From Burnout to Balance: Reclaiming Joy and Embracing the JOMO Life

Written by JOMO Member Susanna Edwards. Visit Susanna's School of Creative Wellness here.

For years, I wore many hats: a single parent, a caregiver, a full-time university program leader. This relentless pace eventually led to significant mental ill-being, especially as I entered peri-menopause. I’d lost my way, losing touch with the very things that once brought me joy and balance. My sense of self had simply evaporated. During deep introspection, encouraged by my therapist and coach, a crucial question arose: could I return to the passions that once brought me clarity and joy? My mind went back to my twenties in London, where I’d discovered letterpress printing and the profound calm of yoga. But there was another equally significant shift happening: my relationship with alcohol. Like many, I’d used alcohol to unwind, to mark the end of a long day, or to socialise. It felt like a necessary crutch. However, as I embarked on my journey to rediscover joy, I questioned its role. I noticed that while it offered fleeting relaxation, it ultimately contributed to my anxiety and disrupted my sleep—two things I was actively trying to combat. Hangovers, even mild ones, stole precious hours of energy and clarity. One day, I simply decided to stop. It wasn't a grand declaration, but a quiet, firm decision to see what life would be like without it.

The initial weeks were an adjustment; social situations felt awkward, and I had to learn new ways to de-stress. But as I continued with my yoga and reconnected with creativity, something incredible happened. The clarity from my yoga mat extended into all areas of my life, including my decision to embrace an alcohol-free lifestyle. It was a revelation. Without alcohol dulling my senses, I could fully experience the calm of my yoga practice, the joy of creating, and genuine connections. I discovered the Joy Of Missing Out (JOMO) – the profound pleasure in choosing what truly serves you, even if it means opting out of conventional expectations. This newfound freedom has been instrumental in my healing journey. That's why I absolutely love JOMO Club; it celebrates this ethos, offering delightful non alcoholic options that perfectly complement a life lived with intention and presence. As I reconnected with yoga and creativity, something incredible happened. My family and friends noticed a shift. "What's changed?" they'd ask, "What's your secret?" Sharing my journey, they urged me to share it with other women seeking to reclaim joy and balance. I realised I’d met these women countless times: on dog walks, in coffee shops, at the school gates. This sparked a new path.

I quit my job as a university programme leader and re-trained as a yoga teacher, embarking on a deep reconnection with my body, mind, and environment. Simultaneously, I rekindled my love for printing words, setting up a small letterpress studio at home. This dual process brought immense strength and clarity, marking a new chapter built on empathy, compassion, self-care, creativity, and play. My newfound joy proved infectious. With this confidence, I'm thrilled to share my experiences through the School of Creative Wellness. By combining my past skills with yoga and breathwork, I've created a unique business where disciplines merge, exploring ways of understanding ourselves holistically, with genuine empathy and care. In my teaching, I lean heavily into styles of yoga that offer profound restoration and introspection. Yin is slow and deeply meditative. We hold poses for 3 to 5 minutes, muscles relaxed, to gently stress connective tissues like fascia, ligaments, tendons, and joints. The benefits range from increased flexibility and joint mobility to profound stress reduction and enhanced emotional balance. It actively engages the parasympathetic nervous system, calming the heart rate and cultivating mindfulness. Another vital pillar is Restorative Yoga. This practice is a true sanctuary, offering an opportunity to do less and receive more. It’s about consciously inviting deep rest, allowing the body and mind to unwind. The goal is complete comfort, allowing the body to release all tension. This practice is key to activating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones, and improving sleep quality, offering deep inner peace.

Visit School of Creative Wellness here.