How to Transition from Summer to Autumn When Trying to Conceive or Preparing for Fertility Treatment
- Rachael Robinson
- Sep 9
- 4 min read
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Learn how the seasonal shift from summer to autumn can impact your mindset, routine, and fertility journey.
Understand how to manage the pressure to be pregnant by Christmas and shift toward calm, purposeful action.
Get practical, personalised tips to stay grounded, nourished, and focused as we move into the colder months.
As the warmth of summer fades and the days begin to shorten, many people feel a natural shift—not just in the weather, but in their emotions.
For anyone trying to conceive or preparing for fertility treatment, this seasonal change can bring a wave of urgency and pressure.
I know this feeling deeply.
Autumn was always one of the most emotionally challenging times in my own fertility journey. The idea of “just two or three more cycles before Christmas” hung over me like a countdown clock. I remember frantically taking every supplement I could find, hoping something would speed things up. It felt chaotic, overwhelming, and unsustainable.
Eventually, I realised something had to change. I couldn’t keep doing everything, all at once. So I chose to start with just one thing: a consistent, well-balanced breakfast. From there, I worked on improving my sleep, tuning out the noise of well-meaning but unhelpful advice, and following guidance based on my diagnosis. These shifts helped me regain a sense of calm and control—two things that are often missing in the fertility space.
In this blog post, I’ll share how you can gently transition from summer to autumn with intention, self-compassion, and strategies that support both your mind and body.
Why Autumn Feels Emotionally Harder
Autumn brings a noticeable change in energy. The long, light-filled days of summer are replaced with cooler weather and darker evenings. For many people on a fertility journey, this can create a sense of urgency. It’s common to feel like time is running out—as if the year’s end is a deadline.
In addition, milestones like Christmas and New Year often carry emotional weight. You may imagine what it would be like to be pregnant during the Christmas season or feel left behind if you're not. These feelings are completely valid, but they can also increase stress and emotional overwhelm.
My Experience: From Chaos to Clarity
I vividly remember the autumns when I felt completely consumed by the pressure to be pregnant. I was buying every supplement I came across, adding them in without fully understanding what I needed. It was exhausting. I was acting out of fear, not strategy.
The turning point came when I decided to take back control in small, realistic ways. First, I focused on having a proper breakfast every morning. Something with protein, healthy fats, and colour. That one small change helped me feel grounded at the start of each day.
Then I prioritised sleep. I started winding down earlier, avoiding screens 1-2 hours before going to bed, enjoying a nourishing bedtime tea and taking a magnesium glycinate supplement in the evening. Better sleep improved my energy, mood, and resilience.
Finally, I got selective about who I listened to. I stopped Googling and took advice from trained professionals who understood my specific needs and diagnosis. That shift alone helped me filter out fear-based decisions and focus on what was actually helpful for me.
Transition from Summer to Autumn with Intention: Practical Tips
1. Don’t Panic—Make a Plan
Instead of reacting to the pressure of the year-end, pause and reassess. Where are you in your journey? What’s realistic and supportive for you between now and December?
Create a plan with one or two clear, manageable goals. Maybe it's preparing for an IVF cycle, or maybe it’s improving your nutrition. A clear plan brings calm.
2. Nourish with the Season
Autumn is the perfect time to transition your diet to include more warming, nutrient-dense foods. Think soups, stews, and roasted root vegetables.
Incorporate foods rich in:
Beta-carotene (e.g., sweet potato, squash, carrots) to support hormone balance
B vitamins and magnesium for stress resilience and energy
Healthy fats (e.g., avocado, olive oil, oily fish) to support hormone production
These foods not only support fertility but also help create a sense of comfort and routine.
3. Reassess Your Supplement Strategy
Now is a good time to simplify. Are you taking supplements because they were recommended to you, or because you saw someone else using them?
Too many supplements can create confusion, side effects, and unnecessary expense. Work with a practitioner who can help you personalise your supplement plan based on test results, diagnosis, and medical history.
4. Prioritise Rest and Recovery
The autumn season invites us to slow down, but many people resist it. Instead of pushing harder, allow yourself to rest.
Set a consistent bedtime. Reduce screen time in the evening. Try gentle movement like walking or yoga. Rest is just as important as action when it comes to fertility.
5. Tune Out the Noise
Well-meaning friends and family may start asking about your plans—especially as the end of the year approaches. It’s okay to set boundaries. You don’t need to explain your choices to everyone.
If social media is triggering, take a break. Curate your feed so it feels nourishing, not draining.
What to Focus On This Season
If autumn feels overwhelming, start small. Here are three places to begin:
Balanced breakfast: Add protein, fat, and colour. It sets the tone for blood sugar balance, energy, and hormone regulation.
Better sleep hygiene: Wind down consistently. Dim the lights. Create an evening ritual that helps you switch off.
One positive mindset shift: Instead of “I need to do everything,” try “What’s one thing I can do today to support myself?”
Transitioning from summer to autumn while trying to conceive can feel emotionally intense, but it doesn’t have to be chaotic. You don’t need to do everything. You just need to do the right things for you.
By slowing down, tuning in, and taking one intentional step at a time, you can move into the colder months feeling more empowered, more grounded, and more supported.
What Next?
If this season feels overwhelming and you’re unsure where to start, let’s make a plan together.
Arrange a 1:1 session with me to create a personalised, practical strategy for the months ahead. You don’t need to figure it out alone—I'm here to support you every step of the way.
[Please do reach out via the contact form and we can discuss how best to support you]
Comments