Moonbird reminds me of the importance of using your breath to its full potential - Ellen Hoexum

In our busy and often hectic world, consciously seeking ways to relax is essential to stay well-balanced. The question is: how do you do that? We ask experts to share their tips & tricks with us. Ellen Hoexum, Founder & Owner of ME Factory Yogastudio & Store, supports and helps other people, and herself, on their journey to mindful being and breathing.

What drives you in your work?

Ellen: “My whole life I have been living a very active life: all kinds of sports have filled my days since I was young. Gymnastics, swimming, handball, skating, hiking, fitness, aerobics, dancing and yoga. Besides my daily working activities, I followed several sports educations and also became a sports & fitness instructor. Even after a horse riding accident and severely damaging my spine, I kept on doing sports. I told myself to stay strong. I became aware of how I was stressing my body; waking up with pain every day. It took some years, but then I realised it was time to listen to my body, my breathing and my mind. So I followed some yoga teacher trainings and started my business in 2013.” Always curious about the human body and particularly breathwork, Ellen is still reading and learning about all the processes of both the mental and physical aspects of the human being. “The effects of stress, burnout and how to help people to find their peace, breath and understand their body; that is my passion.”

How do you notice you’re in need of relaxation?

“As soon as I notice that I sleep worse, I get short-tempered. My body is strained (neck and back) and my concentration decreases. I cannot keep my attention to the book that I am reading, I have to take more deep breaths to keep control of my emotions. I start talking to myself.”

What do you do when you notice this?

Ellen practises yoga and meditates every day. “The poses help my body to stay flexible and the meditations to keep me focused and friendly to myself and others. I would love to walk more often in the woods, although I try to do this every weekend. We live in a rural area, and the lake near our home is also a very nice surrounding to do some walking and stand up paddling.”

Do you have a set self-care ritual?

“Every morning in the bathroom, I look into the mirror and tell myself: ‘I am healthy, I am strong.’ It gives me self-confidence both physically and mentally. It reminds me of the miracles the body performs every day for us, and that we have to take care of it too. I love to go to the studio by bike; being outside gives me energy. Every day at lunch (not particularly at the same time of the day), I try focusing on the food I eat. I do not always succeed in that though. I get distracted by the paper, the phone or mails. Also, I try cooking fresh meals on a daily basis (with veggies, herbs and spices).” That sounds really good!

What has conscious breathing brought you?

Ellen: “Breathing mindfully has brought me peace and strength on so many occasions: from a medical treatment at the dentist to keeping my patience during an argument. It also helps the participants in the studio become aware of the empowering qualities of the breath during yoga class.”

What’s your favourite moment to use moonbird?

“I ordered two moonbirds and received them earlier this week. So at this moment I am pretty new to the experience. I have used it on a daily basis and it gives me instant awareness of breathing, even deeper than I do at that moment. Ellen is curious on how the people that she trains during private sessions will react to moonbird. Her company celebrates its 10 year anniversary next March '23. “My plan is to give away the other moonbird to the member that needs it the most.” Interested? Keep an eye open for Ellen on instagram!

What do you like about breathing with moonbird?

Ellen: “It reminds me of the importance of using your breath to its full potential.”

What is your motto in life?

“Charge yourself with calmness: breathe! (it's also my company's quote)”