It's likely that in the past week or so, you have been over-inundated by a constant and steady stream of advice, lists (and listicles!?), blogs, and motivational speeches of how to improve your life this year, and make it your best year ever.
There are lists for how to be healthier, happier, or lose weight; for how to find love, make your relationship perfect, be a better parent or lover or friend; how to get the job of your dreams, learn new skills, and be more creative; how to finally gain financial freedom and independence, and, of course, how to do all of these things all at once and live a life of perfect balance... and, yes, even lists for how to keep your resolutions.
YES! And probably for more reasons than you would think. The most obvious is stress reduction. Today, we lead very stressful lives, whether it comes from the busyness of our work, family life or the nonstop mental chatter we have going on in the background. The added pressure from the roller coaster of trying to get pregnant (or being pregnant for that matter) can lead to even greater stress. What you might not realize is that all this stress can produce prolactin, cortisol and other hormones that affect progesterone production and can interfere with or even prevent ovulation. In addition, every time our nervous system goes into fight or flight mode it sends blood away from the core to the extremities to prepare for “flight”. This disrupts blood flow to the uterus and can negatively affect the uterine lining making it more difficult for an embryo to implant, grow, and thrive.
Read MoreAs we enter into the busy holiday season, I am reflecting upon what is the simplest easiest thing to do to enjoy the festivities and the people around me the most, and keep any stress at bay (I’m not one who by nature likes to shop or cook for potlucks, two things that holiday season often requires!). If I had to pick one quick and easy thing that changes each day for the better every time I do it, it would be to start the day with a moment of deep breathing.
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