NFP, PeakDay App & Wellness
Today, more than ever before, we are aware that overall health impacts our lives at the deepest levels. Couples working together to achieve health and wellness goals are more likely to succeed. With the introduction of new features in the app, PeakDay 3.0 now makes it easier than ever. One key goal for couples using NFP it getting as much data recorded as possible. This makes your goals of achieving or postponing pregnancy very attainable.
Wearable Devices
What’s new in the PeakDay app? You can track temperature data automatically by syncing with any of three of the most popular health devices: Apple Watch, Oura Ring, and FitBit. Be aware that some of these devices will register temperatures differently than a basal body temperature (BBT) thermometer. For example, some will provide an average temp throughout the night. Good news is, these are still valid temperatures for charting purposes. If you have a different method of tracking your temps, such as simply taking your temp orally, you can set Reminder Notifications in PeakDay to help you remember to enter your temperatures manually.
Tips for those just recently engaged, or for those who are pregnant: add these devices to your wedding or baby gift registry! Tracking your health together as a married couple can be a beautiful bonding experience that helps you support one another in reaching your health and wellness goals. One important benefit of the PeakDay app compared to many other fertility apps is that PeakDay allows both the husband and wife to view charts independently of one another. For example, the husband can view his wife’s charts on his phone in his own time, taking initiative and ownership over charting.
Habits
The NFP lifestyle offers rich opportunities for couples to pray for direction, communicate about their mutual fertility, and work together to reach the goals and dreams they have for their unique family life. Developing habits of charting together as husband and wife can have big and lasting impacts on your marriage relationship. The husband gets to participate in the daily observations his wife is experiencing. He comes to know her more intimately. The wife feels secure and healthy knowing her husband cares and participates fully in their mutual fertility.
Realistic Goals
Unsure of where to begin to make your wellness improvements? Start with the most simple and sustainable changes and set realistic goals. In our fast-paced convenience culture, it can be remarkably difficult to simply take care of our basic needs. Rest, good nutrition, and exercise slip to the bottom of the priority list. Encourage one another by building routines that allow for adequate sleep. Look for ways to exercise together, even if it is just taking a daily walk. Support each other by giving each the time to exercise as the other desires. Find cookbooks with healthy meals that you both love and make them together. Reserve a daily meal time together.
Nutrition
One of the most heart-warming stories of a couple who struggled with fertility and used good nutrition as a solution is Tom & Rachael Sullivan. They were struggling with a diognosis of PCOS. Unbeknownst to Rachael, Tom began researching PCOS and developed recipes and meal plans specifically designed to help her achieve better fertility. Through specific nutritional tweaks, they were able to achieve pregnancy. Word of their success spread and they became social media sensations. We recommend checking out Food for Fertility: Recipes to Improve Health and Manage PCOS by Amanda Rohwedder, available in CCL’s online store.
Shooting for improved health is a worthy resolution. Tracking your cycles with the PeakDay app, utilizing the latest wearable technology, setting realistic expectations, making simple and sustainable changes, and improving nutrition will all contribute to making your wellness goals achievable.