Mother’s Day gift guide 2025: 25 unique Christchurch gifts for every mum 🌷

The subscription edit, Christchurch style

📚 The Book Box by Bookety Book Books

A build-your-own literary gift. Choose a book (or two), then bundle it with local teas, artisan snacks, and bookmarks from Christchurch creators.

🧼 MyTreat Artisan Boxes

Monthly deliveries of spa-worthy skincare, candles, and NZ-made wellness treats — curated to surprise and delight.

💡 What sets it apart: The most “pamper-focused” — ideal for mums who love indulgence and natural beauty products.

💐 Pro tip: Add a handwritten card and fresh blooms from Yvette Edwards Flowers or The Flower Delivery Company.

Pamper gifts – homegrown NZ skincare

🌿 Tailor Skincare Ritual Set

High-performance skincare made in NZ, using science-backed ingredients and refillable packaging.

🛁 Ōkāna Skincare Range

Botanical skincare inspired by te ao Māori, made with real fruits and veggies.
💡 What sets it apart: The most culturally connected — rooted in Māori values and minimalism, perfect for the nature-loving mum.

Experience-based Christchurch activities ✨Our top pick

If your mum loves to experience something new or unwind in a peaceful space, Christchurch has a range of beautiful activities that make the perfect Mother’s Day gift. Best for the minimalist mum who values moments over more stuff.

🌊 He Puna Taimoana

Soak in hot saltwater pools with ocean views in New Brighton — pure coastal relaxation. With stunning ocean views, it's the perfect way to unwind and reconnect with nature.

Average cost: $25–$50 for individual entry.

🌌 Cloud 9 Float Club

Help your Mum experience deep rest and mental reset with a float in one of Cloud 9's sensory deprivation tanks. The perfect experience for anyone needing mental clarity and relaxation.

Average cost: $75–$100 for a one-hour session.

🎨 Workspace Studios Jewellery Classes

Design and create your own silver jewellery in a hands-on, creative workshop. Learn basic silversmithing skills, design your piece, and take home a beautiful, personalised accessory.

Average cost: $150–$200 for a half-day workshop.

🏺 Stolen Bagel Pottery Classes

For a mum who enjoys getting her hands dirty, Stolen Bagel offers pottery workshops where she can shape, paint, and glaze her own ceramics. It’s a fun and relaxing way to explore creativity.

Average cost: $95–$150 for a two-hour class.

🖌️ Art & Soul Studio Classes

Help your mum unleash her inner artist with expressive art classes at Art & Soul Studio. These classes focus on painting, drawing, and mixed media, offering her a creative outlet for stress relief and self-expression.

Average cost: $65–$90 per class.

Thoughtful, personal, hand-picked

🌸 Birth Flower Prints by Mark Your Moment

Mark Your Moment offers beautifully personalised botanical art prints that represent birth months. It's a sentimental gift that honours your mum’s individuality and celebrates her place in the family.

Average cost: $60–$150 depending on size and framing.

📷 Milk Books Photo Albums

Preserve precious memories in a premium photo album from Milk Books. These albums are printed on archival paper, making them a stylish and polished way for your mum to keep her favourite moments.

Average cost: $150–$300 depending on size and customisation

NZ-made gift boxes for every mum

💐 Bundle + Blooms

Surprise your mum with a beautifully curated gift box that includes NZ blooms, paired with candles, treats, or pampering items. Delivered with style, this box is perfect for mums who love a little luxury.

Average cost: $65–$150 depending on the box.

🌹 The Wild Rose NZ

The Wild Rose offers luxe, curated gift boxes full of artisan skincare, sweets, and home goods. These boxes are ideal for mums who appreciate premium, locally made products.

Average cost: $100–$200.

🍪 Hello & Cookie

Brighten your mum’s day with a customisable iced cookie box from Hello & Cookie. These sweet boxes feature fun messages and beautiful designs, perfect for a lighthearted and delicious gift.

Average cost: $35–$80 per box.

For the Christchurch Greenies

If your mum is eco-conscious or enjoys outdoor adventures, here are some great gift ideas that support sustainable living and reconnect with nature.

🥾 Adventure by Nature – Guided Hikes

Treat mum to a guided hike through Christchurch’s stunning landscapes, like Godley Head. These eco-tours are perfect for mums who love to connect with nature while enjoying beautiful views.
Average cost: $120–$200 per hike.

🚐 Canterbury Trails Tours – Explore the Region

For mums who enjoy exploring, Canterbury Trails offers tours through the region’s vineyards, mountains, and coastlines. A great way to see the diverse beauty of the area while enjoying local food and drink.
Average cost: $150–$250 per tour.

☕ Untouched World Kitchen Brunch + Browse

Take mum to Untouched World Kitchen for a sustainable brunch and a chance to browse through locally made fashion. It’s an experience that combines great food and eco-conscious style.
Average cost: $30–$50 for brunch.

🌿 The Hello Cup Subscription

A perfect eco-friendly gift for mums who value sustainability. The Hello Cup offers a subscription service for reusable menstrual cups, making it a practical and thoughtful choice for the green-minded mum.
Average cost: $30–$50 per quarter.

Make it extra special with Yoga@Yours🌼

This Mother’s Day, gift your mum the thing she rarely gets: time just for her. A deeply restorative private yoga and meditation session in the comfort of home, with a qualified Yoga@Yours instructor.

✨ Created to help her rest and reconnect, these beginner-friendly sessions are completely personalised to her needs.

What she gets

🧘‍♀️ 60-minute private yoga and meditation session
💰 Normally $120 → Mother’s Day Special: $95
📍 Instructor comes to her, anywhere in Christchurch. All equipment included.
👯‍♀️ Bring a friend for free.

Booking
Send us an email by Mother’s Day, 11 May 2025. Valid for 1 year from purchase date.

Yoga as a therapy: what it is and how it works

There’s a certain type of person who might never walk into a typical yoga studio. Not because they’re not curious. Not because they don’t feel the pressure building in their chest on a Sunday night, or the tightness that seems to have moved into their shoulders and made itself at home. But because “yoga,” as they know it, doesn’t quite fit.

It might feel too public. Too bendy. Too spiritual. Or maybe it simply feels like one more thing to do, in an already saturated life of things to do.

But what if yoga looked different? What if therapy didn’t just mean talking to someone about what’s gone wrong, but also involved gently moving the body out of survival mode? What if the yoga studio wasn’t a room full of flexible bodies moving in unison, but a quiet space where you could breathe again, on your own?

This is yoga as therapy—and we think it may be exactly what stressed-out professionals need.

What is yoga as a therapy, really?

Let’s start by clearing up a few things. yoga as a therapy is not just a fancy name for gentle yoga. It’s a personalised approach that uses the tools of yoga—movement, breath, stillness, and awareness—as a therapeutic intervention. It’s yoga that’s tailored to your unique needs, whether you’re dealing with chronic stress, burnout, anxiety, or even just need some expert guidance as you learn the ropes.

Unlike group classes at your local yoga studio, yoga as therapy is tailored to the individual. Think of it as therapy for your nervous system. You don’t need to be flexible, fit, or even particularly motivated. You just need to be willing to try something a little different.

Why the usual fixes don’t fix

High-achieving people—lawyers, executives, entrepreneurs, medics—are often the last to reach out for help. When they do, it’s usually after they’ve tried everything else: supplements, gym memberships, podcasts, meditation apps… wine. Nothing quite gets them there. The body is still wired. The sleep is still broken. The shoulders are still way up there.

That’s because the nervous system doesn’t respond well to intellectual strategies alone. You can’t out-think your way out of chronic stress. Therapy can help, yes. But the missing piece for many is the body.

Here’s a way to think about it. When an animal narrowly escapes danger—say, it runs from a predator—you’ll often see it shake violently afterwards. It’s not random. It’s the body’s way of literally discharging the stress. It resets the system. But humans? We don’t do that. We freeze. We cope. We press on. The stress doesn’t get shaken off—it just gets stored. Layer by layer, over years and decades. Tension, anxiety, unexplained pain. It stacks up quietly, until one day it’s not so quiet anymore.

Yoga therapy helps you begin to unravel that. Gently. Safely. One layer at a time.

What does yoga as a therapy actually involve?

It’s always tailored to you — so if you like incense, you get incense. If you don’t, you don’t. If you like chanting, you’ll get it, and if you don’t…you get the gist. With yoga as a therapy, there’s no pressure or obligation to do or be anything. It’s entirely based on your needs and preferences.

But in general, a session might begin with a casual convo about how you’ve been feeling—physically, emotionally, mentally. You might talk about your sleep, your digestion, your energy levels, or your ability to concentrate.

From there, your instructor might guide you through some very simple breaths, a meditation, or a particular set of movements. One session, you may need to focus on long stretches to release stuck stress in the body; other days, you may need to boost your mood with something a little more dynamic.

Yoga as a therapy is less about “doing yoga” and more about “being” with the aid of yoga as a tool. Over time, the body learns to trust this space. The tension starts to soften. The mind stops racing. The breath gets deeper without being forced. That’s when the real “therapy” begins.

Yoga studios versus 1:1 yoga

If you’ve been to a yoga studio before and left feeling out of place, you’re not alone. Many yoga studios cater to a younger, more flexible crowd, or lean heavily into spiritual philosophy. That’s wonderful—for those who are seeking that. But for someone who’s never done yoga before, especially someone in midlife or beyond, it can feel alienating.

A yoga as a therapy session by contrast, feels different. It’s quieter. Slower. There’s no comparison, no mirrors, no pressure to perform. The focus is entirely on your experience, not how you look.

It’s a space for people who don’t want the noise. Who want to hear themselves again.

Common reasons clients choose yoga as a therapy

If you’re wondering whether it’s for you, here are a few reasons people turn to yoga as a therapy:

• Burnout or fatigue that doesn’t lift, no matter how many holidays you take.

• Chronic pain or tension—often neck, shoulders, or lower back—with no clear medical explanation.

• Anxiety or insomnia, particularly the kind that flares up at night.

• Grief that lingers long after you’ve “moved on.”

• Life transitions like retirement, divorce, career change, or empty nesting.

• A desire to reconnect with a body that feels more like a vehicle than a home.

You don’t need to wait until things fall apart. Often, yoga as a therapy works best as a preventative measure—as a way to create space before life forces it on you.

But I don’t have time

The very people who need this most often believe they’re too busy for it. And yet, the paradox is this: one hour of personalised, nervous system-regulating practice each week could make the other 167 hours more bearable—maybe even enjoyable. That’s also why Yoga@Yours was created — we knew that a lack of time is one of the biggest barriers for people to experience yoga as a therapy, so we decided we would come to you, instead of the other way around.

You might find yourself sleeping better. Making decisions with more clarity. Being less reactive with your partner. Feeling more spacious in your chest, more grounded in your feet. And none of it requires you to become a yogi or change your lifestyle overnight.

Yoga therapy invites you to do just that. Not to fix yourself, but to meet yourself. Not to perform, but to feel. It’s not yoga as exercise. It’s yoga as self-reclamation.

And maybe—just maybe—it’s the therapy your nervous system has been quietly asking for.

Is It ‘real’ therapy?

If you believe therapy should be a space where you feel seen, heard, and gently supported in moving through difficulty—then yes, yoga as a therapy absolutely qualifies.

In fact, it complements traditional therapy beautifully. For those already seeing a psychologist or counsellor, yoga therapy can provide a somatic (body-based) bridge between insight and change. For others, it may serve as a gentle entry point into healing—one that feels less intimidating than traditional talk therapy.*

Find out more about our services and book now.

*Disclaimer: The services described in this article, including yoga therapy, are not regulated health services under the Health Practitioners Competence Assurance Act 2003 (HPCAA). Practitioners offering yoga therapy are not registered health professionals and do not hold qualifications in psychology, counselling, or other regulated therapeutic disciplines. Yoga therapy is intended as a complementary practice to support wellbeing and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you are experiencing significant mental or physical health issues, we strongly encourage you to consult with a qualified health practitioner. You can learn more about New Zealand’s regulated health services via legislation.govt.nz.

Yoga is…not what you think

Our whole lives are about moving fast — about efficiency, about speeding up processes, cutting costs, saving time, and so on. At work, you try and move as fast as possible. At home? Well, you’re rushing around trying to juggle everything, so moving fast isn’t even a choice.

This mentality permeates our every day lives. It even flows into the way we exercise — we go to the gym and do fast-paced HIIT classes, or we go for an early morning run, or we lift heavy weights.

And if we’re really honest with ourselves, many of us do all of the above because we ‘have to’. Of course, people come to love their morning runs and their gym sessions, eventually — but it’s our view that oftentimes, it’s more of an addiction to speed, action and outcome, than it is a true love for the routine as an end in itself.

Ask yourself, when was the last time you did a form of exercise as an end in itself, not as a means to an end? Have you ever?

This is one of the reasons why yoga is such a therapeutic form of exercise. It’s not about moving fast, and it’s not about moving slow. It is not about ‘getting your steps in’, or looking a certain way, and it is not — contrary to popular belief — about being super flexible.

As any experienced yogi and teacher will tell you, yoga is not about the body — at least not solely. It is in fact about the ‘cessation of the mind’ through the body.

If it weren’t for your thoughts, would you have any problems?

That’s a weird question to ask — and answer. But yes, you read it right.

What we’re trying to convey is the fact that most of the supposed ‘problems’ we face in life begin in the mind:

• If you couldn’t think about that stressful project at work, you wouldn’t find yourself wide awake at 3am in the morning.

• If you couldn’t think about the fact your mortgage interest rates were rapidly increasing, you wouldn’t be tense and snappy at home.

• If you couldn’t think about what you don’t have, what you want to have, and so on and so forth — you wouldn’t feel so unhappy and discontented.

This is not to say there are no real problems. We need to put food on the table, we need to take care of the kids, our parents, grandparents, etc etc. All those things are real — but it’s thinking about them excessively that creates the unhappiness.

So, the solution to our problems lies in reducing our brain activity — that is, the ‘cessation of the mind’, as Patanjali says — and this is the whole purpose of yoga.

5 reasons private yoga lessons are best for beginners

Yoga is an incredible practice that offers numerous physical and mental benefits, such as increased flexibility, improved strength, and stress relief. But as a beginner, you may feel overwhelmed by the idea of attending a group class where you’re one of many students. That’s why private yoga lessons are ideal if you’re just starting out.

What are private yoga lessons?

Private yoga lessons are one-on-one sessions with a certified instructor. During these sessions, the instructor focuses entirely on you, tailoring the practice to your skill level, goals, and needs. This makes private lessons ideal for beginners who want to learn the fundamentals of yoga in a controlled, supportive environment.

Unlike group classes, where the instructor needs to divide their attention among multiple students, private lessons give you the opportunity to progress at your own pace, ask questions, and receive adjustments specific to your body’s needs.

Whether you’re practicing at home, in a studio, or online, private lessons offer flexibility and convenience, ensuring you can fit yoga into your schedule.

Psst: With Yoga@Yours, you can practice anywhere that works for you – our service is mobile, so you’re not restricted by location. 

Why beginners should consider private yoga lesson

1. Avoid injuries with personalised instructions

Bad knee? Shoulder injury? If you’re in a studio class, you’ll likely find it hard to get around those pain points without a 1:1 adjustment. And while studio teachers are always looking out for people struggling and will usually come over and help… they’re not magicians or mind-readers. That’s especially true when classes are full (and in Christchurch, classes fill up very quickly). The best thing to do is start with a 1:1 lesson with a teacher who can give you their full attention, consult with you before you get on the mat, and guide you throughout the entire lesson. 

2. Reducing self-consciousness and building confidence

Okay, let’s not pretend it’s not awkward to stand around contorting your body into funny shapes in front of a bunch of strangers. There, I said it. 

I want to assure you, it’s completely normal to feel a bit…weird. Beginners feel this especially, and that’s one of the reasons people get put off by yoga. Also, let’s not pretend most of us aren’t a little insecure about our bodies, I mean, come on. 

Private lessons create a safe, judgment-free zone for beginners to explore yoga at their own pace. The opportunity to work with an instructor who understands your unique needs helps build trust and comfort, allowing you to gradually expand your practice without the pressure of comparing yourself to others.

Since you're practicing in a one-on-one setting, you can take your time learning each pose, and ask as many questions as you like without worrying about how others might perceive you. Many beginners find that this creates a safer, more supportive space to develop their practice and confidence.

3. Work at your own pace

Private lessons allow you to take things slow. As a beginner, you can focus on learning the basics without being rushed to keep up with a group. You can revisit poses as often as necessary, ask for clarification, and build confidence in each movement. This slower pace ensures that you can develop good habits from the start, making it easier to progress when you eventually transition into group classes.

4. Flexibility and convenience

Private yoga lessons are much more flexible than group classes. You can schedule your session at a time that suits you, whether that’s during the day, in the evening, or even on weekends. You can also practice in the comfort of your own home, reducing any time or stress related to traveling to a studio. This flexibility is especially helpful for people with busy schedules who need to fit yoga into their lives on their terms.

And, unlike most Yoga services, Yoga@Yours comes to you – not the other way around. You don’t need to go to a studio or someone else’s home – we come wherever you are, which can help make you feel even more comfortable.  

5. Ideal for injury recovery or special needs

If you have an injury or specific health condition, private yoga lessons are a great choice, as shown by a recent University of Otago study. The instructor can create a personalised plan that focuses on your recovery while ensuring that you practice in a way that doesn’t exacerbate any existing issues. This is particularly beneficial for those who may feel unsure about attending group classes due to their injuries or health concerns.

A randomised controlled trial conducted by Unitec Institute of Technology examined the effects of yoga combined with home-based exercises on pain, disability, and quality of life in individuals with chronic non-specific neck pain. The study found that both interventions led to significant improvements in pain intensity and disability, with the combined yoga and exercise group showing enhanced physical functioning. 

Is private yoga more expensive than group classes?

It’s true that private yoga lessons tend to be more expensive than group classes. However, the value of personalised attention and guidance that you receive in private lessons is well worth the investment, especially if you're just starting out. Think of it as an investment in your health and wellness.

While group classes might seem like a more affordable option, the added benefits of private lessons – such as individualised instruction, safety, and tailored sessions – often make them a smarter choice for beginners. Additionally, many yoga instructors offer packages or discounts for multiple lessons, making private sessions more affordable over time.

Why advanced yogis might prefer studio yoga classes

While private lessons are great for beginners, studio classes are often a good option for more advanced practitioners. After building a solid foundation, many experienced yogis enjoy the variety, challenge, and community that group classes offer. Advanced practitioners may feel less self-conscious in a group setting since they’re more familiar with the poses and can keep up with the pace of the class.

Yoga@Yours: private lessons that come to you

If you’re ready to experience the benefits of private yoga lessons, Yoga@Yours makes it easy for beginners to get started. We offer personalised, in-person lessons that are tailored to your needs, whether you're looking to improve your flexibility, build strength, or simply destress.

Plus, you don’t need to worry about travelling to a studio. We come to you, whether it’s in the comfort of your own home, in the office or an outdoor spot you love. This convenience ensures that you can practice yoga in an environment that feels comfortable and stress-free, making it easier to stick with your practice.

Frequently asked questions (FAQ)

1. Can I take private lessons if I’m brand new to yoga?

   Yes! Private lessons are perfect for beginners, as they allow you to learn the fundamentals in a supportive and personalised environment.

2. Do I need to have any prior experience or flexibility for private yoga lessons?

   No prior experience or flexibility is required. Private lessons are designed to meet you where you’re at and can be modified to suit your individual needs and abilities.

3. How long is each private yoga session?

   Every yoga studio and teacher offers different lengths. At Yoga@Yours, we offer 30 minute sessions, 45 minute sessions and 1 hour sessions to ensure there’s a good option for all schedules. All of our sessions are perfect for beginners, so it’s really just about how much time you’d like to dedicate to your practice. Take a look at our Prices page for a full breakdown, and feel free to send us a message if you’re still unsure.

4. Do I need to own my own yoga mat and equipment?

   No, not at all. Yoga@Yours instructors bring everything you’ll need on the day – from high quality yoga mats to yoga blocks, straps and everything in between. Just bring yourself and a bottle of water. 

Doctors take care of us: we should take care of them.

It's a common misconception that those who dedicate their lives to healing others are themselves perfectly healthy. But the reality, in the context of our failing medical system, couldn’t be more different.

Emergency doctors, neurologists, psychiatrists and others — the people we entrust with our most critical health needs — are battling their own struggles. And they’re often battling them in silence: they certainly don’t get much empathy in the media, that’s for sure.

The common refrain is something along the lines of, “well, they’re wealthy — what extra help could they possibly need?” But as these highly skilled, expertly trained professionals will tell you — money doesn’t necessarily buy you the thing you need most: time. In fact, it’s often a direct exchange.

The lack of time means most medical specialists can’t afford the travel time to visit a yoga studio, or a gym, and the timetables aren’t flexible, even if they could. So, if we are to start taking care of the specialists that take care of us — we must find simple solutions that work around them, instead of the other way around. We can’t change the health system overnight, but we can ensure our support services better adapt to it — for the benefit of all involved.

Chronically overworked — and chronically out of time

The chronic overload faced by New Zealand's medical specialists is not a recent revelation. It's a persistent wound, festering for years, with little to no visible healing.

A survey of senior doctors and dentists in New Zealand revealed that many attribute their feelings of burnout to intense and unrelenting workloads. The average hours worked per week, as reported in one study, was a staggering 61.5 hours, highlighting the extraordinary time commitment required of these professionals.

Our docs exist in a culture where the value of their expertise and dedication is consistently undermined. It's a recipe for burnout, a breeding ground for resentment, and a direct assault on the morale of an already stretched workforce. As the ASMS recently decried, its as though medical specialists are simply expected to "settle for less."

Chaotic daily lives

The daily lives of medical specialists include intense workloads, unpredictable schedules, and the constant pressure of rapid medical advancements. Their days are filled with long, often irregular hours, punctuated by critical decisions that can mean the difference between life and death. They shoulder the emotional burden of supporting patients and their families during their most vulnerable moments, offering comfort and guidance in the face of fear and uncertainty.

Research underscores the severity of the situation, indicating that New Zealand doctors face nearly double the risk of burnout compared to other professionals. The primary culprit? The overwhelming burden of workload.

The vicious cycle: stress, fatigue, and inaction

The consistently high levels of stress and the resulting chronic fatigue experienced by medical specialists create a challenging cycle that actively hinders the adoption of healthy habits. The very pressures that necessitate practices like yoga also diminish the energy and motivation required to engage in them.

Healthcare workers in New Zealand report alarmingly high levels of physical and emotional exhaustion, as well as stress. This state of chronic fatigue, exacerbated by financial and systemic pressures, often leads to prioritising immediate rest and recovery over more proactive health behaviors. The prospect of adding exercise or mindfulness practices to their already packed schedules can feel overwhelming rather than restorative.

Yoga’s benefits for medical professionals

Many health professionals already recommend yoga to their own patients facing intense, stressful workloads. Studies have long shown yoga’s benefits for our health — and it’s no longer seen as a ‘woo-woo’ form of therapeutic excercise.

Scientific studies have demonstrated that yoga can lead to a decrease in stress hormones such as cortisol and an improvement in heart rate variability, an indicator of the body's ability to handle stress. Regular engagement in yoga practice may contribute to healthier cardiovascular function by reducing overall stress levels and inflammation throughout the body, potentially leading to a decrease in high blood pressure. Research also suggests that incorporating a consistent yoga routine, particularly before bedtime, can significantly improve the quality of sleep, a crucial factor in managing stress and preventing burnout.

Beyond the physical benefits, yoga offers profound psychological advantages that are particularly relevant for healthcare professionals. The practice of yoga, especially its mindfulness and meditation components, cultivates present-moment awareness and enhances resilience in the face of adversity. Mindfulness-based interventions, which are integral to many yoga styles, have been shown in numerous studies to lead to significant reductions in both burnout and overall stress levels among physicians.

If yoga’s so good for us, why aren’t docs running to their nearest yoga studio?

Again, it all comes back to time. Their workloads and demanding, unpredictable schedules make it nearly impossible to find the time to commit to a studio’s schedule — if they even have the time to travel there to begin with.

That’s why we believe health and therapeutic solutions for hard-working professionals must prioritise convenience Any solutions must work around the professional, as opposed to the other way around. And no — that doesn’t mean doing online yoga classes or reading about wellbeing. People still need to be able to get access to therapeutic modalities like yoga in-person, as part of the therapeutic aspect of yoga is the human, 1:1 connection. Online exercise classes have their time and place, but at Yoga@Yours, we value convenience and human connection in equal measure.

The solution: Yoga@Yours

Medical specialists need a convenient and flexible approach to well-being that aligns with their unpredictable schedules and demanding lives. Yoga@Yours provides on-demand private yoga sessions, hosted anywhere within Christchurch, offering a tailored solution to their unique needs.

• Convenience and flexibility: Private lessons offer the flexibility to practice at a time and place that suits their schedule, eliminating the need for travel and rigid studio timetables.

• Privacy and downtime: One-on-one sessions provide a private and comfortable environment, allowing for focused self-care and stress reduction.

• Personalised guidance: Tailored to individual needs, goals, and limitations, ensuring proper alignment, maximizing benefits, and minimizing the risk of injury.

Yoga@Yours recognises the unique challenges faced by medical specialists and offers a bespoke solution that brings the tranquility and transformative power of yoga directly to their doorstep. By choosing Yoga@Yours, they are investing in their long-term well-being, ensuring they can continue to excel in their vital role.

Ready to tackle your burn out, Doc? Book your session today.

Financial advisors: don’t let your biggest asset depreciate

Kiwi financial advisors face long hours, high stress, and the constant pressure to deliver results for clients. It’s no wonder then that the Financial Markets Authority (FMA) emphasises the importance of resilience and adaptability in the financial advice sector. 

But being resilient and adaptable isn’t just a switch you flick on and off – it starts first and foremost with investing in your biggest asset – your health.  And no, pushing through a flu, ignoring your aching back, and surviving on coffee doesn’t equate to resilience. Sorry – it just doesn’t.

But that’s the harsh truth that many high achieving professionals need to hear – especially if you’re working in the financial advice sector.  Just as you guide clients to protect and grow their wealth, you need to protect and grow your own energy and resilience, too. 

The good news is that doing so doesn’t mean doing a juice cleanse or going vegan. Here’s a list of super practical things you can do.

Anxious? Try this. 

The next time you feel your chest tighten, shoulders creeping up to your ears, and you’re 99 percent sure you’re about to scream at that one client…

Try this:

• breathe in for four seconds

• hold for four

• exhale for four

• and hold again.

• repeat a few times…

…and you’ll quickly feel your nervous system relax. 

Even better? Do it around some form of nature (sorry, the mini golf turf in the office doesn’t count). We’re in the Garden City, after all – so there’s no excuse. 

Stiff? Foggy? Move, even just a little.  

Spending hours at your desk analysing portfolios and compliance reports will do that. Moving, even just a little bit, can relieve any pent up tension in your body, and that relief will travel to your brain (seriously). Try it now:

• Close your eyes (yes, even if there’s people around!)

• Roll your shoulders forward and back.

• Twist your upper body to one side while holding onto your chair, then switch sides.

• Drop your ear toward your shoulder to stretch your neck.

These quick stretches don’t just ease tension, they also improve circulation and focus. Better yet? take a five-minute walk along the Avon River during your lunch break. 

You don’t need to sleep to rest 

Afternoon slumps are common when juggling client demands and compliance deadlines. Instead of reaching for another coffee (or, do both!) try a five-minute "non-sleep deep rest" (NSDR) session. Find a quiet spot in the office like a meeting room, close your eyes, breathe deeply, and let your body relax completely. 

Most importantly? Resist the urge to give up and get back to work. You might feel bored, or silly, or like the exercise is pointless – and it is, if you give up. But stick it out for just 5 minutes, and we promise you’ll feel better.

Small sensory resets for big results

Stress is inevitable in financial advising—especially when dealing with market volatility or demanding clients. Essential oils like peppermint or citrus can provide a quick mood boost without disrupting work. Lavender or eucalyptus might help you decompress after particularly intense meetings. And no, it doesn’t make you a hippy. 

Make hydration easier (drink something nice — no, not whiskey)

Dehydration impacts cognitive performance—a critical concern when making high-stakes decisions for clients. And yes, sometimes water is just…boring. We get it. Why not try keeping a bottle of sparkling water at your desk to make it a little more inspiring? You could even add a few berries and slices of lemon – trust us, it actually makes you drink more. Isn’t human psychology weird?

Your health isn’t woo-woo, it’s practical

Let’s be clear: focusing on health isn’t about being trendy or indulgent. It’s about being practical. Your ability to think clearly under pressure, build strong client relationships, and sustain long-term career success depends on how well you take care of yourself. The FMA’s emphasis on resilience and adaptability in the financial advice sector only highlights this. For advisors especially, prioritising health is essential—not optional—for maintaining resilience under pressure. 

Yes, even financial advisors can do yoga 

Financial advisors are used to thinking long-term when it comes to their clients’ futures — but sometimes forget about their own. Whether it’s taking short walks during the day or getting out the Soda Stream again, you know better than us that small changes compound over time into big results.

And if you’re really ready to invest, consider booking in with us for a private yoga lesson at your place – whether that’s the office, home or somewhere outdoors you love. No, you don’t need to be spiritual, you don’t need any yoga experience, and you don’t need to be flexible! In fact, you don’t even need your own yoga mat – we bring all the equipment for you. You can even wear your business suit if you want!