Meet Ebba Ahlstrand, a vibrant 31-year-old who lives in the town of Ulricehamn. She lives in an danish inspired architectural house with her loving family, including her 4-year-old son Otto, partner Rikard and their dog, Bob. Balancing her professional life with her role as a mother, Ebba is a yoga enthusiast and a passionate advocate of clean eating. Her journey through yoga began as a remedy for chronic back pain and has since become an integral part of her life. She finds joy in teaching yoga, sharing her personal experiences, and helping others find physical and mental relief through practice.

Join us as we delve into the life of this inspiring woman who effortlessly combines her passions and responsibilities, creating a harmonious and fulfilling life for herself and her family. 

"I had chronic back pain for several years due to a training injury and started yoga, which made a huge difference!"

How do you manage the balance between your professional life and your role as a mother?
I try to disconnect from work when I am home with Otto. Often, an email or a phone call can wait until the next day. When I am home, I try to focus on just being a mom.

What has been the most rewarding moment in your journey as a mother so far?
Oh, that's difficult! I usually say that every age has its charm and rewarding moments, but right now, it’s seeing Otto develop into a happy, curious, and caring little person. I am incredibly proud of how he already has such a big heart.

How did you first get involved with yoga, and what role does it play in your life today?
I had chronic back pain for several years due to a training injury and started yoga, which made a huge difference! I wanted to deepen my knowledge, so I trained as a yoga teacher for nine months, and during that journey, my back pain gradually disappeared. It was an amazing feeling! I knew then that I wanted to help others with various physical and mental pains. Yoga is a big part of my life now, and I can't live without it. 

Which yoga poses do you find most beneficial for your well-being and why?
My favorite is Downward Dog! It’s a position that makes you aware of how your entire body feels at that moment, and it’s fantastic! In my classes, I let students spend a lot of time in Downward Dog to really feel their bodies. The first Downward Dog is never the same as the last in a class!

If you teach yoga, how do you incorporate your personal experiences into your teaching methods?
When I teach a class, I enter a meditative bubble. I go deep into my heart and try to put into words what comes to mind. I give my whole self in every class I teach.

What does your daily self-care routine look like, and how do you ensure you keep time for it?
I get up every morning before Otto wakes up, make warm lemon water, and spend some time on the yoga mat doing gentle movements and simple lymphatic massages to start my system. This moment is sacred in the morning! In the evening, after Otto is asleep, I always unwind with a cup of tea and a cozy book. I love reading!

What are some self-care practices you consider essential for maintaining your mental health?
My morning routine is essential, but I also need some kind of movement in nature every day, whether it’s a walk, a run, or mountain biking. I try to get help from my family when my partner is traveling, but sometimes it’s hard, and Otto has to come along. I don’t compromise on my need for movement! 

"I often focus on a specific item and design the room around what I find beautiful."

What advice would you give to other mothers/persons struggling to find time for themselves?
Seek help from friends and family! I found it hard to ask for help at first, but as Otto grew older, I realized my own needs, and now I’m better at asking for help.

We know you love cooking and "clean eating." How did you find your passion for this?
Oh! This is my favorite subject! I am very interested in the body, especially the female body! I have been fascinated by the body and healthy cooking for as long as I can remember. I read and take courses constantly, learning new things all the time! I want to give my body the best chance for a long and healthy life. Recently, I’ve been diving into women’s hormone health and "lecturing" everyone around me about it, whether they want to hear it or not, haha!

Where do you draw inspiration from for your interior design projects?
I find inspiration in beautiful things, especially second-hand and vintage items lately! I often focus on a specific item and design the room around what I find beautiful. I also get inspired by people around me who are passionate about their work, whether it’s interior design, food, or health. If they do it wholeheartedly, I’m hooked!

How do you create a home environment that reflects your personal style and supports your well-being?
I love when things are tidy and clean around me. I have a lot of thoughts in my head all the time, so an orderly home makes me calm. I’m not someone who cleans every day, but I like to keep things picked up and not have a thousand things lying around everywhere. 

Which room in your home is your favorite and how have you personalized it to suit your needs?
I love my kitchen! I spend most of my time there, and if I’m not cooking or baking (which I do almost all the time), I enjoy sitting with a cup of coffee and looking out at nature. I love that it feels like being in the middle of nature even when indoors.

What are the most important lessons you’ve learned in life that you’d like to pass on?
This is a tough question, but I believe in balance in life. Not being too hard on oneself and letting go of perfection sometimes (which I work on every day). It doesn’t always have to be perfect – that’s a motto I’d like to embrace more in my life! Let loose every now and then!

What is your guilty pleasure?
Oooh! Cinnamon buns 😉