One of the most difficult things to do while struggling with infertility is to quiet your mind — that voice in our heads that chatters constantly about the desire to have a baby, the disappointment of the failed pregnancy test, the frustration of the parade of pregnant friends.

Asking a woman who is in the throes of infertility to simply meditate is like asking a NASCAR driver to obey the speed limit in a school zone.

It’s nearly impossible.

But, there are a few ways to relax your mind while naturally improving your fertility.

Get your yoga on!

If you choose to take a yoga class (and I highly recommend it), do your best to be present and use the cues from your instructor to mindfully relax.

Often, at the end of a yoga class will come a period of guided or silent meditation called savasana. Savasana literally translated means corpse pose. The goal of this pose is to relax with mindful intention and meditation.

Although I have come close to snoring while in savasana, it’s actually not the desired outcome of this pose. You don’t want to be so relaxed that you doze off or collapse into a full-on snooze.

Savasana is most beneficial when you are completely present in your practice. It’s also important not to let your mind wander during savasana.

If you start thinking about where you put your basal thermometer, be sure to lovingly bring your thoughts back to your breath.

Focus on your breath.

You can also focus on your breath and try meditation while sporting your castor oil packs.

If you have to lie on your back for 45 minutes or more, why not use this time to connect in a loving way with your body and intentions for motherhood.

A great (and free!) resource for those looking for guided meditations to help you get started isMeditation Oasis. Some podcast suggestions to get your going: Relaxing into Healing, Letting Go, Guided Meditation for Grief, and Relief from Stress and Pressure.

Create a positive fertility mantra.

Think of a positive mantra that you could repeat while feeling the rise and fall of your breath. I love my body and my body loves me and I am healthy, I am beautiful, I am happy, I am fertileare both great mantras to try first.

You can also incorporate visualization into this practice. Visualize ovulation. Visualize conception. Visualize a baby in your arms. Visualize positive images of motherhood with you in the leading role.

As a woman who spent years trying to overcome PCOS-induced infertility, I can easily relate to those who struggle with its pain. Although I am unaware of a cure for PCOS, I do know from personal experience it is possible to conceive even after a diagnosis of PCOS.

I conceived five weeks after changing my diet, using castor oil packs, and being more mindful during my regular yoga practices.

What are your favorite stress relieving techniques that help you get through the challenging times?

(Image source: Goodlife Zen)

Jess Pedersen is a Health Coach currently completing her training at the Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Her focus as a health coach is to help women with unexplained infertility, PCOS, and hormone imbalances discover a holistic approach to improving their fertility and ability to conceive. For more info, please visit http://bemamabewell.com