The Realities of a Working Mum: Behind the Scenes of an Osteopath

“Not Another Perfect Morning Routine Post…”

You know those Instagram posts where people talk about their perfect morning routine? The 5 AM yoga session, followed by gratitude journaling, a nutritious breakfast of avocado toast and a green smoothie, maybe even a peaceful school run with happy kids and a calm, smiling mum.

Yeah… that’s not my life.

In my world, my day usually starts with the fifth (and hopefully final) wake-up of the night. Between feeding my youngest daughter and gently persuading my older kids that their beds are in fact their beds — not ours — the night tends to roll into the morning before I’ve even had the chance to close my eyes properly.

Forget the peaceful meditation or the slow, mindful breakfast. Most mornings, I’m wrestling with school bags, negotiating sibling arguments, and trying to convince at least one child to put their shoes on while I grab whatever food is closest (and quick enough) to count as breakfast.

The reality is, by the time I get out of the house — as ready as I can be — I’m already navigating the next challenge: Dubai traffic. Somewhere between the chaos of the morning and the grind of the commute, I manage to take a deep breath (or five) and get myself into the headspace I need to show up for my patients.

Because here’s the thing:
No matter how my day starts, when I walk into my clinic, I’m there 100%. I bring the best of me to the people I treat — not because life is always perfectly balanced, but because I genuinely care.

I know what it feels like when your body carries the tension of stress. I understand the exhaustion of sleepless nights. I’ve felt the frustration of trying to hold it all together when life feels beautifully chaotic. And maybe that’s what helps me connect with the people who walk through my door — because I’m not coming from a place of perfection. I’m coming from a place of real life.

I don’t believe in quick fixes or textbook approaches. Whether I’m working with a new mum navigating the physical toll of pregnancy, a professional athlete pushing their body to the limit, or someone who’s spent too many hours at a desk, my goal is always the same: to meet you where you are. To listen. To understand. To treat not just the body, but the person.

There’s no perfect balance between work and family. No flawless routine that makes it all easy. There’s just doing your best, showing up, and bringing love and care into whatever space you’re in — whether that’s at home with my little crew, or in the clinic with my patients.

And sometimes… that’s more than enough.

P.S. If you enjoyed this little glimpse into my world, come join me over on Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/zarmeena_osteopath?igsh=YmxheTJ5ejRoZzU5] where I share honest reflections on motherhood, wellbeing, and life as an osteopath — minus the filter.