EP71 - Back in the Office: Maternity Leave Reflections, New Energy & What’s Next

Back in the Office — A Year That Changed Everything

It’s been almost a year since the last episode of Building Thriving Lifestyles, and I’m so excited to be back in the studio—and in your ears.

This past year? It’s been one of those life chapters you never forget.

From where we left off

The last time we spoke, I shared an update on training during pregnancy. Not long after that, I realized I needed to scale my life right back to the essentials.

While my pregnancy was “uncomplicated” on paper, it was one of the hardest things I’ve ever experienced—physically, mentally, and emotionally.

Early pregnancy: the physical and mental shift

I found out I was pregnant in January. By the end of the first trimester, I’d gained 12 kilos—even though I could barely stomach anything beyond toast. My energy was low, nausea was high, and my anxiety escalated into panic attacks that made daily activities like driving or shopping difficult.

When everything changes—but also stays the same

Most years bring big events—maybe a new job, a move, a relationship shift. But it’s rare to have something this big, this all-consuming.

From the outside, nothing much changed—same home, same friends, same work. Inside, though, my identity, priorities, and sense of self were being completely reshaped.

Stripping back to survive

I made the decision to keep only what was essential:

  • Serving my longest-term clients

  • Protecting my sleep and daily walks

  • Handling the minimum in business operations

  • Letting go of everything else—including the podcast

Getting help—and finding the right fit

One of the advantages of living in Iceland is access to a multidisciplinary healthcare system. My midwife spotted my anxiety quickly, referred me to my GP, and then to the psychology team.

My first therapist and I didn’t click—in fact, sessions made things worse. But with persistence and the right referral, I found a therapist who understood my needs and worked with me in a way that helped. Around the same time, I began daily hypnobirthing meditations, which proved transformative in calming my nervous system.

A year of unplugging

I’ve now spent nearly a year on maternity leave. Apart from a handful of client commitments, I unplugged from social media and focused entirely on life with my son, Oliver.

Having watched my sister raise her boys, I knew this stage would pass quickly—and I wanted to be present for it. I’m proud to say I soaked it in.

Stepping back into work

Now, Oliver’s thriving, and I’m ready to step back into my professional role. This year has left me with a deeper awareness of pregnancy, postpartum, and the mental journey that comes with them. I’ve also seen how little nuanced information exists for athletes navigating these stages—something I’d like to change.

For my regular listeners—don’t worry

Pregnancy and postpartum will be one of many topics here, not the main focus. You can still expect:

  • Recovery strategies

  • Strength training principles

  • Science-backed fitness methods

  • Mindset tools for sustainable performance

What’s next

This season, expect:

  • Real, personal episodes like this one

  • Expert interviews on training, mindset, and performance

  • Listener Q&As on your specific challenges

  • Fall coaching spots opening in September

📋 Your input matters!
Tell me what you want to hear on the podcast by filling out the listener survey:
👉 www.fitwitheik.com/podcast-survey

Next
Next

#70 - How I Am Adapting CrossFit and Endurance Training During Season of Change: This Time, Pregnancy.