As women, we juggle a multitude of responsibilities, societal expectations, and internal pressures. From navigating career aspirations to managing families and personal health, it's no wonder our mental well-being can often take a backseat. A 2022 Women's Mental Health Survey in the UK revealed that 1 in 5 women aged 16-64 experience a common mental health problem, such as anxiety or depression.
My February kicked off with a visit to the Vagina Museum alongside a group of inspirational women from the Level Up London community. The current exhibition ‘Endometriosis: Into the Unknown’ was sobering and eye opening. I admit I didn’t know much about this debilitating, painful, life-changing condition. Figures say 1 in 10 women in the UK have endometriosis, but the length of time to diagnosis (an average of 8 years) could mean the real number is actually much higher!
The evening culminated in a powerful exchange of voices, tackling the often-taboo topics of periods, gynecological conditions, and the unique challenges women face. We explored the silencing effect of stigma on both physical and mental health, particularly for women of color navigating additional barriers. This conversation resonated deeply, emphasizing the urgent need for inclusive and accessible solutions that empower every woman to prioritize their well-being.
During our chats, one key concern emerged: the pervasive "push-through" mentality that burdens women. From battling through period pain to ignoring exhaustion, we're conditioned to prioritize productivity over self-care.
Move to Thrive (MTT) was born from my own lived experience of pushing myself against the wall. The pressure to adopt hustle culture, overworking as a coping mechanism, avoiding asking for help, never taking time off, and prioritizing business, customers, and employees over my own mental health were some of the biggest mistakes I made as a first-time entrepreneur.
This constant busyness pushed me further from movement practices, and I forgot how much joy dance had brought me since childhood. Even when I tried to stay consistent with "moving my body," the current fitness industry trends that glorify pushing your body to its limits added to the stress rather than relieving it. This never sat well with me.
After a year of experimenting and playing with movement, MTT was born. As someone who struggled with my own mental health, I wanted to develop a program that embodied wholesomeness. I combined specific dance-based movements and yoga designed to help release tension and bring more flexibility, sprinkled it with self-expression and creativity inspired by Bollywood and Indian classical dance culture, then infused this blend with powerful breathwork and mindfulness techniques.
MTT is a space where the pure joy of movement takes center stage. We recognize the value of gentle, low-impact practices as much as we do high-intensity dance cardio. All the classes are designed to:
Help shift your focus to the present moment and away from racing thoughts.
Ease built-up tension and stiffness, helping you feel more relaxed.
Offer a way to focus inward, process emotions, and thrive in life!
I encourage women of all backgrounds and abilities to explore movement practices that meet their unique needs, energy levels, and emotional state.
This philosophy is crucial for women's mental health for several reasons:
Our bodies and mental states change: Throughout our lives, from puberty to pregnancy and menopause, our hormonal landscape shifts, impacting our physical and emotional needs. Move to Thrive recognizes this fluidity, offering practices that adapt to your monthly cycle, life stage, and individual preferences.
Movement isn't a one-size-fits-all solution: We celebrate diversity! Forget rigid workout routines. At Move to Thrive, you'll explore an array of modalities, from dance and yoga to improvisation and strength training, finding what resonates with your mind and body.
Breathwork and mindfulness matter: We integrate mindfulness and breathwork techniques into our movement practices, helping you connect with your body's signals and manage stress more effectively. These tools empower you to navigate challenging emotions and cultivate inner peace.
Community fosters support: Move to Thrive is a safe and welcoming space where women can connect, share experiences, and find encouragement. This sense of belonging and understanding significantly bolsters mental well-being.
Taking control of your well-being, prioritizing self-care, and moving with kindness towards your body is above everything else.
So this year, let's embrace:
Listening to our bodies: Honoring our energy levels and adjusting our movement practices accordingly.
Finding joy in movement: Dancing, flowing, improvising - discovering what feels good for us. Connecting with other women: Seeking support and sharing experiences in communities like Move to Thrive.
Being kind to ourselves: Practicing self-compassion and acceptance, especially during challenging times.
By prioritizing our mental health through mindful movement and self-care, we can move beyond the "push-through" mentality and cultivate a deeper connection with ourselves, fostering joy and resilience within.
This International Women's Day, inspired by #InspireInclusion, let's move beyond "one-size-fits-all" and join my next workshop! It's all about finding movement that resonates with your unique body, mood, and energy level, no matter where you're at. Let's prioritize self-care and rediscover the joy of movement together!
Join me on 10th March for "Move Beyond Hustle: De-stress & Find Joy". Explore different movement styles, learn calming breathwork techniques, let loose with the energy of Bollywood beats, and connect with a supportive community. Click below to register:
Let's move together, celebrate each other, and create a world where all women can thrive!
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