How yoga became the go-to self-care ritual for a working mother of twins

Finding time for self-care can feel impossible when you're juggling a demanding career with parenthood. For Lizzie Fuller, Head of Client Delivery at Mumsnet and mother of two-year-old twins, this challenge was all too familiar.

"Life is nothing short of chaotic," Lizzie shares. "Between working at Mumsnet four days a week, managing nursery runs, meal planning, and the endless cycle of household tasks, finding time for self-care felt like an impossible dream—until I discovered yoga."

What started as a gentle return to exercise during maternity leave has evolved into something much more meaningful. "At the time, I saw it as a short-term activity to tide me over until I could return to my favourite high-energy classes like BodyPump and spin," she explains. "But what I didn't anticipate was how deeply yoga would resonate with me and become something I genuinely crave."

For busy parents like Lizzie, having the right equipment can make all the difference in maintaining a consistent practice. The GAIAM Essentials Yoga Mat (£35.99) offers the perfect foundation with its enhanced cushioning and superior grip—essential features for both beginners and experienced practitioners. The printed yoga block (£14.49) and grippy yoga socks (£11.99) from GAIAM's collection complement the mat perfectly, creating a complete home practice setup.

Whether you're at home or the studio, GAIAM's yoga essentials are great for all levels of experience

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

The impact of this weekly ritual extends far beyond the yoga studio. "On the rare occasions when I miss a class, my entire week feels out of sync," she admits. "That single hour sets the tone for everything else, helping me feel calmer, more focussed, and better equipped to tackle the demands of motherhood and work."

Having the right equipment for yoga can make all the difference

Like many practitioners, Lizzie has found that quality equipment enhances her experience. "My practice has been transformed since discovering GAIAM's Vintage yoga mat. Its superior cushioning and grip allow me to fully immerse myself in each pose, whether flowing through sun salutations or finding peace in savasana."

For those inspired by Lizzie's story and looking to begin their own yoga journey, GAIAM offers an extensive collection of free resources. Their YouTube channel features carefully curated classes for every level, including:

"Yoga isn't just exercise for me; it's a form of self-care that helps me reset and recharge," Lizzie reflects. "It's not about being perfect or mastering the poses – it's about showing up for yourself, exactly as you are. And for me, that has made all the difference."

Ready to start your own yoga journey? Explore GAIAM's complete collection of yoga essentials at John Lewis, including the Vintage Yoga Mat loved by Lizzie.

About GAIAM

New Year, New You. All supermums do Yoga and/or Mindfulness. Let GAIAM get you started. 

GAIAM is one of the world's largest manufacturers of yoga mats and yoga accessories as well as other products that promote well-being, such as massage balls and products for recovery.

The name GAIAM is an amalgamation of "Gaia" (Mother Earth goddess in ancient Greece) and I am (I am). It should symbolize that we are all the earth and that everything is intertwined. At GAIAM, we want to nurture, protect and respect the earth - and enrich the lives and health of our own and future generations - by practicing yoga, fitness and making well-being accessible to everyone.

About the author

As Head of Client Delivery at Mumsnet and mother to two-year-old twins, Lizzie Fuller embodies the modern working parent. She discovered yoga during maternity leave, transforming what started as gentle postpartum exercise into a vital weekly ritual. 

When she's not leading partnerships at Mumsnet or practicing her Monday evening yoga flow, Lizzie advocates for realistic self-care routines that busy parents can actually maintain.

About the editor

Rebecca Roberts is a writer, editor, and content marketing expert hailing from Leeds. Here at Mumsnet, she commissions, writes, and edits to bring parents content designed to make life easier. After birthing and breastfeeding two babies in two years, Rebecca knows first-hand how hard it can be to get back into the swing of things fitness-wise. 

Beyond her role as an editor here at Mumsnet, Rebecca can be found balancing life as a working mum of two toddlers and when she’s not at her desk, you’ll likely find her at a PTA meeting, in a nearby coffee shop, or walking the dog up and down country lanes.