10 Things I Would Do if Trying to Conceive
- Rachael Robinson
- Sep 15
- 3 min read
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
Simple, inexpensive things you can do daily to support fertility while TTC.
Practical steps that reduce stress instead of adding overwhelm.
Gentle, nourishing changes that make a big difference over time When you’re trying to conceive (TTC), it can feel like you need to try everything. A friend’s neighbour swears by acupuncture. Someone on a forum insists pineapple cores are the secret. Your PT recommends cutting carbs. With so much noise, it’s easy to end up overwhelmed, broke, and still unsure what’s truly helpful.
That’s why I’ve put together 10 simple, inexpensive things to help when trying to conceive. These are not about restriction or chasing the next quick fix. Instead, they focus on nourishment, daily habits, and small shifts that truly support your body and nervous system. Some of these tips helped me personally—even post IVF I still use them. For example, looking outside at the morning sky is still one of the simplest yet most grounding practices I rely on.
Let’s get into the list.
10 things
1. Get Morning Light
Spending 10–20 minutes in natural light each morning helps regulate your circadian rhythm. This influences hormone balance, sleep, and mood—all important when TTC. Don’t worry if it’s cloudy; even indirect light tells your body it’s time to wake up and sets your internal clock.
2. Electrolytes on Waking
Your body loses fluids overnight, and starting the day with just coffee isn’t enough. A simple glass of water with electrolytes first thing can rehydrate, support detoxification, and aid cellular health. It’s an inexpensive way to feel more energised and less depleted.
3. Prioritise a Protein-Rich Breakfast
Blood sugar balance is key for hormone production and fertility. A breakfast with protein: eggs, yogurt, or even a quick smoothie with protein powder sets you up for the day. It also keeps cravings at bay and stabilises energy.
4. Food Before Coffee
Having food before coffee helps protect your adrenal glands and balance blood sugar. It’s a small change that prevents extra stress on your body first thing in the morning.
5. Eat the Rainbow (2–3 Colours per Meal)
Every extra colour on your plate means more antioxidants. These nutrients help protect egg and sperm quality from oxidative stress. Think: berries with breakfast, leafy greens at lunch, and roasted peppers at dinner. Simple swaps add up quickly.
6. Stop Eating Three Hours Before Bed
Digestion is hard work. Finishing your last meal three hours before bed allows your body to shift into rest and repair mode. As fertility expert Emma Cannon said to me when she was still with us, “At night we should be digesting our day, not our dinner.” The result? Better digestion, deeper sleep, and improved hormone balance.
7. No Screens Before Bed
This one is tough, but so worth it. The blue light from screens suppresses melatonin, the hormone that helps you sleep. Try one week with no screens 1–2 hours before bed. You’ll likely sleep deeper, fall asleep faster, and wake up more rested, all vital for fertility.
8. Move Daily
You don’t need a punishing workout plan. Simple daily movement improves circulation, insulin sensitivity, and mood. Walking after meals is especially beneficial for blood sugar and digestion. Find something enjoyable, whether it’s Pilates, yoga, or a walk in nature. I love the occasional tree hug!
9. Practice Breath work
Stress hormones can interfere with reproductive health. Breathwork is free, accessible, and powerful. One technique that I learnt whilst doing my yoga teacher training is inhaling for 4 counts, holding for 7, and exhaling for 8. Just a few minutes a day can calm your nervous system and create space for healing.
10. Sleep Before 10pm
Sleep is when your body restores itself. Going to bed earlier supports hormone regulation and repair. If 10pm feels too early, even 30 minutes earlier than your usual bedtime makes a difference. Quality rest is one of the best fertility supports available.
Final thoughts
Trying to conceive doesn’t have to mean trying everything. These 10 steps are simple, affordable, and grounding. They don’t involve restriction or expensive supplements, just daily practices that build a strong foundation for fertility.
Remember, you don’t need to do them all at once. Pick one step, practice it until it feels natural, then add another. Small changes, consistently applied, create the biggest shifts.
What Next?
If you’d like more support on your fertility journey, I’d love to help. Get in touch today and let’s create a plan that feels nourishing, not overwhelming.
Arrange a 1:1 session with me to create a personalised, practical strategy for the months ahead. You don’t need to figure it out alone—I'm here to support you every step of the way.
[Please do reach out via the contact form and we can discuss how best to support you]
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