Valerie May Yoga, Green Lane, London (2025)

25/09/2025

I know you’re looking for a quick fix, a hack, some shortcut. But the truth is…there isn’t one…and that’s not a bad thing.

You want to keep going at breakneck speed, to ignore the changes happening to your body and mind but change is the key word. It’s inevitable.

Menopause is a huge life transition, physically, emotionally and spiritually. If you are not looking after yourself and still trying to keep up appearances that nothing has changed… you’ll end up feeling overwhelmed and crash and burn. ARGGGH! Its all too much… Stress, exhaustion, lack of good nutrition, overload of toxins can have a huge impact on your hormonal health and end up causing menopause symptoms.

As well as your body giving you feedback via symptoms you may also be reacting to society’s sometimes negative attitudes towards the older woman. If you’re suffering this does not been you have failed, your symptoms are not the enemy just your body telling you that something needs to give. So treat these challenges with kindness and acceptance.

Creating well-being and self-care requires time, support and resources… maybe even thinking about what to do to help yourself is super stressful with all of the conflicting info out there.

If you’re nodding your head along with this post…stay tuned…I’ve got something cooking that you’re going to love.

22/09/2025

You may be an outgoing, confident person on the outside but on the inside feel in constant turmoil with a deeply critical inner voice.

This is anxiety, which is a normal reaction to threatening situations, but becomes an issue when benign events make us stressed. Symptoms of anxiety can include excessive worry, racing thoughts, restlessness, irritability, and physical symptoms like heightened heart rate, muscle tension, and shortness of breath. Anxiety can significantly impact our quality of life, relationships, and overall well-being.

You may find your anxiety spirals when you:
* Stay up late unnecessarily
* Speak to harshly to yourself
* Say yes when you mean no
* Put yourself last
* Over stretch your boundaries
* Over schedule and commit to too much
* Allow yourself to worry about something you have said or someone else has said
* Worry about the future

Yoga Philosophy can help to put anxiety into perspective through teachings.

The first is Ahimsa, which teaches us non violence, to not cause harm to any creature, in thought, in the way we communicate and in action. This also means treating ourselves with kindness and respect in the way we speak to ourselves, treat ourselves and allow others to make us feel.

The second principle is Satya, which guides us to think, speak, and act with honesty, integrity and with authenticity. Satya does not mean simply telling the truth when it might be easier to make up a little white lie, it is far more complex than that and encourages us to treat our minds, bodies and spiritual selves holistically.

Therefore Ahimsa encourages us to act with compassion and love towards ourselves and others whilst Satya means existing in a way that is respectful of our authentic selves.

Here are a few pointers about putting the above into action when your anxiety gets out of control:
* Speak kindly to yourself
* Put boundaries in place
* Do a movement practice
* Spend time in nature
* Spend time with people you love
* Hang out with your pet
* Express your needs
* Disconnect from technology
* Practice Gratitude
* Meditate

Have you found that anxiety has impacted your life?

17/09/2025

Are you constantly racing to cross items off your to-do list? Juggling several tasks at a time? Feeling like you’re always behind schedule, agitated by anything that slows you down?

Some situations require haste. Like when we need to meet an important deadline or catch a flight on time. However when we chronically rush we have trouble differentiating between when hustle is necessary and when it isn’t. Do you see yourself in any of the following scenario's….

You find it impossible to do one task at a time, have always said multitasking is your M.O.. You’ll try to figure out what else you can squeeze in while brushing your teeth.

You get irritable with a delay. Standing in a queue, waiting for an appointment or getting stuck in traffic really gets your blood boiling.

You feel perpetually behind schedule. There never seems to be enough hours in a day to accomplish what you need to do. No matter how much you get done, you always feel like lyou’re playing catch-up.

You’re love checking things off your to-do list. That satisfaction you get when you complete a task. But that high doesn’t last long — you quickly move on to the next thing.

Moving through the world in this constant rushed state leaves us feeling anxious & overwhelmed. Long term this can have negative effects on our physical and mental well-being. Chronic stress keeps us constantly in the fight, flight, freeze side of our nervous system which doesn’t allow the body to rest, weakening our bodily systems.

Yoga stands out as a beacon of hope in this busy world. Rooted in traditions that stretch back thousands of years, Yoga offers practices that positively impact physical and mental well-being… a potent antidote to modern-day life. Yoga has been shown to have benefits to counteract the response stress, by switching us into the healing side of our nervous system.

One of the foundational principles of yoga is awareness and being in the moment. This act of being present and mindful, calms the incessant chatter of the mind. It is a direct counter to feelings of anxiety, overwhelm and rushing bringing instead clarity and peace.

Have you been rushing around too much lately and how has this made you feel?

14/09/2025

In the UK and US perimenopause and menopause is very much medicalised as a hormone deficiency… defined by a list of negative symptoms to be managed. In our culture, we must contend with a great fear of death and ageing that expresses itself via worshipping the ideals of youth, beauty and perfection.

However, in Eastern Asian cultures menopause is not seen as a medical illness (for example, Japan doesn't even have a name for menopause). In these cultures women suffer much less negative side effects and menopause is viewed instead as a natural transition, a liberating time with no more pregnancy and menstruation. Less symptoms are partly explained by differences in diet and lifestyle, but it is believed that the main difference is that getting older is respected and valued in these cultures.

Traditional Chinese Medicine calls menopause “The Second Spring”....a time where women arrive into a new whole new phase of wisdom and renewal of energy. While the west view the cessation of periods as ageing, Eastern philosophies see it as a time for slowing down, which brings in longevity, authority, purpose and balance to our later years.

Loss of youth and fertility and this horrible stereotype that as women age they become useless and invisible can often lead to a decrease in self-confidence, self-esteem and lower sense of purpose. Other negative effects could include sadness, anxiety, clinging, fear and aversion.

Yoga can help us navigate this feeling of loss by teaching us the art of letting go and the impermanent nature of all things. It reminds us that change is inevitable. Denial, anger and resistance are common but yoga meets these challenges with acceptance and gratitude which acts as an antidote to help us connect to a part of us which is timeless, peaceful and ageless, the Self within.

Do you struggle to deal with ageing and society’s expectations of how women should look?

12/09/2025

Let's talk about changing bodies, that most of us find it hard, whether this is during pregnancy, postnatally or in perimenopause/menopause. Body image is how we see ourselves in comparison to the standards that have been set by society.

Yoga is a powerful tool for improving mental health and body image. As a form of natural anxiety relief. It incorporates soothing techniques to activate the parasympathetic nervous system which normalises the body’s stress response by lowering blood pressure and slowing the heart rate.

Yoga isn’t about comparison, achievement, or even physical fitness. It’s an inward journey you take when you bring your awareness to your body and breath, in the present moment. Yoga takes the focus away from the outside world, where we are bombarded with obsessing over outward appearance standards and shifts it to what’s going on inside you. It teaches you appreciation for your body’s amazing capabilities and to be kinder to yourself. Meditation, allows you to find the source of your negative thoughts and change the narrative.

Practicing yoga can have a profound impact on improving body image. When you treat yoga as a tool for body appreciation, healthy movement, and inner reflection, it helps you feel at peace with yourself.

Studies on the effects of yoga on body image have shown that women felt more appreciative and compassionate toward their bodies, more satisfied with their appearance. They also showed decreases in self-objectification. (meaning viewing your own body based mainly on how it looks – rather than what it can do). Women also experienced increased embodiment, feeling positively connected to your body, feeling “at home” in your body, rather than viewing your body as an obstacle or something to be fought against.

It is important to note that yoga is often “hijacked” in an attempt to popularise it, with many of its traditional teachings removed or changed.. Therefore, to have a positive impact, it is important to follow traditional forms of yoga that emphasise a positive mind-body connection and downplay the importance of appearance.

Do you struggle with your changing body and society’s expectations of how you should look?

09/09/2025

It’s a man’s world…well not quite…but I got your attention didn’t I? In all seriousness, it is a one size fits all world in many ways, but we’re not all same and that’s worth paying attention to.

Men’s testosterone levels fluctuate on a 24-hour cycle, peaking morning time, declining throughout the day. Women’s oestrogen/progesterone levels fluctuate on a 28-day cycle. This means men are focussed and engaged every morning, while women’s productivity varies from week to week. Yet women are expected to have the same daily levels of energy, focus and output as men who can function the same way every day.

If I were to ask you about your day, which would you say your lifestyle resembles? Most likely you would say the 24 hour clock. We tend to wake up, get stuff done and keep going until night when we crash.

Sometimes this is ok as our hormones can support that but other times it just doesn’t work.

During our first half of our cycle we are good to go, during the second half we need to allow our body rest and reset with less intense workouts, late hours or stress because our s*x hormones are at their lowest.

Men can live this way as they recharge every night. When we are in our reproductive years our recharge and reset time is actually at the end of the month.

When we live in a way that does not support this then we are asking for imbalance over time. Our stress hormones rise, our metabolism is affected and we suffer other consequences eg sleep issues / fertility.

We have to support ourselves in order to get the most out of our day. We are NOT the same day to day and we need to honour that.

This is where Yoga can help us. Yoga teaches us to be attentive to what is going on in the body/ mind/emotions. It cultivates an awareness that allows you to stay open, present and curious to what’s going on re energy levels, stress triggers etc. It’s draining to be living a life where you are not “listening” but constantly reacting. Inner listening helps you become more attuned to your needs whether that’s rest, nourishment or movement.

Do you agree it’s time we rewrite that narrative, stop battling our biology and start listening to our bodies?

05/09/2025

Ah the Superwoman myth....archetype of our times.

She is great, she gets sh*t done, she takes charge, she has boundless energy. She appears so attractive and together. Be her and you can have it all and who doesn't want it all?

However! This is not sustainable and will eventually drive you into the ground, especially as you start to navigate the complexities of the life transition towards peri-menopause and menopause.

Many of us have spent decades with this weight of being the superwoman and its during this time in life that it can all start to crumble around us.

At this point we need to reassess our boundaries in order to preserve our health & well-being.

The power of saying NO to stuff and prioritising self-care will preserve your energy for what matters, help you embrace a more balanced lifestyle and build resilience for the journey ahead.

Your yoga practice is a safe space to explore boundaries in a tangible way. It invites us to listen to ourselves and recognise our limits. The principles we practice on the mat can be carried into our daily lives.

Yoga teaches us to turn inwards and consider our physical, mental and emotional state so that we can make better choices. For example: are you overextending yourself? What do you need more of to feel balanced?

Learning to say NO is a big one and can feel very uncomfortable, but it’s a vital part of self-care. Yoga teaches us that discomfort can be a doorway to help us to self-study and that opening up to it rather than resisting can be transformative. Remember that every time you say no to something that drains you, you’re saying yes to something that replenishes you.

Perhaps consider whether tot can create some space for yourself whether it’s a morning yoga ritual or 10 minutes of quiet meditation, this is a powerful way to reinforce boundaries.
Clear communication involves expressing your boundaries with kindness and firmness, much like holding a yoga pose.

Have you struggled to break the superwoman myth?

03/09/2025

Motherhood can feel like a never ending task list.

Between drop-offs, play dates, meal prep, work deadlines, being the perfect mum, employee and partner.

It’s easy to feel like you are racing against the clock.

But what if there was another way?

What if slowing down could help you have a more intentional, mindful approach to parenting that prioritises presence over being a task rabbit or over constantly being stressed and exhausted.

Slower motherhood is about ditching the hustle and choosing a simpler way of raising our kids.

Take it from me our kiddos grow up in the flash of an eye so savouring the small moments and focussing on what really matters is so much more important than being caught up in society's expectations of perfect parenting.

It’s about saying no to the constant rush, the over scheduled calendar and pressure to be everything to everyone. With more and more stress, burnout, mental pressure and unrealistic ideals its time to realise that the constant go go go mode isn’t sustainable.

Kids need present mums not perfect mums and slowing down can help us truly connect with our kids rather than managing them like an endless to-do list.

Being more present as a mum can bringing in connection, love and nurturance that fosters happiness and a strong bond with your child. By embracing mindfulness and compassion, we can navigate the journey with greater ease and fulfilment.

Yoga teaches us to be present, to soften into discomfort & to breathe through the unexpected. These tools are invaluable for parents.

You will learn practices that you can take off the mat, such as breathing & grounding techniques and mindful movement. All of these help you feel more relaxed, centred and resilient as you navigate the ups and downs of parenthood.

When practiced regularly, Yoga becomes more than just exercise. It becomes a way of life that is rooted in presence, patience, acceptance and connection.

What are your thoughts on slower mothering and being more present? Would you like to start embracing it into your life instead of rushing through it?

31/08/2025

You keep fighting it, thinking it’s not worth it, but it’s actually the magic antidote, a secret superpower, the one that changes the game.

Pregnancy is often painted as a magical time; & it is. But between the doctor appointments, work obligations, nursery prep & everyone’s well-meaning advice, you might feel like you’re racing against time. Somewhere deep down, you feel guilty for wanting to just slow down.

Take a breath, mama. Slowing down during pregnancy isn’t a sign of weakness;

Before pregnancy, you may have worn your busy schedule like a badge of honour. You were productive, organised, always on top of things. Now, your body is growing a whole human being, you’re expected to carry on like nothing has changed.

But everything has changed. Your body & mind are changing, shifting. Your emotions swirling.

Yet the pressure to keep going persists. You might feel torn between wanting to rest & doing more. That inner conflict? It’s normal & you’re not alone.

Fatigue, nausea & physical discomfort; your body is giving you signs. Sometimes, the best thing you can do is listen when your body shouts I need a break. When you take a nap instead of doing the dishes, when you skip a social event to nap, when you say no without guilt; that’s honouring your new reality.

It’s not just your body that needs rest; your mind does too. There may be a storm of feelings: joy, anxiety, excitement, fear. Slowing down emotionally means giving yourself space to feel everything without rushing or brushing aside.

You might find yourself grieving your old energy, independence, or version of you that used to do 10 things before breakfast.

Slowing down is a way of making room for the new version of you that’s emerging, more intuitive & in tune with what really matters.

So if you’re feeling the urge to slow down during pregnancy, lean into it. It’s not laziness. It’s wisdom.

You’re growing a life; that takes energy, strength & soul. Some days will feel easy. Some will feel impossibly hard. Let both exist without judgment.

Slowing down isn’t selfish it is one of the most powerful things you can do for both you & your baby. So give yourself permission. To rest, breathe & be.

28/08/2025

The September hustle & stress vibes are already creeping in…

As the holidays are coming to an end, as the lazy days of summer turn into the hustle and bustle of the school year, & then eek Christmas. The insidious modern habit of rushing, hurrying, over packing the schedule can creep back in before you know it.

Digital devices have made it very easy for us to hurry even more & stay constantly connected. We use phrases like... There's no time... Quickly! Hurry up! Right now! Right away! Why is it taking so long? I do find myself saying this to my kids if they are taking their time….ahhhh…we preach about what we also need practice on. Sigh!

It’s hard to catch ourselves & realise that these sentences & actions running through our day make us feel restless, stressed & hurried. The mind can't rest & its always prodding us to complete the life post-it notes / to-do lists. Of course it’s great to have modern communications, to be in touch & get things done but when hurrying becomes our default it can damage our well-being & peace of mind.

What you (& I) need is a practice that allows us to change our inner dialogue to slow down instead of hurrying.

Yoga Philosophy defines yoga as “the settling of the mind into silence.” When we speed along at our habitual pace, our actions become mechanical. Our minds are anywhere but in the present.

The practice of yoga teaches us to slow down & be in the present moment so that our minds can settle into silence.

When you slow down, pause and move into the present moment you step out of autopilot mode into a place of calm & space . You check in with yourself & engage with life more mindfully.

Things like lack of focus, struggling connection in our relationships, out of kilter work-life balance all get a little easier.

Instead of heightened stress & anxiety levels, slowing down provides more perspective, balance, appreciation, intention and time to focus on what truly matters resulting in a positive impact on physical & mental health.

Do you find with September right around the corner that you’ve started rushing, hurrying, over planning and that your stress levels are already increasing?

26/08/2025

Ahhh, yes…the perimenopause/menopause terror can creep in.

So much of the talk about these two life transitions are so negative....

Hot flashes
Mood swings
Aging
Wrinkles
Grey hair
Weight gain

Shall I go on?!

It can feel like a big bag of “no thank YOU!”

Society preaches that life is over when you are "old", that you are no longer valuable and that you must keep going and operate at the same pace as your "young" self.

And that youth equates to beauty and vitality and that this is lost when we age.

But here’s what I need you to know…

This shift is an integral and natural life change.

Fighting it is futile, and trying to stop a train that can't be stopped only leads to suffering with many negative feelings such as inadequacy, loss & self-criticise.
Rather than accepting it as part of life's beautiful design.

This is where yoga in action (in real life application comes in). Doing 1000 triangle poses won’t give you what you need, what you need are the tools found inside of yoga philosophy.

Everything in life is impermanent and always changing & flowing.

The yoga practice isn’t designed so you can fight change, fight aging, instead it’s designed to help you learn to be present and aware of exactly what is. To allow for change. To flow with it, instead of fighting it.

And the result of that…glorious. Less getting caught in cycles of self-criticism or frustration, more acceptance and ease.

You’ve navigated decades of life’s challenges, and you’re still here, evolving and growing.

Embrace yourself here and now. Celebrate the wisdom and resilience you’ve gained over the years, and honour yourself for continuing to show up, even on the difficult days.

Have you been fighting or scared of perimenopause/menopause?

23/08/2025

I have recently discovered the term “Matrescence” sort of like Adolescence but it relates to accepting the process of profound physical, psychological and emotional changes as a woman transitions to motherhood.

By embracing this major life change, mothers have to learn to navigate the challenges with self-compassion and resilience. This can foster a strong sense of self.

Things that can be very different can include the bodily changes that occur during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. The emotional shifts in all our relationships and social dynamics of being a mother. Changes in ones sense of sense, identity, priorities and values as you move from being just yourself to now also have another human being to care for.

Understanding that this is a crazy time and you don’t have to have all the answers immediately or feel like you have it all together.

My mummy & baby yoga sessions offer women the space to slow down, reconnect with their bodies, bond with their baby. However one of the most important parts is time and space to talk to other mums going through the same experiences and learning that you’re not alone.

Have you felt any of these major shifts & change in your life since being a mum?

Valerie May Yoga

25/09/2025

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