Five Tips for Busy Parents

We chatted to busy mum and yoga teacher Diana Fyffe to find out what helps her stay sane in the rush back to routine in the autumn.

"As a mum of 3 kids in different schools with a lot of different after school / evening activities starting back in September it is the mental load I really feel at this time of the year."

"This shows up for me mainly as tightness in my body and constriction in my breathing."

As a yoga teacher and practitioner Diana has learned over the years what helps her when she feels this, and she's happy to share these with you!

1. Tuning into the breath
Deeper inhales, longer exhales - "yes, it sounds so simple but it really works for me" she enthuses. Diana also loves a few rounds of box breathing to calm the nervous system: breathe in for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4 and hold for 4 and repeat as needed, taking care not to strain the breath.

2. Forward folds - "loud exhales out of the mouth and some movement when practising forward folds can feel like a lovely release." 

3. Downward dog - "nothing like the lovely big all over stretch of downward dog to bring me back into my body!"

4. Mountain pose - "pausing when I am rushing around to just stand still and tune into my feet on really helps to make me to feel more grounded."

5. Restorative poses - and finally "at the end of a day, or actually even during the day if I have got 10 minutes, reclined butterfly pose or supported bridge pose are both great stress relievers."

Want to know more? Follow Diana on her instagram (@peacelife_yoga_wellness), check out her profile page on our website, and even try a class with her on Tuesdays 6.15pm. That time doesn't suit? We have lots of other classes suitable for all. Check our full calendar, or drop us an email [email protected] if you've a particular query or would like some advice on the best class for you.