Introduction

For many couples, the journey to conceive can be both exciting and challenging. The emotional roller coaster of hope and disappointment, coupled with the pressures of daily life, can lead to significant stress and anxiety. If you're feeling overwhelmed and looking for ways to support your mind and body during this critical time, meditation might be the answer.

What is Meditation?

Meditation, an ancient practice revered over centuries, holds a special place in history for its profound impact on relaxation, stress relief, and inner peace cultivation. Its roots trace back through time, with individuals from various walks of life and diverse age groups now warmly embracing the art of meditation. While historically tied to religious and spiritual traditions, this practice has evolved to offer tranquility to all who seek moments of stillness and serenity in their busy lives.

The health benefits of meditation and fertility

As mentioned, meditation has been shown to provide a host of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving sleep quality, and reducing pain levels. However, meditation can also be beneficial for those who are trying to conceive as well as during and after pregnancy.

A growing body of research has shown that meditation can help to ease anxiety and depression, both of which can impact fertility. Meditation can also help to increase blood flow to the pelvis, which can improve uterine health and increase the chances of implantation. In addition, it reduces the levels of the stress hormone cortisol and increase the hormone DHEA, which helps prolong the life of cells, including eggs. It can also increase the levels of the hormone oxytocin. This helps with the birth process, milk production and bonding with the baby.

What are the different types of meditation?

There are many different types of meditation, each with its own method and purpose.

Some common types of meditation include:

• Mindfulness meditation- you become an observer of your own mind, paying attention to your thoughts as they come and go. Rather than judging or engaging with them, you simply notice and acknowledge any patterns that emerge.

  Mindfulness meditation is ideal for those without a teacher, as it’s a practice that can be easily done alone.

• Transcendental Meditation-a type of mantra meditation that involves repeating a mantra or word to yourself in order to focus and quiet the mind.

  

• Body scan meditation- a practice designed to ease bodily tension and foster relaxation.Typically, this form of meditation involves gradually tensing and then relaxing each muscle group individually throughout the body. This type of meditation is frequently used to alleviate stress and help unwind before bedtime.

• Visualisation meditation - a technique that focuses on cultivating feelings of relaxation, peace, and calmness through the vivid imagery of positive scenes, images, or figures.

  This practice involves conjuring up a detailed scene in your mind, engaging all five senses to enhance the vividness. It may also include holding an admired figure in your thoughts with the intention of embodying their qualities.

  Another approach to visualisation meditation is imagining yourself achieving specific goals, which aims to boost focus and motivation. Many people turn to visualisation meditation to elevate their mood, reduce stress, and foster inner peace.

  There are many other types of meditation, each with its own unique benefits.

My Meditation Technique 

Before starting, I made sure I was sat in a comfortable seated position making it less likely I'd need to re-adjust myself during the mediation session.

I would keep my eyes open as I was less likely to fall asleep then!

My next step was to focus on a thought. This was either a word or a phrase I found calming and relaxing, but you can focus on an image, or even your breath.

I would then try to keep my attention on it as much as possible. When my mind wandered, I returned my focus to my chosen thought. 

With time and practice, I was able to maintain my focus for longer periods, eventually leading to a deeper state of meditation. The feeling of calmness that followed enabled me to let go of any stress or worries that I was holding onto.

This simple technique helped me to quiet my mind and find peace in the present moment.

I would then practice visualisation and repeat my affirmations.

Conclusion

When it comes to meditation and fertility, more research is needed to confirm its role, but it could be a helpful tool for those facing challenges in conception. Not only does meditation potentially support fertility, but it's also a cost-free and effortless practice. You can meditate anytime, anywhere, making it a convenient way to boost your well-being. While there's no guarantee that meditation guarantees pregnancy, I believe it can enhance your chances.