Finding Balance: The Power of My Self-Care Saturday Mornings
Finding Balance: The Power of My Self-Care Saturday Mornings
Life is full of shifts and transitions, and over the past few years, I’ve navigated some big ones. As you may know, I moved to Nelson at the end of 2021, and with that came a number of changes—some exciting, some challenging, and many requiring deep adaptability.
• I became a first-time mum—something I had dreamt of for so long. It finally came true, and I love being his mum.
• Like many, Covid threw a curveball our way. My husband’s business sale was delayed, our life was packed into a shipping container en route to New Zealand, and suddenly, we were locked out of the country.
• Thankfully, we were able to stay with my parents on the far south coast of NSW (where I grew up) for three months. The silver lining? Precious grandparent time for my son.
• I left behind an incredible support network of friends. Yes, we have FaceTime, but nothing replaces an in-person catch-up. I never imagined needing to schedule calls just to navigate a small time difference, yet here we are.
• I had to rebuild a village in my new community. While this takes time, I’ve already formed some beautiful friendships here.
• I started a business in a place where no one knew me. In Australia, I was well-known and highly regarded in my field. Here, I was starting from scratch.
As you can imagine, my nervous system was under a lot of pressure. Change, even when it’s positive, is stressful. Through it all, I did my best to maintain my yoga practice, though it didn’t always mean getting on the mat for asana. Breathwork kept me grounded, and on some days, yoga nidra provided the reset I needed.
But there was one key change I made that became an invaluable addition to my self-care—something that has been instrumental in supporting both my physical and psychological wellbeing.
Introducing: Self-Care Saturday Mornings
I am incredibly fortunate to have a husband who makes co-parenting seamless, and it was during a particularly exhausting period that I realised I needed dedicated time to recharge. Juggling the roles of mum, wife, and business owner—while deeply fulfilling—was depleting me.
At first, I battled guilt.
“Am I being selfish?”
“Shouldn’t I be spending this time with my family?”
But over time, as I noticed how much better I felt—more present, more patient, more myself—the guilt faded.
What Is Self-Care Saturday Morning?
It’s a few hours dedicated to me. Time to connect inward, recharge, and nourish my mind, body, and spirit.
Saturday morning became the ideal time—a moment in the week to down all the hats I wear and refill my cup so I could return to them feeling rejuvenated.
I quickly learned that leaving home was key. If I stayed, I’d inevitably get pulled into laundry, dishes, or other tasks that, while necessary, did not nourish me.
So what does my Self-Care Saturday usually look like?
• Breakfast at Bobby Frank’s – I love starting my morning here. The food is delicious, the chai (which reminds me of India) is perfect, and I always get the chilli feta scramble—absolute perfection. Eating mindfully, savouring each bite without toddler interruptions, is such a simple but deeply restorative experience.
• Checking in with myself – What do I need today? Sometimes, it’s a slow wander through the Nelson Markets. Other times, it’s an uninterrupted home yoga session.
• Immersing myself in nature – More often than not, I find myself heading for the hills. Hiking (or tramping, as it’s called in NZ) is something I absolutely love. There is nothing quite like standing at the top of a trail, looking out over breathtaking views, and feeling completely connected—to myself, to nature, to something greater.
The Takeaway
Self-care isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.
For me, carving out this dedicated time has been life-changing. It has given me the space to reset, reconnect, and show up more fully in every area of my life.
If you’re feeling stretched thin, I encourage you to find your own version of Self-Care Saturday. It doesn’t have to be a whole morning, and it doesn’t have to look like mine. Maybe it’s an hour at your favourite cafe, a solo beach walk, or a quiet afternoon with a book.
Whatever it is, make space for yourself—because when you care for you, you have so much more to give to those you love.
Let today be the first step in reclaiming your peace and freedom.
About Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy
At Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy, we believe in helping you reconnect with your body and mind, empowering you to embrace your true self. Our work focuses on supporting individuals in overcoming disordered eating, body image concerns, and fostering self-compassion. Reach out if you’d like guidance or support in your journey toward healing.
Thank you for being part of this community. Together, we can navigate the stepping stones of life with compassion and curiosity.
With gratitude
Hayley Guinness
Founder, Stepping Stones Yoga & Therapy
