The Dao Does…Meditation for the Menstrual Cycle & Fertility
I’m sure you’ve heard it before, but meditation & mindfulness practices are some of the simplest and most effective methods for reducing stress and activating the parasympathetic nervous system (our state of ‘Rest & Digest’), it is something we truly advocate here at the Dao Health, but did you know it may help to regulate your cycle and promote fertility?
Most of us take a ‘Hustle’ approach to our lives and careers; being inundated with emails, texts & tick-tocks, running to social events, work meetings, our Pilates classes, and nail appointments all in one day. In consequence, our poor sympathetic nervous system can’t tell the difference between the threat of being chased by a sabretooth tiger, or that we are just running late for an important work meeting. Physiologically speaking, we do not function well as a species in a high-stress environment; and speaking to women here; our poor menstrual cycle suffers from it.
High amounts of cortisol and adrenalin are released in response to stress or threat and can result in disturbances to our menstrual cycles, and may cause irregular ovulation and bleeds, anovulation (no ovulation), early luteal phase spotting, increased period pain, and difficulties when trying to conceive. This is your body’s ancient physiological protective mechanisms in action, ensuring you do not fall pregnant at a time when it may not be safe to reproduce…
Introducing a simple 10-20 minute meditation practice daily can significantly reduce your stress levels and keep the central nervous system as calm as possible to promote optimal health, wellbeing, and fertility.
- Start by implementing a quick 5–10-minute meditation at the start of your day (I like to do mine after I exercise in the morning to bring the body back into a state of calm or ‘Yin”).
- Or, try to introduce a small meditation in the middle of your day, especially at a time when stress is high, this will not only help to activate your parasympathetic nervous system but will also help with mental clarity.
- You may wish to end your workday with a quick meditation before entering your home or as soon as you get home to release the concerns from the day. For mums & dads this can become extra tricky; find a time that suits you, it may work best for you when your partner comes home to look after the children or right before bed-time,
Not only will meditation help to regulate your cycle and support your hormones; but many people also rave about its beneficial effects on mood, outlook, self-discipline, and healthy sleep patterns.
Give it a go, only 10-20 minutes a day is all that is needed. Start with a 5-minute meditation and work your way up to 20 minutes.
Recommendations: We love to use Insight Timer here at The Dao Health
Search: Sarah Blondin (She has meditations ranging from 8 minutes-17minutes)
~
By Clarice Berry
