Why I Didn’t Trust My Body (until my Oura ring told me to)

This time of year has always been intense for me. The longer days, the warmer temperatures and all the outward energy—it can very easily shift me into overdrive. Then throw in the internal shifts of hormones, sleep disruptions, fluctuating moods, my baby boy graduating from high school, and my sweet 16 year old getting her license (ugh) - it’s no wonder my body has been raising its hand, asking me to listen more deeply.

Listening deeply is a relatively new concept for me.

I used to think I was imagining things, that I was just being sensitive or dramatic. I was raised to push through, not to complain, to be strong and just deal with it, "If you're not bleeding, you're fine" - can anyone else relate?

For a long time, I didn't trust what I was feeling - because I had never been taught that what I was feeling mattered. I carried this subtle belief that discomfort was something to override - because really, who was I to complain?

So even as I became more attuned to the whispers of my body, there was still a part of me that questioned if I was making it up or wondered if I was even worthy of feeling good.

So when I started using an Oura ring, that tracks things like heart rate, sleep patterns, and signs of nervous system stress, it felt validating.

• My heart rate variability was low

• My resting heart rate was high

• My respiratory rate was high

• My sleep scores were low

All signs that my nervous system was working overtime. I felt it—but I still needed the data to believe it. It’s something I’m working on: trusting my body without needing external validation. It’s a process.

Here is what has helped and is continuing to help:

• One Pose, Big Shift

I laid on top of a bolster so it supported the length of my torso (belly down), I let my forehead rest on a block with a blanket on top to soften it and let my legs come into a little bit of a frog leg pose. This kind of belly compression helps stimulate the vagus nerve, which activates the parasympathetic nervous system—the “rest and restore” branch. Then I paired this with diaphragmatic breathing for a double relaxation whammy. Not only did I feel calmer but I had the data to support it. I've been starting all my classes this way lately!

• Rose Tea & the Art of Cooling from Within

I’ve also been sipping herbal teas—especially ones with rose. Rose is cooling, calming, and deeply soothing for both Pitta and the heart. In Ayurveda, rose is known to balance excess heat, reduce inflammation, and support emotional regulation.

It’s like a love note to the nervous system in a cup.

• Slowing Down (Literally)

One of the most surprising and simplest shifts I’ve made? Slowing down visible, physical movement.

When I notice myself rushing through little thing like emptying the dishwasher or folding laundry, I pause. I move deliberately slower. Because that speed and urgency builds heat. It stirs up Pitta and Vata and it agitates my nervous system.

When I move more slowly, I feel more grounded. I feel like I’m back in my own skin. It becomes a moving meditation. It’s subtle, but it’s powerful and works to settle me back down every time. Since I've been doing this I've also noticed more control over those dreaded hot flashes, too.

• Unsubscribing to Old Beliefs

One of the most powerful tools I've been working with lately is the simple act of unsubscribing - from old stories and outdated beliefs that kept me stuck in cycles of self criticism and burnout. I used to think I had to earn rest, prove my worth through productivity, and push through no matter what. But I've been intentionally rewriting those narratives. Trading them in for ones rooted in compassion, self love, and nervous system support. It's a practice and it takes time. But each time I choose to listen inward instead of powering through, I feel a little more like the real me.

This summer, I’m choosing softness over striving. Trust over tracking.

And while I still love the feedback my wearable device gives me, I’m practicing a deeper kind of listening, the kind that doesn’t need proof to be real.

Why Sanctuary Feels Different (and why it matters)

All yoga studios have their own feel, their own vibe, and their own intention — and not everyone is looking for the same thing.

My vision for Sanctuary Yoga & Wellness in Exeter, NH was to create a space where people could come home to themselves. A space to step away from the hustle, and truly care for themselves — I mean really care for themselves. To do something that nourishes the body, mind, and soul. Something that doesn’t just feel good in the moment, but still feels good the next morning.

At Sanctuary, we don’t do trendy. Our offerings are rooted in tradition. We value and honor the deep, rich wisdom of yoga, Ayurveda, and meditation — not just the physical poses. We do our best to stay true to the teachings that have been passed down to us, recognizing that we are part of a living lineage that deserves reverence.

We keep our classes intentionally small to cultivate a sense of safety, support, and connection — because true healing is only possible when we feel safe. Yoga at Sanctuary isn’t just about the physical layer of you - it’s for ALL of you - our intention is Whole Self healing, not just a workout. You are so much more than the physical body and those other layers need just as much tending to.

If you’re longing for something more meaningful — something slower, softer, and truly nourishing — Sanctuary is here for you. Come see what’re all about and feel what makes us different.

And through the end of May, drop into any class for just $15.

We’d love to welcome you in.