Dear Self, Breathe.

After experiencing emotional pain, movement was the last thing on my mind. I was emotionally drained, physically exhausted, and simply trying to make it through the day. But as I slowly rebuilt my routines, I found that incorporating Pilates, yoga, and meditation became a crucial part of my healing journey. These practices didn’t just improve my physical health—they helped me reconnect with myself, process emotions, and find a sense of peace.

Pilates: Strength Through Movement

Pilates gave me structure and strength when I felt weak—physically and emotionally. Unlike intense workouts that felt overwhelming, Pilates was gentle yet effective. It helped me release tension, focus on my breath, and feel stronger with every movement.

What I love about Pilates is its emphasis on control and balance—two things that felt completely lost in my life at the time. The movements are deliberate and precise, which forced me to be present in my body rather than lost in my thoughts. And the best part? It gave me a sense of progress. Even on days when I felt emotionally stuck, feeling my body become stronger reminded me that I was still moving forward.

Yoga: Reconnecting With Myself

Yoga wasn’t just about stretching—it became a way to reconnect with myself when I felt disconnected. The practice allowed me to sit with my emotions rather than run from them. Some days, I moved through poses effortlessly, while other days, I held a child’s pose longer than usual, simply breathing and allowing my emotions to settle.

One of the biggest lessons yoga taught me is acceptance—of my body, my feelings, and my healing process. I didn’t have to force anything. I could simply show up, move, and let my body guide me.

Meditation: Finding Stillness in the Chaos

Meditation was the hardest to integrate into my routine, but it became the most powerful. My mind was constantly racing, filled with memories, overthinking, and emotions I didn’t know how to process. Sitting still felt impossible.

But I started small. Just five minutes a day. I allowed myself to simply observe my thoughts without judgment. At first, it felt uncomfortable. But over time, I noticed something shift—I became more aware of my emotions without being consumed by them. Meditation helped me understand that thoughts and emotions come and go, but I am not my thoughts.

How I Incorporate These Practices Into My Routine

Instead of forcing myself into a rigid schedule, I created a routine that felt natural:

• Yoga one day, Pilates the next, and meditation every day.

• Some days, I do a full session; other days, just 10 minutes. The goal is consistency, not perfection.

• I use movement as a way to check in with myself, not just as a workout.

Final Thoughts

Pilates, yoga, and meditation became my way of reclaiming my body, my mind, and my inner peace. They didn’t “fix” everything overnight, but they gave me space—to move, to breathe, to feel. If you’re going through a difficult time, I encourage you to explore these practices. Start small. Show up for yourself. And remember, healing isn’t linear, but every step counts.

Would love to hear—have you tried Pilates, yoga, or meditation as part of your healing journey? Let’s talk in the comments!