The Happy Yoga Podcast

Today we have a 5 minute breath work session to relax and calm the mind. As always with breath work, take it at your own pace, it’s always ok to stop or to start again. I hope you enjoy!🌻The Let’s Connect Back To Our Inner Magical Weirdo Selves - Alternative Lent Transformational Sprint (Working Title) 🌻 18th Feb - 2nd AprilEvery day in lent I will share a prompt for us to help us get our wonderful spark back together. It’ll be transformational, epic and of course lots of fun.The prompts will be easy to follow and to fit in the day. And we can all support each other in the comments and chat.This is going to be available to all members, because quite frankly I think the world needs it right now.But of course if you can afford it please consider upgrading because it’s the paid subscriptions that allow any of this to happen. This is all run by me from my spare room after all. If you have already upgraded know that I appreciate you so much.Let me know if you have any questions below!Much Love,Jo xx This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey there, beautiful weirdos, I’ve been speaking to so many people recently who are feeling a bit, bleh.Like there’s nothing actually wrong but at the same time, something is missing, like they are disconnected to who they are deep down. So I thought, lets shake it all up! Because yoga isn’t about making us conform and be ‘good’, and it’s not just about relaxing or getting strong, it’s also about connecting us to those weird and wonderful parts of ourselves, the playful, colourful, delighted parts. All the parts that can dull as we get older and try and fit into boxes.It’s to give us the skills, confidence and trust to be who we were always meant to be. Whole.So Let me Introduce………… 🌻The Let’s Connect Back To Our Inner Magical Weirdo Selves - Alternative Lent Transformational Sprint (Working Title) 🌻 18th Feb - 2nd AprilEvery day in lent I will share a prompt for us to help us get our wonderful spark back together. It’ll be transformational, epic and of course lots of fun. The prompts will be easy to follow and to fit in the day. And we can all support each other in the comments and chat. This is going to be available to all members, because quite frankly I think the world needs it right now. But of course if you can afford it please consider upgrading because it’s the paid subscriptions that allow any of this to happen. This is all run by me from my spare room after all. Let me know if you have any questions below! Much Love,Jo xxPs I am aware that the video says instagram not substack please forgive me, but I just couldn’t face recording it again. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi, I’ve got something a bit different for you today. It’s a guided, mindful clean.Why?Because the little, repetitive, boring chores like cleaning your kitchen are actually a perfect time to meditate. Especially when you’re feeling overwhelmed, cranky, or just don’t have the headspace to sit still. So pick up your cloth and join me for 17 minutes to make your kitchen and mind sparkle. Please note that this isn’t about getting a ‘perfect’ clean, cleaning is a never ending job so we aren’t looking to get it finished, just as much done in the time we have, and using whatever energy is available to us today. We are taking it slow and steady and obviously if there is a reason you cannot clean due to an injury or whatnot, please skip this one without a second thought. Let me know how you get on!Much Love,Jo xxPSThe Zoom Studio Schedule has gone back to its normal rhythm so we have Monday/Wednesday 7.30am GMT Lets Stretch - 30 minutes to start your day gently stretched and ready for anything.Thursday 6.30pm GMT Let’s Rest - 60 minutes of deep relaxation and nourishment to make you feel wonderful. All sessions are recorded and popped in the practise library if timings don’t align. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Thank you Sandy S, Rachel Healy, Alicia María Fernández, and many others for tuning into my live video! I was just teaching the Let’s Stretch Class in the Zoom Studio and thought it would be nice to do a substack live to stretch out the cobwebs. It’s just five minutes to ground yourself and relax, I hope you enjoy. Much Love,JoPSDon’t forget we have the New Years Eve Soul Circle at 9.30am on 31st December. We’ll be checking in, journalling and making sure we end the year feeling connected and steady. If you’re a member of the Zoom Studio this session is included and if you are a member of the Practice Library then the recording will be available for you to catch up with when you’re ready. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,Can I tell you something really big?Last Monday evening I was doing some work on my laptop when it ran out of battery. I went to plug it in and realised I’d left the charger in the studio after teaching the teacher training at the weekend.It was already dark, it was freezing, and I’d fully planned on parking myself on the sofa with a cup of tea for the rest of the night. But I needed to finish what I was working on, so I had to drag myself all the way into town to pick it up.So I just… did it.And it might sound tiny, but for me it was huge. I didn’t beat myself up. I didn’t launch into the usual “you’re so useless / you always forget things / you’ve ruined the whole evening” narrative. I just went, “Well, that’s annoying,” put my shoes on, and got the charger.People forget chargers. It’s not a moral failing.This is the way yoga sneaks into your actual life — you do the practice, and then one day you notice you’re being kinder to yourself without even trying.Today’s session is all about building self-compassion.Just a heads-up that this one has a bit more emotional tone than usual. If you’re feeling tender today, take it slowly and stop whenever you need toI hope you like it.Much Love,Jo xxPS: On Sunday 30th November at 8pm we’re having a Soul Circle in the Zoom Studio.The Soul Circle is basically a guided, end-of-month check-in: a little relaxation, a short writing prompt, a bit of gentle conversation in the chat, and a chance to take stock before the month rolls over. The Zoom Studio is simply where I run live sessions on Zoom. It’s cosy, relaxed, and very “come as you are.”If you can’t make it, the replay will be in the Practice Library on Monday — that’s the on-demand area where all the recordings live so you can do them whenever suits you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,This weeks session is a little holiday you can take from your armchair. It’s only ten minutes long, so give yourself a treat and give it a go. Much love,Jo xPS If you’re looking for a real escape there are still some spots left on our yoga holiday to the beautiful island of Kefalonia in May 2026. It’s a full week of relaxation, delicious food and of course gentle restoring yoga. Click here for more info. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,Today’s session is a bit different — it’s a vagus nerve stimulation practice to help shift you from fight-or-flight into relaxation. It’s perfect for days when you’re feeling overwhelmed or want to unwind but aren’t quite ready for breathing exercises or closing your eyes.I hope you enjoy it 🥰On Saturday I taught the Yoga in Harmony session at The Glasshouse and it was so lovely. Even more special was getting to meet some Yoga for Tired People folks in real life — such a treat. This is going to be a monthly event up to December, so if you’d like to come along you can check it out here.I hope you have a wonderful day,Much love,Jo xxPS — If you enjoy Yoga for Tired People, I’d be so grateful if you could share it with a friend who might also love it. The whole thing is run by me from my spare room, and every bit of word-spreading makes a difference. Thank you 🤩 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,We’ve got a super short one today, and its to help rebuild mobility in your shoulders and arms. It’s very simple but very effective, so give it a try and let me know how it goes.Much Love, Jo xxPS For members of the Zoom studio, this months Soul Restore Session is this Sunday 24th August at 8pm GMT, if you are a member of the Practise Library the recording will be available the next day. You can book in here What is the Zoom Studio? If you’ve been enjoying the short sessions over on Substack but want more support, more connection, longer practices, real-time classes, a bit of structure - the Zoom Lounge is where we meet. You can find more about it here This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,Here’s something gentle for your weekend or your next break between tasks—a 20-minute walking meditation.Pop your headphones in and press play when you’re ready. You can do it on your regular walk to the shops, or in the garden, or looping round your block. You don’t have to walk slowly or look serene. This is about how you’re paying attention, not how you look doing it.Let me know if you try it—I’d love to hear where it took you.With love,Jo x This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi, Take a break from your screen with this super quick relaxation. Your neck and upper back will thank you. If you’re looking for a slightly longer version you can find one here Have fun Love JoxxPS Don’t forget we have the Soul Restore Circle on Sunday 16th June at 8pm for members of the Zoom Studio and the recording will be available in the Practice Library from Monday. Book HerePPS If you missed out on getting a room for our Midsummer Renew Retreat we have had a cancellation so there is one space available. You can find out a bit more about it here (Early bird pricing will be honoured as that’s what the other person paid). This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi, How are you?I just got a really irritating email, so I thought—let’s talk about anger. And frustration.Confession: I get angry quickly. Like, bushfire quick.But I also laugh quickly. And cry. And feel things deeply. I’m a passionate lady (eyebrow wiggle).For a long time, I thought that made me bad at yoga.I thought being good at yoga meant being calm all the time. Never rising to anything. Never reacting.So I tried to shut it down.And of course—then I started getting angry about being angry. Anxious about feeling anxious. Frustrated by my frustration. Just endlessly turning in on myself.And I think that happens to a lot of us.Not because anger is wrong—but because we’ve never seen it handled well.If you’ve only ever seen anger turn into shouting or coldness or blame, of course it feels scary.But the feeling isn’t the problem. The modelling is.We mix up anger with aggression. Frustration with being mean.But you can feel those things and still be decent. Still be thoughtful. Still take a breath before you act.It’s not the feeling that needs fixing. It’s what we do with it.You don’t have to pretend it’s not there. You don’t have to bottle it up.You can let it be without clamouring for a story.And yeah — sometimes we get an email from a numpty and our whole nervous system lights up.It’s totally normal if that hurts your feelings. It doesn’t make you silly or weak.Fun fact: emotions only take about 90 seconds to peak and start to fade.It’s the thinking about them — the spiralling, the story-making -that keeps us stuck.So when that feeling hits—move . Shake your hands. Roll your eyes.Wiggle your body. Make a cup of tea. Let the perfectly normal experience of having a human emotion happen. And then get on with your day.(And of course the usual caveat is—if you’re in a situation that feels unsafe or abusive, you don’t need to breathe through it. You need to get the hell out.)Much Love,Jo xxPS: If you missed it this weeks post was a 5 Minute SOS Session for moving through Anger and Frustration so save it for when you need it. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired YogiThis one’s for when you’re irritated, short-tempered, and absolutely not in the mood to rise above it.It’s a seated session quick, simple, and easy to do at your desk. There’s a few strong exhales and some movement to help your body process your emotions.It’s not about calming down. It’s about shifting the feeling so it doesn’t sit in your jaw all day.And yes, even if you do yoga every morning and eat flaxseeds or whatever, things will still get under your skin. That’s just how it goes sometimes.Love,Jo xPS If you’re wanting join us for the live sessions there are still a couple of spaces left in the Zoom Studio if you are wanting to join before the doors close. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit happyyoga.substack.comHi Tired Yogi,It’s a bank holiday Monday here in the UK which can mean only one thing - gardening and trips to the garden centre. So as promised here’s a ten minute session for warming up or cooling down for a day in the garden. This session would also be perfect after a long car journey. I’ll be using it myself as I’m driving to the Lake District for a…

Hey Tired Yogi,It’s Mental Health Awareness Week in the UK (12-19th May), and this year the theme is COMMUNITY, which is one of the speciality subjects of our friends over at the Shelf Help Club.Toni has been conducting a series of lives all week exploring this theme and yesterday I was lucky enough to be invited. This was such a fun conversation. Toni is such a lovely host and I am thrilled to be able to share the recording with you guys. I hope you enjoy! Jo xPS for members of the Zoom Studio don’t forget it’s our Let’s Rest class tonight at 6.30pm, it’s almost full but there are a couple of places left if you want to join us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Guess what?I’ve been quietly working on something that feels a bit tender to say out loud:I’m writing a book! It’s called Yoga for Tired People.Same name as this space—but the book is becoming its own thing.It’s not a how-to.More like a soft collection of stories and reflections from the edges of burnout,and the slow, quiet ways I’ve been finding my way through.As someone who’s dyslexic, this feels like kind of a big deal.It probably won’t be very long (because I get tired too).But it will be true.While it’s still unfolding, here’s a short practice that came from the same place:gentle movement for when you really don’t want to do yoga.You can move a little, or just lie down and listen. That still counts.It always counts.With love,Jo xPS. Zoom studio spaces filled up really fast this time—sorry if you missed out!More spots will be opening in May, and I’ll let you know as soon as they’re available.Or you can pop yourself on the waiting list in case a space opens up before then. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hi Tired Yogi,I just went live with a 5-minute affirmation meditation—something super simple you can do in bed, on the sofa, or while hiding from your to-do list.(Full disclosure: I made it because I was avoiding packing for the silent retreat I’m off to this weekend at Samye Ling. I’ve packed nothing. Not even a sock. But I have done a live meditation. So priorities.)Affirmation meditation is really gentle. No pressure to concentrate, no need to “clear your mind.” Just repeating words that feel supportive, and letting them sink in—like background music for your nervous system.If that kind of short, grounding pause feels good, you’ll love the 7-Day Relaxation Reset starting April 21st.It’s for paid members, and it’s low-key, doable, and quietly uplifting.Just a few minutes a day to shift the tone of things.Also, the annual membership price is going up soon, so if you’ve been hovering on the fence, now’s a good time to hop over as it’ll lock in this price. And if you’re already a paid member (thank you) you don’t need to do a thing the 7-Day Relaxation Reset will arrive in your inbox.Big love (and no, I still haven’t packed),Jo x This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey you,If you’re here because of that neck stretch—hi, welcome, and yes, it really does feel like magic, doesn’t it?But I promise it’s not.I made a video to explain what’s actually happening—because as brilliant as it feels, it’s not a fix-all. And I get a bit twitchy when things go viral without the “why” attached.✨ And if you have no idea what I’m talking about you can find it hereIn this Anatomy Focus video I talk trapezius muscles, stress shoulders, and why your neck suddenly turns further than you expected. I also introduce the vagus nerve—and how flexibility is about more than just muscles and joints. Sometimes, it’s your nervous system that’s holding on, and sometimes it just needs permission to soften.If you loved the neck stretch, you’ll probably enjoy this one too:Happy Hamstrings on Lazy Days.Another not-magic-but-still-excellent stretch. Easy, repeatable, and you can do it in bed, so whats not to like.Hope you stick around,Jo xPS If gentle, nervous-system-friendly relaxation is your thing (or you want it to be), I’ve got something coming up.✨ The 7-Day Relaxation Reset starts April 21st.It’s not a movement course—it’s a week of short, steady affirmation meditations.Perfect if you’ve never meditated before, or if your brain is a bit loud and you just want someone to talk you down gently every day for a week.It’s for paid subscribers only, so now’s a great time to upgrade if you’d like to join us. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,It’s so rarely sunny here in the North East of England, so when the sun actually made an appearance today, I did something a little impromptu—I went live.Just a simple 5-minute relaxation, sitting in the garden, soaking up the warmth, breathing, and settling into stillness. Hardly any movement, just a moment to pause and let everything soften. And honestly? It was so lovely, I didn’t want you to miss out.If you’d like to take a few minutes to unwind, you can watch the replay hereMaybe you can even take it outside with you (if the weather’s on your side). Let me know if you give it a go—I’d love to hear how it felt for you. 💛Take care,Jo xx This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,I was thinking today about how easy it is to rush through things—to fill the spaces in between with noise and movement and endless to-do lists. And I just wanted to send you a little something to slip into one of those in-between moments. It’s a simple 5-minute breathwork video—nothing fancy, just a gentle pause, a way to settle back into yourself for a moment. I did it live with over 50 people joining us, it was such a lovely energy. Maybe you’ll try it right away, or maybe you’ll tuck it away for a day when you need it most. Either way, I hope it feels like a small exhale in the middle of everything.Don’t forget to comment—I’d love to hear how you’re doing.With warmth,Jo xxPS This weeks session for paid members is going to be a Stop, Drop and Core session that you can fit into an advert break, to get your core lovely and strong. And we’ll be compiling the March playlist with the theme ‘Joy’ so get thinking of a song that makes you joyful to share.If you’re not already a paid member then we’d love to have you! It’s only £6 a month for a weekly session, the archives and access to all the chats (or for even more of a bargain it’s £48 for the entire year)And if you are a paid member then thank you! The only reason I am able to share these videos is because of your support, I appreciate you. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe

Hey Tired Yogi,You know those days when your energy’s just… meh? Not bad, not great—just kinda there? I get it. And instead of pushing through, what if you gave yourself 10 minutes to just pause?I put together a little relaxation session for those low-energy, need-a-reset moments. It’s super gentle, easy to do, and perfect for when you want to feel better but don’t want to try too hard.✨ Press play, close your eyes, and just be.Let me know if you give it a go—I’d love to hear how it feels for you! Big hugs,JoP.S. If you’re craving even more relaxation, come hang out in the Zoom Lounge! It’s a peaceful space where we come together to stretch, breathe, and shake off the day—without any pressure or pretzel poses. Just comfy vibes, gentle movement, and deep relaxation. You can find out more here Would love to see you there! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit happyyoga.substack.com/subscribe