Who is Jo Jarden?

Three years ago, at the age of 34, I embarked on a new way of living. Dissatisfied with the 'normal' life of dysfunctional workplace meetings, rigid office routines, commuting, stress and expectations of building social status and possessions, I put my own priorities first. These include living more slowly, healthily, having lots of freedom, and increasing time to do meaningful things.

I now spend my time and energy finding creative ways to live well, but simply. This allows me time to give in a meaningful way to the community. I believe that many people today are living in ways that are unhealthy and unnecessarily stressful. In line with my values, and seeking to work more one-on-one with people I retrained as a personal trainer and a yoga teacher.

Combining my love of well-being science and wisdom, with yoga and personal training I now teach yoga, write blogs and I give wellbeing workshops, as my contribution to community wellbeing. I am a professional house sitter and in the summer I also enjoy living at campsites in a tent or van between housesits. This leaves plenty of time for micro adventures, travel, rest, curiosity and learning. I find my life is now not only much more interesting and creative, it is more sustainable - psychologically, physically and environmentally.

Jo will be running wellbeing workshops in Christchurch every fortnight over May, June, July 2019 in Christchurch. Focus of workshops include reducing stress, building resilience, and developing powerful inner tools to live a more purposeful fulfilling life. First workshop is 9.30am Saturday 11 May 2019.