Self-care Sunday with Zuzanna

I was very nervous to release the first post for Self-care Sunday with Zuzanna last week, but I think it went as well as it could have! Thank you for all your feedback and responses on the post, I look forward to exploring different avenues of intentional self-care and I will be reporting back with them.

This week I want to talk about yoga, as this is to date, the most important way of looking after myself in my grief. 

You might ask how I decided to try yoga postpartum and to say the least - a new yoga studio was opening in my town shortly after I lost Florence. I always liked yoga and was gutted I couldn’t go and sign up to their 2-week free trial to see if I like the place and teachers. But as soon as I was 4 weeks postpartum, I had a conversation with my bereavement midwife, who agreed that yoga (especially a restorative practice) will be really good for me. Note - I was physically well and as mentioned, I was signed off by a professional. I would’ve never done it on my own accord. 

I signed up for the said restorative practice, only for it to be cancelled. I know how easily disheartened I get, so I have decided not to waste the pass I bought and signed up for an ashtanga practice. It meant absolutely nothing to me, I thought ‘yoga is yoga’, right? 

Wrong. Yoga is not just yoga. 

My husband had to walk me to the class as I was so anxious - I haven’t seen many people since losing Florence, let alone new people in a new environment. 

I spoke to the teacher before the class (as advised by the midwife) explained I am postpartum after loss and she asked me if I was aware how tough this practice is. I didn’t, but I was there. I have shown up for myself and decided to go ahead with the class.

Whilst the class was really difficult for where I was physically, I left feeling incredibly light. My headspace was calm, my thoughts were gone, my mind was clear. 

And the rest is history. I have been regularly practicing yoga for nearly 6 months now. It’s my favourite way of looking after myself. Every session I set an intention - usually something to do with Florence. I let myself shed some tears when I lay down reflecting with my eyes closed. 

I now practice several times a week - mainly ashtanga, restorative and gentle flow practices (I found vinyasa too fast paced for my grief).

As well as yoga helping me clear my mind and move on with my day, I became physically stronger and I met some of the warmest people! 

Looking back, I am grateful to the sacred and anxious 4 weeks postpartum myself for making a decision to do something just for me. 

Have you ever practiced yoga? If so, which practice is your favourite?

And if you haven’t practiced yoga before, I would definitely recommend a restorative practice to begin with - let me know your thoughts if you try it!

With love,

Zuzanna x