From Grief to Growth – Jade’s Journey with Yoga, Breathwork & The New You Plan
In this deeply inspiring post, Jade shares how yoga, somatics and breathwork have become the foundation of her mental, emotional and physical transformation – and how they beautifully complement her journey with The New You Plan. What started as a way to cope with grief has grown into a powerful daily practice that helps her regulate emotions, set boundaries, avoid emotional eating, and live with greater intention and self-kindness.
From mindful movement to breathwork tips for stress and cravings, Jade opens up about the tools that have helped her reclaim her health and happiness. Watch her video below and use it as an introduction to breathwork – a powerful tool that you can use alongside your New You journey when you need to access your inner strength and motivation.
How yoga helped me through grief
Yoga, somatics and breathwork have supported me for over 20 years — and it all began after my mum passed away. I was in a dark place, grieving and struggling mentally. Life felt overwhelming, and I couldn’t cope with everyday things.
Discovering yoga gave me a way to connect again — to my breath, my body, and my emotions. When everything else felt chaotic, yoga gave me stability and helped me begin to heal. It was the first step in rebuilding my mindset, and over time, it became a practice that grounded me in who I am.
How breathwork supports mental clarity, especially during weight loss
When I joined The New You Plan, I quickly realised how deeply emotional eating was tied to my thought patterns. I’d never fully made that connection before. Breathwork became a vital tool to help me manage those moments of craving or overwhelm.
Whenever I feel the urge to emotionally eat, I pause. I give myself just one or two minutes to breathe — and it works. One of my favourite practices is box breathing: inhale for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold again for 4. It’s incredibly calming and helps me feel back in control.
Ask yourself: What do I really need right now — food, or a moment to breathe?
There’s also a cooling breath I love — five short inhales through pursed lips, followed by a long exhale through the nose. It’s great for calming impatience, stress, or even hot flushes. These quick practices bring clarity when I’m at risk of sabotaging myself.
What I’ve learned from tuning into my body
Before The New You Plan, I thought I was quite self-aware — but this journey has taken that to a whole new level. I’ve realised how often I used food to avoid processing emotions. Now, I check in with myself first. Am I really hungry, or am I feeling something I need to acknowledge?
Every morning, I take five minutes to ask: How am I feeling? What do I need today?
These small acts of mindfulness make a huge difference. I start most days with gentle yoga or somatic movement — sometimes just swaying my knees on the bed or doing simple spinal twists. It helps me understand what my body is holding on to and how I can care for myself that day.
How yoga and somatics changed my mindset
Yoga and somatic practices have helped me build better boundaries — with others, but also with myself. I used to be a people-pleaser, constantly saying yes and burning out. Now, I know how to protect my energy.
Ask yourself: Are you saying yes to others but no to yourself?
I’ve also learned to recognise negative thought spirals early on. Instead of letting them lead me into self-sabotage, I pause, accept the thought, and let it go. This is where discipline comes from — not force, but awareness.
How I blend movement with the plan
The New You Plan gives me structure with my meals, and I weave mindful movement around that routine. I practise yoga every morning — just 15 to 20 minutes of movement and breath can lift my mood and set the tone for the day.
I also love walking meditations. At lunchtime, I’ll head outside, listen to the birds, feel the wind, and simply be present. These moments of connection help clear my mind, regulate my emotions, and boost my motivation to stay on plan.
Somatics — gentle, intuitive movement — helps me release anything my body is holding on to: stress, anger, worry. When we don’t let those things go, they build up and eventually affect our health. Movement is how I make space for joy again.
What I’m most excited about for my future
The thing that excites me most is knowing I now have the tools to stay well — physically, mentally and emotionally. I still have weight I’d like to lose, but it no longer feels like a battle. I’m not rushing. I’m nurturing myself through it.
I understand emotional eating now. I understand what triggers me — and I have ways to respond that aren’t harmful. I’ve become stronger, calmer, more grounded.
My biggest lesson? Peace and joy don’t come from food. They come from within.
Today, I’m a qualified yoga teacher, breathwork guide, and somatic coach. I’ve worked through my own trauma, and I love helping others do the same. I know now: the body holds the answers. And when we learn how to listen, we become our own greatest guide.
Ready to Breathe New Life into Your Journey?
Whether you’re just starting out or already deep into your transformation, breathwork is a powerful tool you can use alongside The New You Plan to calm cravings, regulate emotions, and reconnect with your “why.” Just a few minutes a day can help you stay centred, focused and in control – even on the tough days. Let Jade’s story inspire you to start listening to your body, one breath at a time.
💛 Ready to begin your own transformation?
