As a pregnancy massage therapist and yoga teacher, I’ve worked with countless mums who come to me physically exhausted and emotionally overwhelmed. They arrive craving relief from the aches and pains of motherhood but are surprised when they leave feeling not just physically better but mentally and emotionally lighter, too.

Though I’m not a mum myself, I’ve seen firsthand how the demands of motherhood—whether it’s pregnancy, postpartum recovery, or simply juggling the responsibilities of raising children—can take a toll on the body and mind.

Sadly, I recognise that having a massage as often as you would need to reset and give yourself space and time to fill your cup is unrealistic. Therefore one of the most powerful practices that I’ve found for helping regain a sense of balance and calm on a more regular basis is Yin.

Yin, a slow, restorative practice, offers an antidote to this constant state of "doing" that mums often find themselves in. It’s a gentle but incredibly effective way to help reconnect with yourself, regulate the nervous systems, and find much-needed rest.

Why Mums Need a Restorative Practice Like Yin

Yin focuses on holding passive, longer stretches (between three to five minutes) to target the body’s deep connective tissues, like fascia, ligaments, and joints. Unlike more dynamic forms of yoga or exercise, Yin doesn’t require strength or stamina, making it ideal for mums who might feel physically depleted.

From a physical perspective, Yin helps gradually release built-up tension in key areas of the body that often become tight during pregnancy and motherhood, such as the hips, lower back, and shoulders. These areas tend to store stress and emotions, and by working gently but deeply into these tissues, Yin encourages a profound sense of release.

But beyond the physical, Yin provides a space for mental and emotional stillness. Mums are often pulled in a thousand directions—whether it’s meeting the needs of their children, managing household tasks, or balancing work and personal life. In a Yin class, you can simply be—no expectations, no to-do lists—just the opportunity to reconnect with yourself on a deeper level.

The Science Behind Yin and Stress Regulation

One of the most powerful effects of Yin is its ability to help regulate the nervous system. Between the stress of caring for others, lack of sleep, and constant multitasking, many mothers find themselves stuck in what’s known as the “fight or flight” response, controlled by the sympathetic nervous system.

When the sympathetic nervous system is constantly activated, it can lead to feelings of anxiety, irritability, and even burnout. This is where Yin becomes incredibly beneficial. By inviting slow, mindful movement and deep breathing, Yin activates the parasympathetic nervous system, also known as the “rest and digest” response.

Deep diaphragmatic breathing is encouraged during the practice, and it has a direct impact on the nervous system. When we breathe deeply, we stimulate the vagus nerve, which signals the body to relax. This reduces heart rate, lowers blood pressure, and decreases the production of stress hormones like cortisol. This physiological shift is why you feel a profound sense of calm after a class—it’s not just relaxation, but a deep, neurological reset that helps bring the body back into balance.

Releasing Physical and Emotional Tension

Holding poses for a long period of time allows for a gradual deeper release of tension, both physically and emotionally. This is especially important for mums, who tend to store tension in their bodies—whether it’s from carrying a child, nursing, or simply being on their feet all day.

Emotions, too, can be stored in the body, and the stillness that Yin provides creates a safe space for deep feeling to surface and be processed. It’s not uncommon to experience a sense of release—sometimes accompanied by tears—during or after a Yin session. This emotional release is a sign of letting go, an opportunity to accept and process emotions that often get trapped.

Why Mums Feel Better After Yin Yoga

First, the deep relaxation achieved during Yin helps lower cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone. When cortisol levels drop, we experience reduced anxiety, better sleep, and an improved ability to manage the demands of daily life.

Second, Yin improves heart rate variability (HRV), which is a measure of how well the body can adapt to stress. A higher HRV indicates that the body is better equipped to move between states of stress and relaxation. This means mums who practise Yin regularly are more resilient and able to recover from stressful situations more quickly.

Finally, cultivating compassion for yourself. In the stillness of each pose, we have the opportunity to tune into our bodies and minds, gaining a deeper awareness of our own needs as well as acknowledging the hard work we do everyday to survive in this highly demanding and achievement-focused society we live in.

Join Mum's Relax & Restore online class on the 9th of October organised in collaboration with Mums Who Build (MOB) the community enabling mums to build the life and future they want in motherhood. The class is tailored specifically for busy mobsters! In this soothing Yin session, you'll embark on a journey of deep relaxation and restoration, designed to melt away the stresses of daily life and nurture your well-being.

Register Here

About Eleonora

Eleonora is the founder of Re-Set-Pause, a unique wellness practice based in Waltham Forest. As a skilled massage therapist and a teacher of Hatha, Vinyasa, and Yin Yoga, Eleonora blends her expertise to promote holistic wellbeing. Her approach emphasises the importance of slowing down and connecting with others on a deeper level. Through her work, she fosters physical, energetic, and mental healing via the profound impact of touch and attentive listening.

For more insights and updates, follow her on

Instagram: re_set_pause.

Email: resetpauselondon@gmail.com

Website: http://re-set-pause.com