Today is World Mental Health Day. It’s a vital reminder of the importance of good mental health and how we must consciously prioritise and invest in our well-being.
We all have mental health, just as we do physical health, and both are likely to change, be stronger or weaker, at different times in our lives.
The theme of this year, “access to services—mental health in catastrophes and emergencies,” highlights the incredible challenges people face globally. And while major crises dominate the news, we’re all dealing with a low-grade ’emergency’ of our own: the daily stress, anxiety, and constant overwhelm of modern life.
When the world feels hard, where do we find our personal access point to calm?
I’m no stranger to poor mental health myself. I was lucky to survive a serious eating disorder decades ago, but I clearly remember the crippling anxiety. All these years later, I’m navigating a different kind of anxiety as my body undergoes hormonal changes. As dramatic as this can feel, I remind myself that this is a transition, and balance is achievable and in my future.
Of course, as a yoga teacher, I’m going to tell you that yoga helps, but it truly does! My practice and my teaching have changed drastically. I used to be all about the strong and dynamic flow, a ball of energy.
Fast forward to today, and my mission is different: to bring a little bit more calm to myself and those around me. I love to focus on calming and reassuring the nervous system by slowing the breath and moving more mindfully.
I’ve found particular value in Yin yoga, where we hold postures for extended periods. This slow, gentle practice targets the deep connective tissues and is incredibly valuable for training the nervous system to switch from ‘fight or flight’ to ‘rest and digest.’
My routine of practicing Yoga Nidra (or ‘yogic sleep’) every night before I sleep has brought me much more sleep and much less insomnia. Allowing tension to melt away and for the body to reset is truly magical and feels so much better than the state of constant readiness that we are often in without even realising.
Please know, I am no doctor or health professional, and I’m definitely not qualified to replace these people. But what I can offer is a calm, tranquil space and proven tools to ease the body and mind.
Using yoga to help find peace myself has been transformative, and I love sharing that with others.
If you would like to join me in finding your own calm through movement and breath, please check out LoveYogaCrew.com or get in touch to chat.
Peace & love,
Stephanie
I couldn’t be enjoying these classes more in this beautiful studio. Bright and spacious it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind and today the warmth of the sun was glorious! 
is even more precious.
Mummy & Baby Yogis tomorrow is fully booked. The new balls have arrived and I can’t wait to try them out!
Pregnancy Yoga February begins tomorrow 5.45-6.30pm in Strathaven. There’s 2 spots still available. I’ll pop the booking link below.
Wee Yogis and the Yoga Animals is this Sunday, after being rearranged due to the storm. Please let me know if you would like to join us in Stonehouse, 11.30-12.30pm.