Tessa Spring
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I run local yoga classes and wellbeing workshops and also offer one-to-one support for people navigating life and home transitions, combining coaching-informed reflection and planning with practical guidance, assistance and wellbeing practices. My wider work includes consulting, writing and facilitation for organisations, and Iām a trustee for the womenās health charity Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis UK.
At Studio 366 today for Sunday morning yoga. A calm and cool space, even in this weather. š
18/05/2026
The gap between housing, health and big life change
The Health Foundation recently highlighted the lack of joined-up data between housing and health. Together with the Governmentās increasing focus on neighbourhood health and prevention, it made me think about how fragmented, or even absent, support often is during big life changes, despite how much they can affect peopleās quality of life.
Moving home, becoming a parent, illness, caring responsibilities, separation, ageing or work changes can all affect mental and physical health, finances, relationships and identity at the same time. Yet support is often approached through separate disciplines, sectors and markets. Some help is only available once people reach crisis point. Other services are at the more expensive end of property or lifestyle support, with relatively little in between.
My own ideas and services have grown out of a varied background across place and planning consultancy linked to public sector projects; housing, culture and governance research, and consumer-facing work connected to establishing an estate agency with a more personable approach. After experiencing a spinal fracture due to Pregnancy Associated Osteoporosis, I reassessed my own relationship with work, health and home and began developing a more integrated approach around life transitions, moving home and wellbeing.
Part of the challenge is that many of these experiences donāt fit neatly into existing sectors. Home is pivotal to many aspects of life, yet is often treated primarily as a transaction or practical necessity rather than part of the wider social infrastructure that influences peopleās health, stability, relationships, sense of identity and access to opportunity.
Read the full blog here:
The gap between housing, health and big life change Why support during periods of change can often feel fragmented or difficult to access.
15/05/2026
Thanks for the kind write-up Zoe.x
14/05/2026
- Group community yoga classes and workshops
- 1:1 reflective planning conversations for life transitions and moving home
- 1:1 or private group yoga sessions.
Slow flow sun salutations āļø
A steadier approach to building strength, mobility and body awareness through mindful transitions rather than speed.
In this variation, Iām stepping back slowly, lowering with control, and moving into a gentle sphinx.
When coming down to the mat, particularly for those managing osteoporosis or wanting a more supported practice, options might include:
ā¢ bending the knees generously
ā¢ coming into a supported squat before bringing hands down
ā¢ lowering onto the knees first
ā¢ using blocks under the hands
ā¢ stepping back one foot at a time.
The aim isnāt āperfectā movement. Itās strength, steadiness and connection to your breath and body.
Join our Sunday morning class at Studio 366
Music: The Inner Calling ā composed by Music of Wisdom ā licensed from https://meditationmusiclibrary.com/
If you have lower bone density, osteoporosis, or want to stay more well-grounded through your back when hugging your knees into your chest, an alternative is to bring your knees slightly wider towards your arm pits instead.
You can hold onto your knees, shins or backs of the thighs, depending on what feels most comfortable and supportive for your body.
It can also be helpful to focus on creating and maintaining space around the solar plexus, which I refer to here as your fire centre, rather than pulling the body tightly inwards.
Small adjustments can sometimes make a big difference.
A gentle, heart-opening posture for unwinding and softening through the chest, hips and lower back.
For a more upright position, stack the bolster onto yoga blocks.
Sit in front of the bolster with the soles of the feet together and legs bent. Place the palms on the floor beside the bolster and slowly lower down on an outbreath, gently supporting through the centre of the body as you recline.
Support the thighs with cushions, blankets or yoga blocks if needed to reduce strain on the hips or knees.
Rest the arms around 45 degrees from the body with palms softly turned upwards.
Place a folded blanket beneath the head if needed so the neck stays neutral and the gaze is straight up or slightly forward.
The butterfly leg position can help lessen pulling through the lower back by allowing the pelvis and hips to soften more naturally into support.
Breathe slowly into the ribs and chest, allowing the body to soften with each exhale.
To come out safely, bring the knees together first, roll onto one side, then gently press back up with the hands.
Think childās pose is always safe?
If you have osteoporosis, small changes make a big difference.
Hereās how to practise it mindfully to avoid rounding the spine.
Full six-session mindful yoga course for home practice available at link in comments.
Music: The Inner Calling ā composed by Music of Wisdom ā licensed from https://meditationmusiclibrary.com/
If your shoulders or upper back feel tight, supported puppy pose can be a gentle way to create space through the chest and spine.
As you breathe out, allow the chest to soften towards the bolster while keeping the hips roughly over the knees.
The support underneath you can help the posture feel calmer and more accessible, rather than forcing depth or flexibility.
Resting the head on a yoga brick or folded blanket may also help keep the neck more comfortable and neutral.
If you feel compression in the lower back, try widening the knees slightly or easing the hips back a little.
A softer version of the pose can still be deeply effective.
Full six-session mindful yoga course for home practice available at link in comments.
Or join us for Sunday morning yoga at Studio 366
Warrior II alignment: from Star to Goddess
Turn the front foot out, bend into the front knee, and keep your torso facing the long edge of the mat. Soften your gaze over the front hand.
As you settle into the pose, breathe into your edges. On the exhale, sink a little deeper into the lunge.
Keep your ribs stacked over your hips ā avoid leaning forwards.
Root down through the front foot and the outer edge of the back foot, and check that the front knee tracks in line rather than dropping inward.
Full six-session mindful yoga course for home practice available at link in comments.
Or join us for Sunday morning yoga at Studio 366
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