don’t Fixate on your Temps
Tempdrop is an amazing tool for tracking your cycle, and yes, those temperature trends are gold for understanding your hormones. But here’s the tea: one random temp spike or dip is not a crystal ball.
Zoom out and focus on the bigger picture. Look at the trends over time rather than getting caught up in the day-to-day fluctuations. Your chart is like a masterpiece—it’s meant to be viewed as a whole. Trust the process, and give yourself permission to step back from overthinking or overanalyzing every detail.
Some women prefer to confirm ovulation with their Tempdrop and then take a step back from daily charting. While it’s nearly impossible to completely "forget about it," giving yourself permission to take a break from logging into the app every day can provide a much-needed sense of relief and mental space. Remember you don’t need to sync every day and with Tempdrop 2 you can sync just once a week. Maybe even consider installing the app on your partner's phone and ask them to sync for you instead.
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Plan a Mid-TWW Treat
Give yourself something to look forward to—a spa day, a fancy dinner, a weekend away. A small reward can break up the wait and make the time feel less endless.
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Focus on Gratitude
Take a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for. This simple practice can gently shift your mindset from worry to appreciation, bringing a sense of lightness to the waiting period.
If you’re feeling emotionally ready, use the TWW as a time to dream big. Manifestation isn’t just a trendy buzzword—it’s about focusing your energy on what you truly want and taking small, intentional steps toward it.
Try journaling or meditating on your goals. Envision yourself holding your baby, embrace the joy in your heart, and set meaningful intentions for the months ahead. You could even channel your hopes and dreams into something tangible, like creating a vision board. Whether it centers on your baby dreams or broader life goals, this creative process can help you stay connected to the bigger picture and the future you’re building.
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Get Lost in a Book or Series
Escape into a new novel, binge-watch a new show, or explore a documentary series. The idea is to transport yourself into a different world and give your mind a break from the TWW.
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Take Up a Hobby
Ever notice how losing yourself in something creative or active can feel like hitting a mental refresh button? I know it sounds like a cliché, but there’s real magic in immersing yourself in a hobby that brings you joy. The TWW is the perfect time to lean into those things that make your soul happy.
Whether painting, hiking, baking, or joining a random pottery class, find something that fully absorbs your focus. Bonus points if it makes you laugh or gets you out of the house—it’s a win-win for your mind and body!
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Join a TTC Support Group
Sometimes, it helps to connect with others who truly get it. Whether through an online forum, a local support group, or even just a chat with a trusted friend, finding a supportive community can make a world of difference. These spaces can offer understanding, encouragement, and a comforting reminder that you’re not alone in this journey.
That said, not every group is the right fit for everyone. Sometimes, these spaces can unintentionally create an echo chamber of anxiety or comparison, which may not support your mental health. It’s important to find a group that feels uplifting and aligned with your needs—one that offers genuine support without adding pressure.
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Connect with Your Partner
It’s easy to let the baby-making goal overshadow the relationship that got you here. Use the TWW to reconnect with your partner. Have a date night, cook together, or go for long walks without any TTC talk.
Enjoy the intimacy and connection that comes from simply being together. These are the moments that lay the foundation for the family you're dreaming of, so cherish them now and hold onto the joy of this special time together.
The TWW isn’t about perfection. It’s about balance—finding ways to stay present, kind to yourself, and connected to the bigger picture. You can’t put your life on hold and only truly live two weeks out of every cycle. Your dreams, joy, and experiences matter every single day, not just in the spaces between waiting. The journey to growing your family is a part of your life, but it doesn’t have to take over the whole thing.
Embrace the now, find happiness in the moments, and live fully in every phase of your cycle.
And remember—you’re doing amazing, even if it doesn’t feel like it.
Hannah is a FEMM certified Fertility Awareness Educator and Trained Teacher in the Foundations of Natural Fertility Education. A body literacy warrior, and incredibly proud mum, Hannah is passionate about helping women understand their fertility, improve their body confidence and reconnect with their true body blueprint. As a woman who struggled to conceive for years, she understands firsthand what it is to feel powerless over your circumstance. After struggling with conceiving for almost 4 years, undergoing IUI and IVF, it wasn’t until she was finally introduced to the fertility awareness method that things began to change. Seeing the results firsthand, Hannah decided to become an accredited educator, so she could help other women like her learn how to truly understand fertility. Learn more about Hannah here.