Picture this: You’re sprawled on your couch after a long, exhausting day. Maybe you’re juggling ovulation trackers, fertility apps, and a mountain of advice from well-meaning friends. Suddenly, you click play on a viral video: 32 goofy, tail-wagging rescue pups representing every NHL team are about to 'compete' in the Stanley Pup adoption game. At first, you’re just looking for a distraction—but a few belly laughs later, you realize something magical is happening. You’re smiling. You’re hopeful. And, weirdly, you feel lighter.

If you missed it, check out Stanley Pup returns: NHL's adorable adoption game. Trust me, your heart will thank you.

What Do Puppies Playing Hockey Have To Do With Fertility?

Let’s be real: the journey to conception isn’t always cute Instagram moments and perfectly arranged avocado toast. It can feel like a marathon with no finish line in sight. But here’s the plot twist: joy, laughter, and even a little distraction can actually be good for your fertility.

Watching rescue pups fumble their way across a mini hockey rink isn’t just wholesome entertainment—it’s a reminder of the power of pure, uncomplicated joy. Science backs this up! Laughter and emotional uplift have been linked to:

• Lower levels of cortisol (the pesky stress hormone that loves to mess with your cycle)
• A boost in endorphins, aka your body’s natural happiness chemicals
• Improved heart rate variability, which is tied to resilience and emotional regulation
• Stronger connection with your partner when you share these happy moments

So, what if the secret weapon in your fertility toolkit isn’t just another supplement—but a little more happiness, starting with a viral game of doggy hockey?

The Surprising Link Between Animal Joy and Your Own

I’ll let you in on a personal secret: when my partner and I first started our own conception journey, I was obsessed with routines and data. But things felt heavy and, at times, emotionally draining.

One night, my partner pulled up a video of rescue puppies learning to walk—wobbly, silly, and totally fearless. We laughed, and for five blissful minutes, all the charts, apps, and “what ifs” faded away. It wasn’t just a mood boost—it was a reminder: chasing joy, like chasing puppies, is worth it.

Clinical research actually shows that positive emotion and decreased stress can help support reproductive health. A study from Fertility and Sterility noted that couples with lower perceived stress during conception had higher reported rates of pregnancy success.

How To Make Play Part of Your Fertility Routine (Even Without A Puppy)

Ready to try a little “Stanley Pup” energy in your own life?

• Schedule Play Breaks: Whether it’s a five-minute puppy video, silly dance party, or just letting yourself laugh at a meme, build simple joy into your day.
• Get Moving: Even a short walk with a furry friend (or a neighbor’s pup!) releases feel-good hormones. No pet? No problem! Volunteer at a shelter, or just watch adorable animal cam livestreams.
• Share Joy With Your Partner: Watch something hilarious together and let it spark conversation. That shared emotional intimacy can be a powerful boost—inside and outside the bedroom.
• Embrace Small Wins: Celebrate the happy moments, no matter how small—like a perfectly timed smile from your partner or a successful at-home insemination attempt.

Speaking of Small Wins: Your Emotional Wellness Toolbox

Sometimes, joy needs a little help. If you’re trying to conceive at home and want to keep things as stress-free as possible, there are compassionate solutions out there. One resource I wish I’d known about sooner is MakeAMom’s guide to home insemination kits. Designed for comfort and privacy (with plain packaging, so nobody but you has to know!), their kits are crafted for all kinds of journeys—whether you’re using low motility sperm, navigating sensitivities, or just want a reusable, cost-effective option.

Their success rate is inspiring (67% on average!), but what really struck me was their focus on support—not just products. They know that the right tools make a difference, but so does emotional support, humor, and the freedom to go at your own pace.

Final Thoughts: Choose Joy, Even on the Tough Days

Here’s the big takeaway: the path to parenthood isn’t just about biology. It’s about resilience, hope, and—yes—letting yourself be uplifted by a stadium full of rescue pups in tiny jerseys now and then.

So, next time you feel overwhelmed, go ahead: watch that Stanley Pup video. Let yourself laugh, cry, and soak up every bit of hope. You never know—the next smile, deep breath, or bout of puppy-induced laughter might just be the secret ingredient your wellness routine needs.

Have you found an unexpected source of joy on your journey? Share your stories below—I’d love to hear what lifts your spirits!