Tell us a little about yourself and your academic journey.

I completed a Bachelor's in Industrial Chemical Engineering with a focus on Environmental Engineering, driven by my lifelong passion. After graduation, I obtained ISO quality auditing certification and worked for a year. However, my dedication to environmental work persisted, motivating me to pursue a Master's in Environmental Studies to enhance my career opportunities in environmental roles. During my Master's program, my thesis supervisor proposed a project about green roofs, which I eagerly embraced. 

Unfortunately, the pandemic cut my on-campus time short, limiting my attendance to a semester and a quarter. Simultaneously, I had recently moved in with my then-boyfriend, and together we navigated through that crazy time. In my third semester of the master's program, I decided to pursue a doctorate in Environmental and Sustainability Studies. I successfully completed my Master's in August 2021, and in October of the same year my partner and I decided to get married. Just 15 days after our wedding, we received the wonderful news that we were expecting our first child.

How do you find that your roles as a yoga teacher, an academic, and a mother intersect and complement each other in your life?

I became a yoga teacher because of my love for movement. I've been dancing my whole life, enjoying the art of motion, especially as a ballet dancer for more than 12 years. My parents practiced yoga, and while I sporadically practiced it myself, it wasn't until the pandemic hit that I returned to practicing yoga at home. Gradually, I delved deeper into this practice, which helped me calm my mind and connect with myself during times of immense stress and uncertainty.

Now, as I practice and teach yoga, I aim for two main objectives: to clear my mind and to connect with myself in times of stress and uncertainty. Sometimes, due to life's fast pace, we forget to give ourselves the space to feel even the beat of our own hearts or the rhythm of our breath. As a doctoral student, I leverage my yoga practice to remove mental blockages, allowing my subconscious to work on problems that may seem unsolvable or to gain clearer perspectives on various challenges. Additionally, it helps me relax and stretch my body, which often remains in the same position for extended periods during long workdays.

Moreover, as a mother, I strive to teach my son that pursuing one's passions is achievable, that physical movement is crucial for mental rest, and that respecting our bodies involves nourishing them. Additionally, through yoga, I've come to understand that I am still an individual aside from being a mother. 

What are the main challenges that you faced as a mother in academia?

The primary challenges of being a mother in academia revolve around time. I'm fortunate to take my son to daycare, granting me concentrated work hours, which I strive to maximize exclusively for my academic pursuits. However, juggling household chores becomes trickier when my son is at home, leading me to divide myself between tasks or utilize techniques like the 'pomodoro-washing machine.' This method aligns my writing or focused work with the cycle time of the washing machine, granting breaks upon its completion—an approach I started during my Master's degree and has proven effective.

Ensuring undivided attention for my son from pickup to bedtime remains a priority. Yet, managing the mental load—balancing baby care, alternative projects alongside my thesis, and attending conferences or workshops—poses another challenge. It often detracts from the time I could invest in my primary research.

While numerous challenges persist, a phrase resonates deeply: 'They want you to work as if you were not a mother and mother as if you did not have a job.' This sentiment reflects the ongoing struggle for balance in my country, where the convergence of both worlds remains a work in progress.

How do you navigate the demands of your academic career, teaching yoga, and being a mother? Are there specific strategies or routines that you find particularly effective?

I've come to realize the importance of managing priorities effectively. Understanding when to say 'no' and 'yes' to what truly benefits you is crucial. I aim to establish a routine where I can practice yoga daily or dedicate time to work after putting my son to bed. These past 18 months have been a journey of learning to delegate and being kinder to myself. I feel fortunate to have a supportive husband; together, we function as a team, which is essential for managing the various activities in my daily life.

Have you found ways to integrate mindfulness and self-care practices into your busy schedule?

I'm not quite there yet, but I'm gradually reclaiming my time. I'm seeking moments for myself, even if they're brief—a few minutes to make a cup of coffee, meditate, or listen to a new CD while driving or a mindfulness podcast.

Are there any particular resources, books, or practices that have been particularly helpful for you on this journey?

The mindfulness material provided during my yoga certification course significantly contributed to my understanding of conscious and present meditation. Frankly, I would like to read more (beyond academic texts), but there are occasions when I feel depleted and simply want to unwind by watching a movie with my husband or taking a walk together.

What advice would you give to your younger self or other academic mothers who may be navigating similar challenges?

Nothing is forever, but let's interpret this phrase positively—every phase in life is a treasure, a stage to cherish. No one achieves 100% expertise in anything; life in academia and motherhood is an ongoing learning process. In both cases, we must remain humble and open. Yes, there will be times of frustration, but you are not alone; there is always someone to talk to, and every situation has a solution. Giving life to another human being is the most wonderful experience you will have, and you will not regret it for a second. Don't worry about clothes; your body will change—it's normal. Your personal relationships will evolve, but those around you will understand. You will have an incredible family and continue working towards your dreams.