We’ve all been there. The expensive Pilates machine, the walking pad (still need to sell mine).. gathering dust in the corner, the gym membership that’s essentially a monthly donation, the "revolutionary" leggings that haven't seen a drop of sweat.

At 52, I’ve realised something: we can know all the  stuff, buy all the gear, and still not move. Why? Because we get in our own way. It’s often a lack of natural ability to be comfortable in stillness that stops a habit from forming. But there’s another layer too, the realisation that without physical movement, I simply cannot dissipate the anger.

The Teen-Trance and the Midlife Middle

I’ll be honest, I’m not enjoying the leap into teen-hood very much. With near on 14-year-old twins, I often feel like they’re just 'living here' but not really contributing, lost in their tech and phones. It makes me sad, and that sadness often armours up and comes out as anger. I find myself snappy because I’m exhausted by the mental load and I can’t be bothered to explain myself anymore - so I lose it instead.

I’ve found that sitting still doesn't fix this. I need to move it out of my system. I’ve committed to 30 rounds (15 full sets) of Hatha Sun Salutations every morning first thing to reclaim my calm and my body and I'm loving it!

1. Dissipating the Anger: Moving to Stillness

In the ancient tradition of Yoga, the Asanas (physical postures) were never the end goal. Their original purpose was to wring out the restless energy and fidgets of the body so that the practitioner could finally sit still enough to receive wisdom.

When I move through these 30 rounds, I am physically offloading the tension. If I stay still, the frustration just sits in my chest. By the time I finish my sets, I’ve rung out the stress. It creates that much-needed gap between a teenager’s phone-scrolling and my reaction to it.

2. Taming the Hunger Hormones: Ghrelin & Leptin

If you've found yourself grazing or eating more lately, it’s likely your hunger hormones are out of whack. Hello biscuits.

Ghrelin is the 'I'm hungry' hormone.

Leptin is the 'I'm full' hormone.

Research shows that the rhythmic, full-body movement of Sun Salutations helps regulate these messengers. By stimulating the endocrine system first thing in the morning, you’re naturally suppressing excess Ghrelin and boosting Leptin. You aren't just burning calories (approx 13.9 calories per round) you’re recalibrating your appetite so you don't feel the need to eat your feelings later in the day.

3. The Science of the Slim: Eccentric Contraction

I was thinking will 30 lunges a day make my thighs bulky. The answer is no it’s the opposite. Hatha yoga relies on eccentric contraction - strengthening the muscle while it is in a stretched state. Unlike a gym squat that bunches the muscle, this creates a long, lean line. It’s essentially shrink-wrapping the muscle for a high-definition tone without the bulk.

4. Fascia, Keratin & The Solar Connection

Surya Namaskar literally translates to "Salute to the Sun." Historically, it was practiced at dawn to synchronise the body with the solar cycle.

Fascia: This movement acts like a manual pump for the lymphatic system, flushing out morning bloat and rehydrating the sticky connective tissue that can make us feel heavy.

The Keratin Glow: Increased circulation ensures nutrients reach the surface of the skin, supporting the keratin structure that keeps our complexion resilient.

5. Moving to Stillness: The ROOTED Ritual

I’ve realised that I often get in my own way because I’m not naturally comfortable in stillness. My mind is usually far too busy with the twins and their admin (was it really like this when we were growing up don't think so!!), the business, work, and the to-do list. This is where my ROOTED card system comes in. The physical flow of the 30 rounds is the key to unlocking the wisdom in the cards. The movement prepares the internal landscape; it clears the fog and the anger, leaving me still enough - and quiet enough - to actually take in the message of the card I draw.

The Ritual

Move: 15 sets of Sun Salutations to "wring out" stress.

Settle: Sit on the mat for two minutes of quiet.Reflect: Draw a ROOTED card.

Glow: Apply the Super Natural Oil while the wisdom sinks in.

The movement prepares the mind. Only after the wringing out can I draw a card and actually take in its wisdom. It’s the difference between hearing advice and being resourced enough to live it.

Overcoming the 'At-Home' Hurdle

The hardest part isn't the lunges it’s the decision to stand on the mat and stop getting in my own way. Once I embrace the movement, I'm telling myself the habit is taking root. It’s not just exercise; I really believe it’s now my daily internal elixir (let it be so ADHD mind) to keep me grounded, toned, and hopefully-a little less snappy.

P.S. Once the mat is rolled up, a few drops of my Super Natural Oil makes the perfect post-yoga partner. It sinks into that warm, oxygenated skin for the ultimate 'lit from within' glow.

Are you ready to stop the buying and start the moving? Let’s chat in the comments about how we are all handling the midlife tension.