Sustainable wellbeing for leaders: habits that last

By yum · Updated 10 November 2026

Sustainable wellbeing is what you can keep doing in a normal, busy week. For many leaders that means a little movement, a little breathing, food that’s good for you, and time with other people. At yum in Sydhavnen you’ll find all of it under one roof: yoga classes in English, a vegetarian and vegan café, and a canal outside.

In short

• Sustainable means something you can keep doing, not a 30-day challenge.
• Holistic here is simple: body, breath, food and company.
• One or two classes a week is a rhythm. It doesn’t need to be more.
• The café is vegetarian and vegan, organic when we can, and made fresh.
• yum was founded by a marine biologist, and sustainable choices are part of how we work.

What does sustainable wellbeing mean?

It means the opposite of a crash plan. A sustainable habit is one you can keep when the quarter is busy, when you’re travelling and when the week goes sideways.

Many of us have started a big health project in January and dropped it in March. That isn’t a character flaw. It’s usually a plan that was too big.

What does holistic mean here?

“Holistic” can sound vague, so here’s what we mean at yum: you look after the whole person, not just one part. In practice that’s four things:

• Movement: classes you actually enjoy.
• Breath and stillness: a little time to slow down.
• Food: something good and fresh, not a sad desk lunch.
• Company: people, not just a screen.

It isn’t a medical term, and we don’t make health promises. It’s a way of thinking about a week that works.

Why do small habits beat big plans?

Because you do them. One class a week, every week, adds up to a lot more than ten classes in a burst of enthusiasm and then nothing.

A good rule: choose something so small it’s hard to say no to. Then add to it if you want to.

What could a week look like?

Here’s one example. Take what you like and ignore the rest.

1. One calm class: yum on earth (60–75 min) or yum retreat (30–90 min).
2. One class where you move: yum at sea (a set sequence for all levels), yum in the sky (a slow flow for intermediate and more experienced yogis) or yum on fire (advanced).
3. A coffee or a lunch in the café, when it fits.

New to yoga? Start with yum basic elements, a 60-minute beginner class. See the class descriptions and the schedule.

What’s the food like?

The café is right next to the studio. It’s vegetarian and vegan, organic when we can, and made fresh. The menu is Asian-inspired with a little Scandinavian twist. You’ll find everything from green smoothies to comfort food. There’s also coffee, and later in the day beer, wine and cocktails by the water. Members save 10% in the café. See the café page.

How does yum think about the planet?

yum was founded by a marine biologist, and sustainable choices are part of how we work. Our yoga mats are made from natural materials, the menu is vegetarian and vegan, and we choose sustainable materials and ingredients where we can. We’re not perfect. We’re trying.

Is there a place to meet, not just train?

Yes. The café is where many people start or end their visit. For leaders, it can be a good place for a quiet one-to-one, or a walk along the canals afterwards.

If you want a meeting with one hour of yoga or meditation in it, or want to hire the studio or café, see your yum event and book the studio or café. Or write to yoga@yum.dk.

How do you start?

Start with yum intro: 30 days of unlimited yoga for DKK 399 (DKK 359 under 30), and members save 10% in the café. It continues as a membership at DKK 799 a month (DKK 729 under 30) unless you cancel before the 30 days end. No commitment. See how much does yoga cost in Copenhagen?.

yum is at Alliancevej 22, 2450 Copenhagen SV, on the water in Sydhavnen. We’ve been in Sluseholmen for about eight years. All classes are in English, with 18 people at most, and there’s a free refreshment after every class. Read more in yoga and café in Sydhavnen.

Frequently asked questions

What is sustainable wellbeing?

It’s a set of habits you can keep in a normal, busy week, such as a weekly class, some time to breathe, good food and time with other people. It’s the opposite of a crash plan.

What does holistic health mean?

At yum, it means looking after the whole person: movement, breath, food and company. It isn’t a medical term, and we don’t make health promises.

Is one class a week enough?

There’s no magic number. Many people find that one class a week is easy to keep, and that’s what matters. Add a second class if you like it.

Is the café vegetarian or vegan?

Yes. The menu is vegetarian and vegan, organic when we can, and made fresh.

How does yum work with sustainability?

yum was founded by a marine biologist. Our yoga mats are made from natural materials, the menu is vegetarian and vegan, and we choose sustainable materials and ingredients where we can.

Do I need to be experienced at yoga?

No. yum basic elements is a 60-minute class for beginners, and yum on earth and yum at sea are for all levels. All classes are in English.

Read also

• Yoga for executives in Copenhagen: an hour that’s just yours
• Stress management with yoga in Copenhagen: what helps and what doesn’t
• EQ, mindfulness and yoga for leaders: a calm weekly routine
• English-speaking yoga studio in Copenhagen: yum in Sydhavnen
• Yoga after work in Sydhavnen: from desk to mat