# 12 -The Shape of Well-Being: Stress, Movement & Mindfulness with Irina Oshchepkova

Do you ever feel like work is taking over your life? Between back-to-back meetings, deadlines, and responsibilities, finding time for yourself can feel impossible. Stress, tension, and burnout often creep in unnoticed—but what if well-being didn’t have to be an afterthought?

In this episode, I sit down with Irina Oshchepkova, a well-being guide, corporate wellness strategist, and retreat leader, who helps busy professionals integrate movement, mindfulness, and meditation into their daily routines. With over 12 years of corporate experience in high-pressure environments and 1,400+ hours of yoga teaching, Irina offers practical, science-backed strategies to help professionals feel more energized, focused, and at ease—even on the busiest days.

💡 Her mission? To make well-being a natural part of daily life—helping professionals manage stress, reconnect with their bodies, and create sustainable habits that support both their work and personal lives.

In this episode, we dive into:

🧘‍♀️ How Irina transitioned from the corporate world to wellness coaching
📌 The biggest stressors professionals face—and how to counter them
⏳ The myth of "I don't have time" & how to embed well-being into your workday
🧠 The impact of stress on your body & mind—and simple shifts to reset
🌟 The Shape Method: A 5-step framework for stress-proofing your life
🏢 How companies can prioritize employee well-being & foster a healthier workplace
🏕️ The power of wellness retreats & why even a weekend getaway can transform your mindset

Key Takeaways

🎯 Stress management doesn’t have to take hours. Small, strategic micro-practices can make a huge difference.
🚀 Well-being is a leadership skill. Leaders who prioritize their own well-being set the tone for a healthier, more productive work culture.
⏸️ Mindful pauses reset your energy. A 60-second breathing exercise can shift your state before responding to stressful situations.
🌱 You can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritizing your well-being isn’t selfish—it’s essential.

Practical Steps to Manage Stress Daily

✅ Take micro-breaks: Stand, stretch, or walk for 5 minutes every hour.
✅ Breathe with awareness: Try a simple deep-breathing exercise before meetings.
✅ Incorporate movement: Even small stretches at your desk can relieve tension.
✅ Pause before reacting: Take a deep breath before responding to emails or conflicts.
✅ Set an intention daily: Start your morning with clarity on how you want to feel.

Journal Prompts for Reflection

💭 What small shift can I make today to feel more at ease?
💭 When do I feel most stressed, and how can I proactively manage that moment?
💭 How can I bring more presence into my workday?

Resources & Links:

🌐 Visit Irina’s website: Yoga Shape
📲 Follow Irina on Instagram: @yoga.shape
🔗 Connect with Irina on LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/irinaoshchepkova
🧘‍♀️ Join a retreat: Check out upcoming Yoga & Hiking Retreats in Italy, Portugal, and Greece

✨ FREE GUIDE - ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠5 Ways to Reconnect to yourself Daily⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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