From Chaos to Calm: Life Updates & My Best Hacks for Staying Sane

Hey lovely people! Life's been a bit of a rollercoaster lately — some days I’m absolutely smashing it, other days I’m just proud I remembered to feed everyone (including myself). You know how it goes! So I thought it was time to share some life updates and a few hacks that have kept me from totally losing my mind.

First up: Liv. She’s absolutely smashing school right now — nailing her spellings every week like a pro! She’s loving gymnastics, drawing like there’s no tomorrow (wonder where she gets that from?!), and we tried kids' yoga, which was hilarious and actually super fun!

She’s also gearing up for a sponsored fitness circuit at school with Activkids UK. I love that they’re involving former Olympians and para-athletes — talk about inspiring! If anyone wants to throw a few coins Liv’s way, just drop me a DM. We’ll do a happy dance in your honor!

On my side, half-marathon training is ticking along (slowly but surely). I had a few lazy days when I was feeling a bit under the weather, but I’m back at it. Six weeks to go — gulp!

Oh, and the horses are finally back in work after their eight-week holiday. They’re just on the walker for now, but Liv and I can’t wait to go riding together this spring. We’re already talking about shows and maybe even tackling a one-day event. Fingers crossed!

With life being as bonkers as it is, I’ve had to get pretty creative about keeping myself sane and healthy. It’s not always pretty, but I’ve found some tips and tricks that work for me, and I wanted to share them with you.

Firstly, here are a few life updates, followed by my top tips for all you amazing, busy women:

1. Meal Prep Like a Pro (Even If It’s Simple)

I’m not talking about spending your entire Sunday in the kitchen. Just prepping a few basics like grilled chicken, washed veggies, and overnight oats can make weekday meals a breeze. Keep it simple and think of it as setting your future self up for success.

2. Morning Movement for Energy

Even if it’s just 10 minutes of stretching, a quick yoga flow, or a brisk walk, moving in the morning sets the tone for the day. It boosts your energy and helps clear your mind before the chaos begins.

3. Time Blocking for Sanity

This has been a game-changer for me. I block out specific times for work, workouts, horse time, and family activities. It helps me stay on track and prevents that overwhelming feeling of not knowing what to tackle next.

4. Involve the Kids in Your Fitness Routine

Kids love to be involved! Whether it’s a fun dance session in the living room or having them ride their bikes alongside you while you jog, making fitness a family affair is a win-win.

5. Say Yes to Help

Don’t be afraid to ask for or accept help. Whether it’s carpooling with another parent or having someone watch the kids so you can squeeze in a workout, it’s okay to lean on your friends and family.

6. Mindful Moments for Mental Health

Even five minutes of deep breathing or journaling can make a huge difference. Life is busy, but taking a moment to check in with yourself helps keep stress at bay.

7. Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind

A tidy space makes for a calmer mind. I’ve been doing 10-minute decluttering sprints, and it’s amazing how much lighter I feel afterward.

8. Celebrate the Small Wins

Whether it’s hitting a new personal best on a run, completing a week of healthy meals, or simply surviving a hectic day, celebrate it! Those little victories add up.

Life will always be busy, but with a few intentional strategies, it’s absolutely possible to prioritise your health and happiness. I hope these tips inspire you to carve out time for yourself and find balance amidst the beautiful chaos.

Love,

Hannah x

Exercise Saved Me: Why Fitness is My Secret Weapon.

Let’s talk about fitness. Most of us hit the gym or lace up our running shoes because we want to feel stronger, leaner, or just a little less like a potato. But here’s the thing no one tells you when you’re sweating through a set of burpees: physical fitness isn’t just about your body—it’s about your brain too.

For me, exercise didn’t just save my body—it saved my sanity. It became the cornerstone of my mental health journey, and honestly, I didn’t see that coming.

How Fitness Became My Mental Health Sidekick

A few years ago, I hit a major low point. I became a single mom, left an unhealthy relationship that had drained me emotionally, and found myself in a tough spot mentally. Let’s just say I wasn’t exactly the picture of mental stability. I didn’t feel strong, physically or emotionally.

But after a while, I realised I couldn’t stay stuck in that place. I needed a way out—and fitness became my escape.

When I say fitness saved me, I’m not exaggerating. I made the decision to start working out, not because I had some dream body in mind (spoiler: that wasn’t the goal) but because I wanted to feel strong enough to handle life, to not feel like a mess all the time.

The Truth About Anxiety and Fitness

My brain was constantly in overdrive—racing, overthinking, and reacting to every little thing. I used to think I could just power through it, like I could somehow will myself out of it. Spoiler alert: That didn’t work.

That’s when fitness became a game-changer for me, especially yoga. Now, I used to think yoga was a load of nonsense—just a bunch of people stretching and pretending to be trees. I mean, how could that help with anxiety, right? But after a few YouTube classes, I realised yoga’s secret power: it forces you to slow down, breathe, and check in with yourself. For someone whose brain is always in "go mode," it turned out to be exactly what I needed to calm the chaos. Who knew?

Sleep, Nutrition, and Keeping It All Together

Fitness doesn’t work in a vacuum. It’s not just about workouts—it’s about creating balance in other parts of your life too.

• Sleep: Sleep was always something I took for granted, but I quickly realised that if I wasn’t getting enough rest, everything went south. Anxiety hit harder, and workouts felt impossible. So now, I make sleep a priority, and let me tell you, it’s made a world of difference.

• Food: I used to turn to junk food or sugar whenever I was stressed, thinking it would give me a quick boost. But all it did was leave me feeling worse—more anxious, more irritable, and sluggish. I started focusing on eating whole, nutritious foods that fueled both my body and mind. Not only did I feel better, but I also had more energy to face the day.

Fitness Isn’t a Cure-All—But It’s Damn Close

Let’s get something straight: fitness didn’t fix my problems. It didn’t magically make my anxiety disappear or solve every emotional issue I had. But what it did do was give me a toolkit to cope with life’s challenges. It gave me structure, routine, and a way to release all the stress that builds up.

Exercise taught me that I’m capable of more than I give myself credit for—not just physically, but mentally too. And that’s a pretty powerful realisation.

The Bottom Line: Mental Health and Fitness Are Inextricably Linked

If you’re struggling, know that you don’t have to figure it all out at once. Start small. Maybe you go for a walk instead of sitting on the couch all night. Maybe you add a few minutes of stretching or take a yoga class. Whatever it is, just move.

I can’t promise that fitness will solve everything, but I can promise that it’ll give you the strength to handle whatever life throws your way. And that’s a pretty good place to start.

Fitness isn’t just about looking good—it’s about feeling good too. It’s a way of taking care of yourself, not just your body but your mind. And if you’re wondering whether exercise can help with anxiety, stress, or just life in general… trust me, it can.

So, let’s be real: get moving. It’s not just for the abs—it’s for your brain too.

4:30 AM Thoughts: Sex, Babies, and Menopause—Oh My!

So, it’s 4:30 AM, and here I am, wide awake with a toothache that feels like it's hosting a rave in my mouth. Meanwhile, Kiwi is over there farting in his sleep like he's trying to make a soundtrack out of my misery. Since sleep is a lost cause, I figured, why not share some of the random thoughts my brain insists on keeping me up with: sex, babies, and menopause—because why not?

Let’s kick off with sex. Or more accurately, the lack of it. Kiwi’s probably feeling like he’s waiting in line for something that isn’t happening anytime soon. And honestly? It’s not him, it’s me. Juggling work, running a business, mum duties, partner duties, household chaos, and the horses can all feel a little overwhelming at times. When stress kicks in, my libido (sex drive) just vanishes. Like, poof! Gone. And I’m not alone here. It turns out that libido isn’t just about being “in the mood.” There’s a whole cocktail of things affecting it: hormones, stress, sleep, diet... the usual suspects. So, yeah, when I’m stressed? Sex is the furthest thing from my mind.

Next, let’s talk periods. Oh, joy. My period is one day late (thanks, stress), and of course, my brain goes into full panic mode. I’m not on birth control pills (personal choice), so Kiwi and I are extra careful, but naturally, the “late period” alarm starts blaring. But here’s the thing: your period is like your body’s personal “weather report.” If things are changing—whether it's timing or flow—it’s usually trying to tell you something. And in my case? It’s telling me to chill out.

Back when I was a jockey, we all had this genius idea that the lighter we were, the fitter we’d be. So, we’d skip meals, over-train, and basically push our bodies to the edge, thinking we were really nailing this whole fitness thing. Spoiler alert: we weren’t. A few of us lost our periods because we weren’t eating enough and were stressing our bodies out too much. We didn’t know it at the time, but our bodies were throwing up a giant red flag. Turns out, not eating enough and overexercising? Not a winning combo.

I’ve learned that balance is key. Good food, decent sleep, and managing stress are non-negotiables. You can’t just focus on one thing and expect everything else to magically fall into place. Taking care of your whole self really does make a huge difference in how you feel and function.

Speaking of balance, let’s talk babies. Kiwi’s all in for baby #2, and me? I’m still on the fence. I’m in the best shape of my life, but the thought of sleepless nights and baby chaos? Not so sure. A friend asked me, “How do you keep your sense of self as a mum?” And my answer? You don’t lose yourself—you bring your kids along for the ride. Want to travel? Take them with you. Want to train for a race? Let them cheer you on. Show your kids that life’s meant to be lived.

Oh, and before I forget—menopause. I’m not there yet, but as I turn 30 this year, it’s on my mind. Should I have another baby before time runs out? It’s hard to feel ready when I’m not even sure what I want.

So there you have it: 4 AM thoughts fueled by a toothache and a little too much overthinking. Thanks for sticking with me through this sleep-deprived ramble. Next time, I’ll try to write during daylight hours, after some decent sleep and hopefully with fewer midnight gas explosions. Until then, sending virtual support to anyone else up at this hour. We’ve got this—farts and all!

Holy Heck! What Have We Started?

Hey! Welcome to my very first blog. Honestly, I have no idea what I’m doing here, but that’s never stopped me before! If you’re new (which is everyone because this is my first blog), let me quickly explain. I’ve recently started an online fitness coaching business called Koachmom, and life has been a wild mix of chasing goals, helping clients crush theirs, and juggling everything in between. I thought it’d be fun to share some of the chaos with you—so here we are.

Frankfurt Hyrox: Where Legends (and Farmer’s Carries) Are Made

In December, I headed to Frankfurt with my client Seraphina for her first doubles Hyrox. Let me just say—she was unreal. She’s an equestrian, which means she spends her days carrying water buckets, mucking out stables, and pushing wheelbarrows uphill like it’s no big deal. Turns out, this is exactly the training you need for the farmer’s carry and sled push because she absolutely smashed it.

I’ve never seen anyone move that fast with the slede push. And the running? She’s always been a natural. We went to school together, and she used to wipe the floor with me at cross-country running. Apparently, not much has changed!

After the race, we celebrated with an epic mixed grill at this incredible place we stayed, called Gekko. Seriously, if you’re ever in Frankfurt, go there. Then we wandered through the Christmas markets, mulled wine in hand, pretending to be festive while nursing very sore legs!

December: A Festive Whirlwind

December was an absolute blur. We spent a weekend in Wales with friends, enjoyed Liv’s birthday party, which was lovely, and then came the big one: hosting our first family Christmas. And let me tell you—hosting Christmas is not for the faint-hearted.

Kiwi was in charge of cooking (thank goodness), and I handled the decorating. Turns out, Christmas Day is a military operation. I have no idea how my mum managed to pull it off every year without having a meltdown. Respect, Mum.

New Year’s Eve? Very different vibe. We were in bed by 8 PM, Dumbo on Disney+, watched some fireworks in the village, and then asleep by 10. Honestly, it was the best New Year’s ever. Who needs wild parties when you’ve got fluffy socks and a Disney classic?

Koachmom: Building Dreams (and Sometimes Crying)

Let’s talk about Koachmom—my little business that I’m trying to grow. Here’s the thing: starting something you’re passionate about is amazing but also terrifying. Some days I’m buzzing, thinking, Yes, I’m doing this! Other days, I feel like a total fraud.

There’s always that nagging voice: What if it doesn’t work? What will people think? But then I hear my mum’s voice in my head: “We don’t do quitters in this family.” (She’s not wrong.)

So here’s to sticking with it and making 2025 the year Koachmom grows. I want to help as many people as possible achieve their goals and prove to myself that this crazy idea is worth it.

What’s Coming in 2025?

I’m a firm believer in setting goals, even if I do get a little carried away sometimes. Kiwi says I’m too ambitious, but hey, dream big, right? Here’s what I’m aiming for this year:

1. Set a PB at Hyrox – because I love the pain, apparently.

2. Run my first half marathon – pray for my legs.

3. Complete a one-day event on my horse – why not throw some cross-country jumps into the mix?!

4. MTB endurance race at The Malvern Classic - because I love riding my bike.

5. Drag Kiwi and Olivia outdoors more – whether it’s bikes, hikes, or horses.

Kiwi likes to remind me that I can’t skydive every day (sad but true), but I reckon there’s no harm in trying!

So there you have it—my first blog post! If you’ve made it this far, thanks for sticking with me. I hope it gave you a laugh or maybe inspired you to set some big goals of your own.

Here’s to a year of challenges, growth, and lots of good stories to tell. If I can tackle hosting Christmas, you can tackle anything.

Until next time,
Koachmom xx