Finding your thing during fertility treatment can feel like a burden, but really it’s a wonderful opportunity to find new ways to be a happier healthier version of YOU.
Whether it’s taking yoga classes, meditating, doing weekly acupuncture sessions, or a starting a new and empowering exercise routine, there are many different practices that help to strengthen the mind + body connection and increase chances of conception.
Even with so many great options for practices that alleviate stress and tap into your mind+body potential, the fertility journey can feel draining and it’s not uncommon to hit a fertility self-care rut.
Down dog might not be doing it for you anymore, or maybe you can’t stop thinking about your grocery list during meditation.
Slumps happen, but here are 2 creative mind + body practices that can spice up your routine and increase your chances for success while TTC!
Qigong
Qigong (pronounced chee-KUNG) is “a form of exercise similar to tai chi, but with fewer movements” that helps channel positive energy through meditative movement.1
Qigong boosts energy levels, helps improve sleep quality, and strengthens the mind + body connection through subtle, repetitive movements.
As with practices like acupuncture and reiki, the idea behind qigong is to clear out “blockages” – whether they be emotional, spiritual, physical, or mental.
By performing simple motions repeatedly for a period of time blockages are released and energy is allowed to flow freely throughout the body.
The open, positive, and calm feelings that follow qigong practice create an optimal mind + body state for women who are trying to conceive.
Art Therapy
“Art Therapy is a form of expressive therapy that uses creative expression and art materials to identify and explore emotions.”2
Art therapy has been used to treat people coping with loss and grief for a long time and a recent study conducted by reproductive specialist Dr. Ed Hughes highlighted the effectiveness of art therapy, specifically for women experiencing infertility.
After completing weekly art projects, participants reported significant reductions in feelings of depression and hopelessness, and an increased sense of overall well-being , stress reduction, and improved self esteem.
One of the best things about art therapy is that it’s accessible to everyone (even those of us who can’t draw a snowman ?).
It can really involve anything that allows you to explore what’s happening inside by physically creating something – from quilting, to scrapbooking, to adult coloring books (here’s a great one) – it’s all about channeling your energy into something that you enjoy and do with your hands.
1 http://www.chatelaine.com/health/four-alternative-fertility-treatments-to-help-you-conceive/
2 http://www.yinstill.com/blog/art-therapy-mental-health-fertility
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