150 Stress Management for High Achievers: Community Conversations with Katharina Claeys

In this Yoga Medicine Podcast episode, host Katja Bartsch interviews Katharina Claeys, a yoga instructor, educator, and consultant specializing in resilience, nervous system regulation, and women's health. Katharina discusses the characteristics of high-achieving individuals and how their traits manifest in yoga practice, often leading to over-efforting and a preference for intense classes. She categorizes individuals seeking resilience yoga into those experiencing burnout, those feeling "off," and those aiming to boost performance. Katharina emphasizes the importance of setting clear expectations, building trust, and tailoring yoga practices to meet individual needs, incorporating mindfulness, breathwork, myofascial release, and mindset work. She also shares practical techniques like mindful showers, the "doorframe affirmation," and the SOS grounding breath to help high achievers integrate body awareness into their daily lives and manage stress. The conversation also explores the challenges yoga teachers face when working with this demographic, highlighting the need for compassion, a calm presence, and prioritizing self-care.