‘This one-hour activity that costs less than £50 to start has changed my life’

For many working parents, finding time for self-care feels like an impossible challenge.

Lizzie Fuller, Head of Client Delivery at Mumsnet and mother of two-year-old twins, knows this struggle all too well.

With a demanding career, endless household responsibilities, and the constant juggle of nursery runs and meal planning, she often found herself overwhelmed.

That is until she discovered yoga, a simple and affordable activity that has completely changed her life.

Lizzie initially turned to yoga during maternity leave, seeing it as a temporary way to stay active until she could return to her usual high-intensity classes like BodyPump and spin.

Writing on Mumsnet, she said she didn’t expect how deeply it would resonate with her.

For busy parents like Lizzie, creating a space for consistent practice can make all the difference.

It is also relatively affordable to pick up, with a yoga mat, yoga block and socks costing only around £50 to purchase.

Her Monday evening yoga class quickly became a non-negotiable part of her routine.

“Every Monday evening, after a hectic day of work and the bedtime routine, I unroll my mat and head to my yoga class,” Lizzie said.

“Mondays are typically my most demanding days, so knowing that I have this dedicated hour to myself is what gets me through. It’s my chance to reset, breathe, and embrace a moment of stillness amidst the noise.”

“On the rare occasions when I miss a class, my entire week feels out of sync,” she added.

“That single hour sets the tone for everything else, helping me feel calmer, more focused, and better equipped to tackle the demands of motherhood and work.”

Beyond the personal benefits Lizzie has experienced, research has long supported the positive impact of yoga.

The practice is known to reduce stress levels, improve focus, and enhance overall well-being.

The deep breathing techniques used in yoga activate the body’s relaxation response, lowering cortisol levels and promoting a sense of calm.

Regular practice can also improve sleep quality, strengthen muscles, and increase flexibility, reducing the risk of injury.

Many people find that yoga encourages mindfulness, helping them regulate their emotions and manage anxiety more effectively.