Your mindset can affect your body, your hormones, and your ability to conceive.

When you first started trying to conceive, you probably got some prenatal vitamins, and googled fertility foods and hormone information.

But have you considered how your mindset might be impacting your ability to conceive?

Here’s the thing: mindset is a key piece of the conception journey, but one many women ignore.

I know it can sound a little woo-woo, but there’s science to back this up.

It’s not as simple as thinking yourself pregnant, but our minds DO affect our bodies and the choices we make.

A two-way street

In fact, the mind-body connection is a two-way street. Our bodies definitely have an impact our mental health–0as new research about gut health and mood indicates. Scientists are now calling your gut your “second brain” which is so cool! (Gut feeling anyone?)

But the connection works the other way, too, and our mindsets have an impact on our bodies and physical health.

Studies have shown that a more positive outlook actually improves physical health and boosts your immune system. Plus it can lower stress, which definitely impacts hormone balance.

Mindset and our behavior

One of the ways this plays out is through our behavior. When we feel more positive, we’re more likely to take positive action that will benefit us.

For example, if you’re feeling positive about your chance of coinceiving, you might take better care of yourself by going to bed early, and eating a healthy dinner.

On the flip side, if you’re feeling negative about your odds, you might scroll through instagram late at night and stay up too late. In this way, your outlook is affecting the daily micro-choices you make.

That’s why a positive mindset plays a key role in conceiving.

Now, this doesn’t mean you feel positive and happy all the time. A big part of being positive is processing negative emotions.

So yes you will have down days where you feel hopeless and sad and frustrated and angry. That’s okay. What’s important is you allow yourself to feel those things, release them, and then come back to that space of hope–even if it’s just temporarily.

It can be easier said than done, but holding on to hope and a positive mindset is like exercising a muscle. It gets easier with practice.

Learn to improve your mindset muscles

That’s why mindset is a key part of my Flourish Fertility online program. It’s truly a whole-woman, mind-body program to help you prepare for conception.

We focus on the physical things like food and hormones and sleep, but we also get into the mindset piece and I give you tips and strategies to work that hope muscle.

Because trusting your body, and believing yourself capable of conceiving and carrying a baby is a big part of the conception journey. If you don’t trust and believe in yourself, it adds an extra burden to getting pregnant. I want you to feel confident and empowered on your quest to conceive.

What are your biggest mindset challenge and roadblocks? Share in the comments and let me know!