Relax
Those dreaded words that are so NOT welcome when you are trying to conceive…”you’re worrying about it too much!” Or “if you just relax, it would happen!” and my all-time-favorite: “give it time!” Although it is not what you want to hear when you are in the thick of it, there is credibility to the notion of relaxation promoting fertility.
We all know that stress can be detrimental to many body functions, including fertility and conception. Unfortunately, stress and anxiety usually go hand-in-hand with trying to conceive, so, to remove it from the equation fully, is virtually impossible. However, you can find ways to decrease your stress levels drastically.
Think about how you feel when you are stressed…your muscles are tense, everything feels tight and constricted. Well, this is how your reproductive organs respond to stress as well! Your cervix will be tight and closed and your cervical mucus, which is needed to allow sperm into your uterus, will dry up! When you are relaxed, everything is loose and open, including your reproductive organs!
For me, relaxation was not obtained easily as I tend towards being a high strung personality! I found Reiki, a form of hands-on energy work that promotes relaxation and stress relief. I enjoyed it so much that I became a Reiki practitioner and would perform self-treatments and also treatments on my husband. I would also go to the local wellness center and get some form of bodywork done monthly, whether it be an herbal facial, a massage or foot reflexology; it was such an important part of my journey to fertility.
Find enjoyable ways to promote relaxation and decrease the stress in your life on a daily basis. If massage or reflexology is not for you, try some yoga or breathing exercises. Hang out in a hammock and curl up with a good book! Do whatever you feel comfortable with. Try to leave work stress at the door, and make your home as relaxing as possible. If money is an issue, which for most of us nowadays it is, try having a nightly relaxation time with your partner. Exchange 10-15 minute massages before bed. Go for a sunset stroll. Whatever it is that relaxes you, DO IT! Consider keeping a relaxation journal to help you stay on track. Jot down what techniques you used for the day and how they helped you. This way, if you are having a particularly stress-ridden day, you can revisit the journal and chose from a variety of things.
If you cannot relax, conception will be a challenge. It’s the harsh reality of it. So, find some time for yourself every day, even if it’s only to stop and take some mindful breaths. It will work wonders for your soul and just may be the thing you need to conceive!
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