Embracing Change: Anna Downs’ Journey to Women's Empowerment and Wellness
As we continue to honor Women’s Empowerment Month, we are excited to introduce Anna Downs — a passionate wellness practitioner whose journey is marked by resilience and transformation.
Meet Anna: A Journey of Transformation
Anna’s wellness journey began with her own body’s story. Initially a full-time athlete in the British Army, she transitioned to personal training after being “completely floored by the physical and emotional journey of becoming a parent.” Following the challenges she faced with cervical cancer and undergoing a total hysterectomy, Anna developed “a deeper understanding of how profoundly our bodies shift through life’s transitions.”
This transformative experience fueled her passion for working with women during pivotal life stages, such as pregnancy, postpartum, peri-menopause, and menopause. “Over the years, my approach has evolved to be deeply holistic, focusing not just on movement but on education, empowerment, and self-compassion,” she shares. “Wellness isn’t about perfection—it’s about understanding, adapting, and thriving at every stage.”
Transformative Practices for Everyday Life
For Anna, one simple yet powerful practice she recommends is intentional breathing. “Breathwork is often overlooked, but it’s foundational for core function, nervous system regulation, and overall well-being,” she explains. “A deep, diaphragmatic breath can shift your body from stress mode into a state of calm in just moments.” Anna highlights the importance of prioritizing mindful breathing to transform how you feel daily, especially for those “whether you’re pregnant, postpartum, or navigating hormonal shifts.”
Grounding Rituals: Movement as a Non-Negotiable
Movement is a non-negotiable wellness ritual for Anna. “It doesn’t have to be a structured workout—some days, it’s strength training, while other days, it’s mobility work, stretching, or simply a mindful walk,” she says. Anna finds that moving her body with intention keeps her grounded, clears her mind, and strengthens her resilience. “It’s my way of checking in with myself, and it always leaves me feeling stronger—physically and mentally.”
The Role of Moringa in Self-Care
Anna incorporates Moringa Project products into her daily routine in many meaningful ways…
“Every day, I use the Moringa Body Oil after my shower—especially for scar and abdominal massage. It’s deeply hydrating, smells divine, and absorbs beautifully without leaving a greasy residue. In the evenings, I finish my skincare routine with the Moringa Facial Oil to lock in moisture and wake up with glowing skin.
Our family also keeps a jug of iced Moringa tea on hand for a refreshing boost of goodness. But my favorite Moringa ritual has to be my weekend face mask routine with my daughter. We slather on our masks, snuggle up in our PJs, and indulge in our weekly fix of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Pure bliss!”
Embracing Change: A Mantra for Life
Living by the mantra, “You can't stop the waves, but you can learn to surf,” Anna encapsulates her approach to the ever-changing nature of life. “Life—especially through pregnancy, postpartum, and menopause—is full of changes we can’t control. Instead of resisting them, I encourage my clients to adapt, move with their bodies, and build the strength and resilience to ride the waves with confidence,” she explains. “When we embrace change rather than fear it, we find freedom, balance, and empowerment in our own unique journey.”
Join Us on This Journey
As we celebrate the incredible women within our community, we invite you to stay tuned for more inspiring stories and insights from practitioners like Anna throughout the month. Together, let’s cultivate knowledge and practices that empower us all to grow, glow, and thrive in our wellness journeys. To connect with Anna, visit her website at Move Well with Anna.