On the evening of Christmas Day, 2016, I found myself struggling to take a full breath. Hyperventilating as I sobbed, my body gutted, and my heart breaking under the weight of devastating news: the death of my ex-boyfriend turned best friend. He had made the conscious choice to end his life, leaving friends and family shocked and shattered during what is meant to be a season of joy.

For the next year, I moved through life purposelessly, drowning in my grief. My body and my mind in utter chaos. Eventually, I reached a quiet breaking point and decided something had to change. In my numb state, I found myself watching a Netflix documentary titled On Yoga: The Architecture of Peace. I was deeply moved and unexpectedly inspired by its message of healing. Feeling as though I had nothing left to lose, I Googled the nearest yoga studio and signed myself up.

Riddled with anxiety, I stepped out of my shadows and into a space that surprised me with its warmth. The environment was friendly, welcoming, and free of judgment. I was surrounded by people of all ages and body types. The instructor described the practice as a moving meditation, repeatedly guiding us back to the audible sound of our breath, also known as Ujjayi breathing.

For a brief moment, I forgot about the unbearable weight in my chest. I felt present. I was moving, breathing, and existing in the moment. Over time, the weight inside my heart did not disappear, but the space around it began to grow. Grief is not something we overcome; it is something that we learn to carry.
Today, I speak to you not only as a yoga instructor, but also as a fellow property manager. I ask you to disconnect—from your computer, your phone, your watch—for one hour a week. Maybe it becomes two hours. Maybe, eventually, you realize how good it feels, and you begin to commit to this time daily. Set aside space to check in with yourself without distractions.

Slow down. Pause.

Some days will be easier than others. Some days your mind will wander, and you will feel the urge to run back to emails, notifications, and constant demands. I get it. But at the end of the day, your mental wellbeing is the most vital part of you.

Yoga is not about flexibility. It does not matter if you cannot touch your toes. Yoga prepares the body for stillness and meditation, bringing the body and mind into a state of presence. As property managers, we are constantly pushed to our limits—looking after everyone and everything except for ourselves. We rarely disconnect from our computers, phones, and smartwatches. Many of us barely even move our bodies between our desks and our cars, only to arrive at home and continue working, caring for our families, and perhaps squeezing in a small window of what we call “relaxation.”

When do we pause? When do we check in with ourselves and ground ourselves in the moment?

Our workloads consume so much mental space that we lose the ability to be present even during our time off, inevitably leading to burnout. Between hectic schedules, large portfolios, demanding boards, residents, and the day-to-day pressures of the job, are we able to breathe amid the chaos? Or are we simply waiting for that one or two week vacation each year to recover?

We cannot wait until we fall apart completely before prioritizing our mental health.

Yoga can feel intimidating or exclusive, but it is important to look beyond it as a purely physical practice. Yoga is deeply mental. Whatever is happening in your life—or in your buildings—will show up on the mat. That is where the work begins. You start to create space around what weighs you down, bringing your body and mind into alignment so you can show up grounded and able to handle chaos with grace.

I urge my fellow property managers to try a yoga class or any form of movement that brings you into the present moment. Find something that suits your body and your fitness level. Call it a distraction if you need to—just let it be something that reconnects you to your breath and your body.

Yoga helps open the body so we can breathe into tension, create space, and release what we are holding onto. It is called a practice for a reason—it is not a onetime solution. It is something we must return to regularly. Without it, we wear down.

No one can do this self-care for us. Think of it as preventative maintenance for your body and mind. We cannot truly look after the people who need us most without first taking care of ourselves.

Find a studio where you feel welcome, safe, and supported—especially as a beginner. Yoga comes in many styles, and most studios offer introductory options to help ease you in. Leave your phone and watch in the change room, and give yourself permission to be fully present. As you step onto your mat and look around, remember that everyone in the room is carrying a weight or fighting a battle that you cannot see.

And let us move away from shaming ourselves when our minds feel busy or our bodies feel tight. This practice is not about perfection; it is about showing up. It takes time, patience, and commitment—but the work is mindful and worth it for our long-term health. 

Dana Deoraj is a certified Modo Yoga instructor and OLCM Property Manager for Icon Property Management. Dana has worked in the Property Management industry for the last 5 years, and proudly manages TSCC 1708, Kings Court. When not in office, you will definitely find her taking a yoga class!
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