What’s the hardest part about being a parent?
When I ask myself that question two things spring immediately to mind. Firstly, the lack of time for myself or even simply time by myself. And secondly the constant and never-ending lists of things to do and things to remember. There are many other challenges, of course, but those two have been present for the 12 years I have been a mum and are things I struggle with daily.
Which is why I am so grateful to have my yoga practice. It helps me with these challenges, and it helps me to be a better mum.
I didn’t start yoga to be a better mum (or even a better person). In my 20s this was probably the last thing on my mind. I started yoga (as many people do) because I wanted to stretch and strengthen my body. It was before social media really took off, but if Instagram had been around I would have wanted to look like the people on there doing astonishing yoga poses in gorgeous places.
But yoga has a way of creeping in and changing things.
Maybe the first things we notice are the physical changes. That niggle in the lower back might not be so present. Those shoulders are feeling a little less stiff. It’s getting easier to touch the toes or to hold a plank for 5 (seemingly endless) breaths.
Then we might start to feel some deeper changes. Maybe we are able to breathe more easily. Maybe we notice that we feel a little brighter when we step off the mat after a yoga class. We might even notice shifts and changes in our mood, our emotions, our thoughts.
The thing is that yoga is so much more than making shapes on your mat. It is as much about what happens off the mat as on it. Yoga can help you move through life more mindfully, with less stress, and feeling better both in and about yourself.
Three Ways Yoga Helps Me Be A Better Mum
1. Time for Me
My time on my mat is my time. I give myself this time each day (whether it’s 5 minutes or 2 hours) when I am not focused on the needs of anyone but myself. Being a parent is demanding, with demands on your time, your energy, and also your physical presence, I try to give myself at least a couple of times each week when I am alone for my practice, giving me the space I crave.
2. Mental Space & Quiet
It took a while to get there (if I’m honest it’s still a work in progress), but my practice settles and focuses my mind. When I’m on my mat I can let go of those endless lists of parenting duties, and find some calm. I can focus on something different and give myself the internal quiet that I need. In our yoga practice we practice staying focused and present in the moment, noticing when the mind (frequently) wanders. The more we notice the constant motion of the mind, the constantly churning thoughts, the more we might be able to separate ourselves from this constant mental noise and find some quiet.
3. Patience and Resilience
To put it simply, I am a less shouty mum when I have done my yoga practice that day. My yoga practice asks me to be patient. Some postures have taken me months (or even years) to learn. I have learnt to breathe through challenging postures and stay calm and steady when faced with something that frustrates me, tests me, or even terrifies me. And what I learn on the mat I can take off the mat into my everyday life as a mother. Parenthood is a rollercoaster ride. Yoga is my anchor, holding me steady through difficult times so I am not overwhelmed by my emotions when they arise but instead can learn to acknowledge and accept them.
And as an added bonus, I am hopefully showing my girls the importance of self-care, the joy of movement, the power of a daily practice, and the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
My yoga practice isn’t simply what I do on my mat each day. It’s a wonderful tool that helps me through each day. Giving me the strength (mental, physical, and emotional) I need to navigate the beautiful chaos that is motherhood.
Yoga is my safe space, my cure all, and my secret weapon to being SuperMum (or at least, the best mum I can be).
So to all the parents out there. If you’ve been thinking about trying yoga but aren’t sure how to fit it into your busy life, find the time and make it happen. Not only will it help you feel so much better, but it will help you continue to navigate the journey ahead. Embrace this practice not just for yourself but for the incredible parent you strive to be.
Trust me, it’s worth every breath.
