Tight-packed schedules, mind-numbing work hours, excessive work load, and thirst for appraisals have turned our lives into stressful ones. This abnormal level of stress has plunged a lot of people's lives into a deteriorating health state with complaints of back aches, fatigue, nervous breakdowns and some even becoming victims of heart attack.
The repercussion of such a stressed lifestyle isn't just limited to the office desk.There has been a steady rise in the number of couples who are seeking counseling and treatment for better fertility level around the world. Research has shown that high levels of stress can significantly hamper your body's fertility.
Anxiety, depression, guilt and stress can significantly reduce your fertility rate and thereby also lower your chances of conceiving. Even if you have been trying to conceive for months, these factors can be detrimental. The accumulated stress due to various factors can hamper your prospect of family planning. But how does one get rid of this stress? Yoga is the key here. Practicing yoga does not guarantee conception but it certainly does help prepare your mind and body, and also improves the chances of conception with a much better fertility ratio. There are various postures that help develop a much better hospitable body and calm mind for the baby ahead.
These are a few yoga postures that will help raise your fertility level and set you right on your path to parenthood:
1. Nadi Shodhan pranayama
(Alternate nostril breathing)
The Alternate nostril breathing technique helps calm your mind and body by releasing the accumulated stress. It also helps purify the nadis (subtle energy channels), thus enabling smooth flow of prana. By de-stressing the mind and body, this pranayama lets you relax, making the body more fertile and approach the process of conception with a fresh perspective.
2. Bhramari pranayama
(Bee breath)
The Bee breath instantly relieves the body of tension, anger and anxiety. The chances of conception are better with a more relaxed body and mind.
3. Paschimottanasana
(Seated forward bend)
The Seated forward bend stretches the lower back, hamstrings and hips. It also stimulates the uterus and ovaries and can help in conceiving. The level of fertility improves with this pose as it also relieves stress and depression.
4. Hastapadasana
(Standing forward bend)
The Standing forward bend stretches all the muscles of the back and improves the blood supply to the nervous system and pelvic region. It also makes the spine more flexible. This stretch helps relieve stress from the abdomen region.
5. Janu Shirasana
(One-legged forward bend)
The One-legged forward bend strengthens the back muscles, which is very useful during pregnancy.
6. Badhakonasana
(Butterfly pose)
The Butterfly pose stretches the inner thighs, groins and knees. It improves the flexibility in the groin and hip region. It is also known to help ensure a smooth delivery if practiced regularly till late pregnancy.
7. Viparita Karani (Legs up the wall pose)
This particular pose stretches the back of the neck, front torso and back of the legs. It is also very effective to relieve tired legs and feet. This pose also helps relieve the body of backache and improves the flow of blood to the pelvic region. Relaxing in this posture after coitus increases the chances of conception, even with a decent fertility rate.
8. Yoga Nidra (Yogic sleep)
Yoga Nidra, literally translated as yogic sleep, helps attain a state of equilibrium in the body and mind. This relaxing pose has the power of uplifting the state of mind and making one more optimistic in their approach. Though this meditative state of sleep does not improve the level of fertility, it certainly puts you at ease and is very useful for couples who wish to start a family.
Along with yoga, you can also practice meditation for a couple of minutes daily to uplift your mind and thoughts. Meditation helps your mind to unwind and feel more calm and relaxed. You could learn more about meditation at a Waves of Happiness course and enjoy every day with a new born enthusiasm.
It is important to have patience and maintain our positivism. The level of fertility varies with couples and some couples have had long waits of 10-15 years before they can conceive. Keep trying with peaceful acceptance of the situation; without grumbling or negativity. Practice yoga regularly to keep a positive approach and to improve the level of fertility in yourself and your partner. Surrender all your efforts to God and be assured that everything will be alright.
Many couples have joyfully also opted the path of adoption. Many doctors also advise to start parenting when you are young and more energetic, as the fertility level and conception rate are much better then.
Regular practice of yoga has multifold benefits. Like any other practice, it is best to learn yoga from a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. This will ensure a well-defined, safe and customized yoga routine for you and your partner to help improve your level of fertility and thereby improving your chances of conception. Those who are already well acquainted with basic level yoga postures may also go for the Sri Sri Yoga level 2 course and enhance their yoga experience.
Yoga practice helps develop the body and mind bringing a lot of health benefits yet is not a substitute for medicine. It is important to learn and practice yoga postures under the supervision of a trained Sri Sri Yoga teacher. In case of any medical condition, practice yoga postures after consulting a doctor and an Sri Sri Yoga teacher. Find an Sri Sri Yoga course at an Art of Living Center near you. Do you need information on courses or share feedback? Write to us at info@srisriyoga.in
