If you are not new to Kin Unplugged, you will already know that I champion journaling. I have written previously about how invaluable keeping a journal can be for women facing postpartum depression, postpartum anxiety or new moms trying to get in moments of self care with the little time they have available. Journaling can also be useful for women facing infertility. The benefits of journaling are both mental and physical. You can adapt your daily journaling to include or centre on meditation for fertility.
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Writing in a journal with the help of prompts could be a part of your meditation routine. You might meditate before or after journaling. Either way, meditation and all that it involves could be the way for you to take a more positive and fruitful approach towards your journey to motherhood. Trying to conceive can take its toll on both the mind and the body. Fertility meditation can help to reduce the stress that comes from dealing with infertility.
How stressful is infertility?
Out of 63 infertile patients in a study conducted, 22.3% were exhibiting signs of stress and fatigue was the most common of the signs. The study, conducted in an IVF clinic, pinpointed the duration of infertility as the main reason for 22.3%’s stress.
In yet another study conducted with 300 people facing primary infertility, it was found that 80% of them were dealing with stress as a direct result of their experience with infertility. The study also found that it is possible to predict how a woman’s stress levels will be affected when faced with infertility based on a variety of different factors including but not limited to how long they have been married to what type of infertility they have to their history of gynaecological surgeries.
READ: What is the most fertile age to get pregnant? – What science says about the right age to have a baby
Infertility is clearly stressful to varying degrees for different women. Stress affects both physical and mental health. Mental health and fertility are therefore linked.
How do you mentally deal with infertility?
Mentally coping with infertility can be a process. That process could include anything from seeking professional counselling to adopting daily habits to help you focus on the positive aspects of your life each day. Focusing on the positive reduces your stress levels and will also bring more positive things into your life. Meditation is a great way to do this.
Does meditation help fertility?
Regular meditation has been shown to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Meditation teaches you to control your mind better. Better control of your mind means more control of negative thought patterns which often lead to destructive and self-fulfilling thoughts. Your fertility journey should be filled with as much positivity as possible. Meditation helps you to better cope with difficulty conceiving.
How do you meditate?
Mindful.org has useful resources for people interested in starting meditation. Meditation practices include focusing on your breath, maintaining excellent posture, relaxing, and allowing your thoughts to wander. Some people choose to use a mantra or background music. Meditation is usually done in a quiet space where you will not be disturbed as it does require focus. The average 10 minute fertility meditation process could consist of any of these.
How do you meditate for fertility?
Meditation for fertility involves adapting your usual meditation focus. For example, your background music or your mantra may be fertility focused. Rather than allowing your mind to wander, you may choose to centre your thoughts entirely on positive fertility thoughts. Including journaling in your meditation sessions is a great way to centre your thoughts, dreams and energies on your desire for a baby.
Journaling for fertility
Journaling meditation for pregnancy or for working through infertility will give you the opportunity to:
- Identify your deepest fears about your fertility
- Gain clarity on what your true desires are
- Remind yourself of the things in your life that bring you fulfilment
- Decide what your options are
Are you new to the concept of journaling? Get some journaling tips HERE. You can also receive fertility meditation prompts with a fertility journaling calendar if you enter your email below.
Are you looking to start meditation for fertility? Perhaps keeping a fertility journal could be helpful.
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3 Comments
This is so great!! I’m huge on meditation, but never really occurred to do it for infertility. As far as I know, I’m not infertile (fortunately got preggo pretty fast the first time around) but looking to start again for another this summer… but because we’re on a time constraint, I’m sure I’m adding to the stress to some degree, so I’ll definitely be more mindful in meditation!
I’ve never heard of a fertility journal before, but I love the idea of journaling & meditation — always a good practice whether you’re struggling with infertility or not.
Ahhh, love this! I absolutely agree that meditation and journaling are both wonderful tools to navigate life! Love how you’ve added another layer to this combination!