Mother’s Journey: Reclaiming Time for Yourself

As a mother of two boys, I understand firsthand the struggle of committing to daily habits. Motherhood is an all-consuming journey, one filled with love, responsibility, and an endless to-do list. From the moment the day begins, the focus is on meeting the needs of others - making breakfast, packing lunches, organizing schedules, and managing a household. And before you know it, another day has come and gone without a single moment dedicated to yourself.

It’s easy to fall into the habit of putting yourself last. Exercise, self-care, and even deep breaths get pushed aside for more urgent matters. You tell yourself, I’ll do it tomorrow. But tomorrow becomes next week, then next month, and before long, regular movement and mindfulness practices feel like a luxury you simply can’t afford. But here’s the truth: your body and mind are paying the price for that constant sacrifice.

The Nervous System in Overdrive

When you’re constantly moving from one task to the next without rest, your nervous system operates in a near-perpetual state of fight-or-flight. This stress response, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system, is essential for short bursts of action, but when it never quite turns off, it leads to burnout, exhaustion, and chronic tension.

The parasympathetic nervous system, which allows the body to rest, digest, and restore, gets less activation when we are constantly overwhelmed. Over time, this dysregulation can lead to anxiety, sleep issues, muscle tightness, and even hormonal imbalances. Simply put, your body needs a reset - a way to shift out of high alert and into a place of balance. And the best way to do that? Through mindful movement, breathwork, and intentional self-care.

Your Body in Your 40s and Beyond: Strength, Flexibility & Longevity

As women approach their 40s, their body naturally begins to shift. Hormonal changes, such as declining estrogen levels, can impact muscle mass, joint health, and bone density. The once-resilient body may feel stiffer, recovery from minor aches may take longer, and flexibility becomes harder to maintain. Without regular movement, muscles can weaken, posture can deteriorate, and everyday activities (like carrying kids, lifting groceries, or even standing for long periods) can feel more taxing.

And this doesn’t just apply to mothers. Grandmothers, too, experience these changes and often find themselves prioritizing everyone but themselves.

The Power of a Manageable Daily Practice

Making time for yourself isn’t selfish - it’s necessary. It’s the difference between just getting through the day and actually feeling good in your body. Over my 13 years of teaching yoga, with many of my students being mothers, I’ve learned that long, elaborate workouts aren’t always feasible. What is sustainable are shorter, targeted practices - ones that fit into the small windows of time we have.

The course I’m working on now draws on both my experience as a mother and my years of teaching yoga. It offers simple yet effective ways to strengthen and restore your body without requiring hours of your day. Imagine what would change if you had a practice that met you where you are - a way to reconnect with yourself daily, even in the busiest seasons of life.

If this resonates with you, check out my new program Thrive & Flow. A journey to build strength, find balance, and create a moment each day that is just for you. Because when you take care of yourself, you’re not just doing it for you, you’re doing it for everyone who depends on you.

With love,

Barbora