Author: Laura

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THE HIDDEN BURNOUT TRIGGERS DRAINING YOUR ENERGY

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Burnout is a growing concern in today’s fast-paced world, affecting individuals across various demographics.

Characterized by emotional exhaustion, depersonalization, and a diminished sense of personal accomplishment, burnout is a state of chronic stress that can severely impact your health, productivity, and quality of life.

Among the myriad causes of burnout, job stress and family responsibilities, including caring for children, grandchildren, and aging parents, are particularly significant. And of critical importance to note, these responsibilities are often things we are happy to do. At first.

The ongoing nature of the tasks involved, the gradual squeezing out of any time for yourself, and the general expectation that you will continue at this pace indefinitely, is often what pushes people from “glad to help” to “how do I get the hell out of here?!”

Let’s dive into these causes, who is affected, and examine why burnout tends to be more pronounced among women.

Job Stress: A Primary Culprit

Job stress is a major contributor to burnout, with numerous studies underscoring its pervasive impact. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), 79% of Americans report experiencing work-related stress.

Key factors contributing to job stress include:

  1. High Workload: Excessive work demands, tight deadlines, and long hours are commonplace in many industries, leading to chronic stress.
  2. Lack of Control: Employees often feel powerless in their roles, lacking control over their work processes or decisions, which exacerbates stress.
  3. Unclear Job Expectations: Uncertain expectations and inconsistent feedback can create confusion and anxiety.
  4. Work-Life Imbalance: The blurring of boundaries between work and personal life, especially with the rise of remote work, makes it challenging to disengage from job-related stressors.

A 2022 Gallup survey revealed that 44% of employees experience significant job-related stress daily, emphasizing the widespread nature of this issue.

Family Responsibilities: The Added Burden

While the World Health Organization categorizes burnout as an “occupational phenomenon”, there is far more to it than that. In addition to job stress, family responsibilities significantly contribute to burnout.

Caring for children, grandchildren, and aging parents presents unique challenges that can strain an individual’s emotional and physical resources.

  1. Childcare: Parenting demands constant attention, emotional support, and physical care, which can be exhausting. According to the Pew Research Center, 41% of working parents find it difficult to manage work and family responsibilities.
  2. Grandparenting: Many grandparents are stepping in to provide childcare, a trend that has increased during the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Grandparents Association reports that nearly 7.8 million children in the U.S. live in households headed by grandparents.
  3. Elder Care: Caring for aging parents involves managing medical appointments, providing daily care, and handling financial and legal matters. AARP estimates that about 53 million Americans are unpaid caregivers, with many reporting high levels of stress.

The Gender Disparity: Why Burnout is Worse for Women

While burnout affects everyone, it disproportionately impacts women due to a combination of societal expectations, workplace dynamics, and family responsibilities.

  1. Societal Expectations: Women often face societal pressure to excel both at work and in their roles as caregivers, leading to unrealistic expectations and chronic stress.
  2. Workplace Inequality: Despite advancements, women still encounter gender discrimination, pay disparities, and limited career advancement opportunities. The World Economic Forum reports that women are less likely to hold senior positions, contributing to job dissatisfaction and burnout.
  3. Double Burden: Women are more likely to shoulder the majority of household and caregiving responsibilities. The International Labour Organization notes that women perform 76.2% of total hours of unpaid care work, significantly more than men.
  4. Emotional Labor: Women are often expected to manage the emotional needs of their families, adding another layer of stress. This invisible labor includes everything from planning family activities to providing emotional support.

A 2020 study by Lean In and McKinsey & Company found that 1 in 4 women were considering downshifting their careers or leaving the workforce due to burnout, highlighting the severe impact of these combined stressors.

What burnout is not

It’s important to understand that burnout it not just a bad day or even a bad week. It’s more than working long hours or juggling too many tasks. These are contributing factors of course.

It is the prolonged nature of these challenges that turn a rough patch into burnout. It’s why taking breaks, setting boundaries, and learning effective coping strategies are so critical.

How do you know if you are experiencing burnout or are headed that way? Take a moment to reflect and honestly ask yourself the following questions:

Emotional Exhaustion

  1. Do I feel emotionally drained and depleted most of the time?
  2. Do I find it difficult to muster the energy to start or complete tasks?
  3. Am I feeling overwhelmed by my responsibilities and tasks?

Physical Symptoms

  1. Am I experiencing frequent headaches, stomach issues, or other physical symptoms that weren’t there before?
  2. Do I feel constantly tired, even after getting enough sleep?
  3. Have my sleep patterns changed significantly (trouble falling asleep, staying asleep, or sleeping too much)?

Cognitive Symptoms

  1. Is it hard for me to concentrate or make decisions?
  2. Do I find myself forgetting things more often than usual?
  3. Am I experiencing a sense of detachment or feeling disconnected from my surroundings or activities?

Emotional Symptoms

  1. Have I become more irritable, impatient, or short-tempered with others?
  2. Do I feel a sense of apathy or lack of interest in things I used to enjoy?
  3. Am I feeling a persistent sense of hopelessness or helplessness?

Behavioral Changes

  1. Have I noticed any changes in my eating habits, such as eating significantly more or less than usual?
  2. Am I withdrawing from social activities or isolating myself from friends and family?
  3. Have my work habits changed, such as procrastinating more or being less productive?

Attitude Towards Work

  1. Do I feel a sense of dread about going to work or starting my workday?
  2. Am I feeling cynical or negative about my job or work environment?
  3. Do I feel unappreciated or undervalued in my work?

Overall Satisfaction

  1. Do I feel a lack of accomplishment or a sense of ineffectiveness in my work or personal life?
  2. Am I questioning whether my work or efforts are making a difference?

Personal Reflection

  1. Am I struggling to find a sense of purpose or meaning in my daily activities?
  2. Do I feel that my work-life balance is heavily skewed or non-existent?
  3. Am I neglecting self-care and not taking time for activities that I find relaxing or enjoyable?

Answering “yes” to several of these questions might indicate that you are experiencing burnout. If this is the case, it may be beneficial to seek support, whether through speaking with a supervisor about your workload, consulting a mental health professional, or finding ways to incorporate more rest and self-care into your routine.

Burnout is real!

Burnout is a multifaceted issue influenced by job stress and extensive family responsibilities. Understanding the underlying causes is crucial for developing effective strategies to mitigate its impact.

For women, the challenge is particularly acute due to the compounded pressures of professional and personal expectations.

Addressing burnout requires a holistic approach that includes workplace reforms, societal support systems, and a shift in cultural norms to promote a more balanced and equitable distribution of responsibilities.

laylo yoga and wellness

Isn’t it time to leave burnout behind and lead a life that makes YOU a priority? Consider rebooting your mind and body with one of our wellness retreats! Designed specifically to immerse you in an environment that takes you out of your daily grind, you will be able to focus on crafting your life in a way that honors your family and career while carving out time to pursue interests that excite you so you can feel balanced, fulfilled, and calm. Get on the info list so you know what is happening, when, and where!

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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BUSTING BURNOUT MYTHS

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BURNOUT

Unmasking Burnout: Debunking Common Myths

Burnout is an increasingly recognized issue in our fast-paced world, but it’s also widely misunderstood.

Many people attribute burnout to simple dissatisfaction with one’s job or believe it’s solely a job-related issue.

These misconceptions can hinder effective prevention and recovery. Let’s delve into what burnout truly is, what it is not, and debunk some prevalent myths.

Understanding Burnout

Burnout is a state of chronic physical and emotional exhaustion. It is often accompanied by feelings of cynicism and detachment from work or personal life, as well as a sense of reduced accomplishment. It was first recognized in the 1970s by psychologist Herbert Freudenberger, who observed it in professions with high stress levels.

Today, burnout is considered a legitimate occupational phenomenon by the World Health Organization (WHO), which defines it specifically in the context of work. However, understanding it requires recognizing that it extends beyond just job-related issues.

Myth 1: You Don’t Like What You Do

One of the most pervasive myths is that burnout only happens because you don’t like your job. While job dissatisfaction can contribute to it, it is far from the whole story. Many people who love their jobs still experience burnout.

Passionate individuals often push themselves harder, set higher expectations, and may neglect self-care in pursuit of their goals. This is a recipe for burnout. Enjoying your work doesn’t make you immune to the pressures and stresses that cause burnout.

Myth 2: Burnout is Only Job-Related

Another common myth is that this situation is exclusively a job-related issue. While work stress is a significant factor, these feelings can also stem from other areas of life. This might include caregiving responsibilities, personal relationships, or even relentless personal pursuits.

The key elements — exhaustion, cynicism, and feelings of inefficacy—can emerge from any prolonged and intense stress, not just job-related stress.

What It Is

  1. Chronic Stress Response: Burnout is a response to prolonged stress, leading to exhaustion, cynicism, and a feeling of reduced professional efficacy. It’s the result of a constant demand on your resources without adequate time for recovery.
  2. Emotional and Physical Exhaustion: It often manifests as a deep fatigue that isn’t alleviated by rest. This exhaustion impacts both emotional and physical well-being, making it hard to find motivation or energy.
  3. Cynicism and Detachment: People experiencing burnout often become cynical about their work and feel detached from their tasks and colleagues. This can lead to a decline in performance and satisfaction. The same can be true of feelings toward family obligations.
  4. Sense of Inefficacy: It includes a sense of ineffectiveness and lack of accomplishment. Even when tasks are completed, you have a pervasive feeling that nothing is truly achieved.

What It Is Not

  1. Simple Dislike for Work: Disliking your job can cause stress, but burnout is a deeper, more chronic issue. It that goes beyond simple dissatisfaction. It’s an erosion of the soul caused by an imbalance between demands and resources.
  2. A Sign of Weakness: Experiencing burnout doesn’t mean you are weak or incapable. It’s a signal that the environment you’re in, or the way you’re managing stress, is unsustainable. It’s a call to reassess and adjust, not a reflection of personal failure.
  3. A Professional Issue: Burnout isn’t confined to the workplace. Stay-at-home parents, caregivers, students, and anyone facing continuous stress without adequate support can experience burnout.

Addressing Burnout

To effectively combat burnout, it’s crucial to:

  1. Recognize the Signs Early: Understanding the symptoms—chronic fatigue, detachment, and feelings of inefficacy—can help in seeking help sooner.
  2. Promote Work-Life Balance: Ensuring adequate rest, engaging in hobbies, and spending time with loved ones can help mitigate burnout.
  3. Seek Support: Professional help, whether from a mental health professional or a supportive network, can provide strategies and relief.
  4. Prioritize Self-Care: Regular exercise, healthy eating, and mindfulness practices are vital in maintaining overall well-being and resilience against burnout.

Burnout is a complex, multifaceted issue that cannot be reduced to simple dislike for a job or confined to the workplace alone. By debunking these myths and understanding the true nature of it. We can better address it and foster healthier, more sustainable environments both at work and at home.

What Can I Do About It?

We will be talking more about this over the next few posts! Learn to recognize it early, avoid or combat it, and if you are already knee deep, how to overcome it. Stay tuned!

laylo yoga and wellness

Isn’t it time to leave burnout behind and lead a life that makes YOU a priority? Consider rebooting your mind and body with one of our wellness retreats! Designed specifically to immerse you in an environment that takes you out of your daily grind, you will be able to focus on crafting your life in a way that honors your family and career while carving out time to pursue interests that excite you so you can feel balanced, fulfilled, and calm. Get on the info list so you know what is happening, when, and where!

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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BATTLING BURNOUT: NAVIGATING MODERN LIFE

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Burnout – the struggle is real!

burnout

We are talking about burnout because it’s as real as that third cup of coffee you’re eyeing right now.

It’s that feeling of being utterly drained, mentally fried, and emotionally wrung out. If you’re nodding along, feeling like your life is a constant game of juggling balls made of glass, then you’re not alone.

So, what exactly is burnout? Well, it’s like trying to run a marathon with lead weights strapped to your ankles. It’s that overwhelming sensation of being pulled in a million different directions, with every task feeling like it’s due yesterday and will be due again tomorrow. Sound familiar?

Picture this: you’re juggling a demanding job, maybe climbing the corporate ladder or running your own business.

Now, add in the pressures of dealing with adult kids who still haven’t quite figured out this whole “adulting” thing. You know the drill: they need advice, financial support, emotional reassurance, and maybe grandkid babysitting while they’re at it. And let’s not forget about the job that’s demanding more from you than ever before. Deadlines, meetings, projects – it’s a never-ending cycle.

Another ball to juggle? Taking care of Mom and/or Dad. Doctor’s appointments, medication schedules, making sure they’re comfortable and cared for while trying to navigate the murky waters of healthcare, finances, and emotional support. It’s a whole other level of responsibility.

How does burnout affect us?

Sounds exhausting, doesn’t it? Well, that’s because it is! Burnout doesn’t discriminate; it can strike anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It can wreak havoc on both our personal and professional lives faster than you can say “take a breather.” From sleepless nights to snapping at loved ones, the signs are all there.

But for us, seasoned women who’ve seen our fair share of battles, the stakes can feel even higher. We’ve spent decades honing our multitasking skills, balancing countless responsibilities, and putting everyone else’s needs before our own. The harsh truth, however, is that you can’t pour from an empty cup.

There is good news though! There are ways to combat burnout and reclaim your sanity. Here are a few tips to help you kick burnout to the curb:

6 tips to battle burnout

  1. Set Boundaries: Learn to say no without feeling guilty – both at work and at home. You don’t have to be superwoman, and it’s okay to prioritize your own well-being.
  2. Delegate Like a Boss: You don’t have to do it all yourself. Whether it’s at work or within your family, learn to delegate tasks and share the load.
winning burnout battle

3. Prioritize Self-Care: I cannot stress this enough. Self-care isn’t selfish; it’s survival. Make time for the things that bring you joy, whether it’s a bubble bath, a walk in nature, taking a yoga class, or losing yourself in a good book. And don’t skimp on sleep – your body and mind will thank you for it. Prioritize self-care like it’s your job.

4. Seek Support: Don’t be afraid to lean on friends, family, or even professional support if you need it. You’re not in this alone, and it’s okay to ask for help. This could look like hiring a cleaning service, delegating tasks at work, or enlisting your siblings to pitch in with or hire help for caregiving duties for your parents.

5. Find Balance: Balance is key to avoiding burnout. Take a step back and assess your priorities. Are you spreading yourself too thin? Are there areas of your life that need more attention?

6. Practice Mindfulness: In a world that’s constantly pulling us in a million different directions, mindfulness is like a life raft in a stormy sea. Take a few minutes each day to breathe, center yourself, and tune out the noise. Whether it’s meditation, yoga, or simply savoring a cup of tea (or glass of wine!), find what works for you and make it a non-negotiable part of your routine.

Burnout is NOT a badge of honor. It’s okay to take a step back, reassess, and reprioritize. Your mental and emotional well-being should always come first. So, take a deep breath, put down those juggling balls for a moment, and give yourself the grace to recharge.

You’ve got this! 💪🏼

laylo yoga and wellness

Isn’t it time to leave burnout behind and lead a life that makes YOU a priority? Consider rebooting your mind and body with one of our wellness retreats! Designed specifically to immerse you in an environment that takes you out of your daily grind, you will be able to focus on crafting your life in a way that honors your family and career while carving out time to pursue interests that excite you so you can feel balanced, fulfilled, and calm. Get on the info list so you know what is happening, when, and where!

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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EMBRACING CHANGE: NAVIGATING MENOPAUSE

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Hello Menopause!

menopause

One minute you’re a pre-teen, excitedly – naively? – waiting for your first period and the next minute you are kissing it goodbye (good riddance!)

Menopause!

The problem is, just like your excitement for your period to start – all that talk of becoming a woman and such – excitement over its ending is also more than a little bit overblown.

I distantly recall looking forward to menopause and the end of the hassle of my period. And then it actually happened. Yes, the hassle of my period was a thing of the past, but now a whole new pack of hassles came my way.

New phase = New problems

First off, let’s get real about the physical effects of menopause. Hot flashes? Night sweats? Mood swings that make you feel like you’re on a never-ending emotional rollercoaster? Yeah, been there, done that. It’s like our bodies are playing a cruel joke on us, right? Our hormones decide to throw us a curveball and seem to be having a wild party of their own.

Not everyone experiences all of these issues, but these are the most common:

  1. Hot flashes: This is one of the most common symptoms of menopause. Hot flashes involve sudden feelings of warmth, which can cause flushing of the face and upper body, sweating, and sometimes chills.
  2. Night sweats: Many women experience hot flashes at night, leading to excessive sweating during sleep.
  3. Vaginal dryness: Decreased estrogen levels can result in thinning and drying of the vaginal tissues, leading to discomfort, itching, and pain during intercourse.
  4. Mood swings: Fluctuations in hormone levels can contribute to mood swings, irritability, and feelings of sadness or anxiety.
  5. Sleep disturbances: Many women experience difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep during menopause, often due to night sweats or other symptoms.
  6. Weight gain: Changes in hormone levels and metabolism can contribute to weight gain, particularly around the abdomen.
  7. Changes in libido: Some women may experience a decrease in sex drive during menopause, while others may experience an increase.
  8. Changes in skin and hair: Decreased estrogen levels can lead to changes in skin elasticity and moisture, as well as thinning and loss of hair.

Sound familiar?

I recall when hot flashes started making an appearance in my life. I was in the middle of moving. My company was going through a sale and my job was eliminated. They asked me to move 600 miles away to take a different role within the company. My husband was on board so we sold our house, bought another, and prepared to move. And then my new job, the one I was uprooting myself and my husband for was eliminated too!

So a little stress and anxiety going on. I thought the stress was getting to me or that I must be coming down with the flu or something. I was feeling hot and then cold, and an anxious pit in my stomach like I was in a rapidly dropping elevator. It sounded about right for the amount of turmoil going on in my personal and professional life.

But then it kept happening.

It slowly began to dawn on me what was going on. Then, when I put on 25 pounds in 6 weeks for no apparent reason, I started to panic! As someone who had spent their entire adult life working out, eating right, and doing all the “good” things, I thought something must be really wrong.

My doctor’s reaction? “Oh, it’s just menopause. Get used to it. It’s part of getting older. Here – take these hormones.”

Ummmm – WHAT?!

I couldn’t believe that this advice was the best I was going to get from the medical community. But sadly, many women have similar experiences.

Yoga for menopause

I felt like I needed more support than what I was getting from my doctor.

Enter yoga.

I discovered that when you roll out your mat and sink into a soothing child’s pose or flow through a gentle vinyasa, you’re not just stretching your muscles; you’re also giving your nervous system a much-needed break.

Yoga has this incredible ability to tap into our parasympathetic nervous system, aka our body’s built-in chill button.

So when those hot flashes come knocking or the mood swings start creeping in, a few minutes on the mat can help you find your center again.

But it’s not just about the physical stuff. Menopause can also take a toll on our mental health, leaving us feeling like we’re lost in a fog of uncertainty. Anxiety, depression, and that nagging sense of “what’s next?” can become all too familiar companions. This is where yoga’s power to quiet the mind comes into play.

Through breathwork, meditation, and mindful movement, yoga can help us cultivate a sense of inner peace and resilience. It’s like giving your mind a spa day, allowing it to unwind and let go of all those worries and doubts. And let’s be honest, we could all use a little more zen in our lives, especially when navigating the choppy waters of menopause.

Yoga is not a menopause magic bullet

But perhaps the most beautiful thing about yoga is its ability to reconnect us with our bodies in a profound way. During menopause, it’s easy to feel like our bodies are betraying us, like we’re no longer in control. But through yoga, we can reclaim that sense of agency and learn to embrace our bodies exactly as they are.

Whether it’s through gentle restorative poses that nurture tired muscles or empowering strength-building sequences that remind us of our own badassery, yoga invites us to celebrate the incredible vessel that carries us through life’s ups and downs.

So if you find yourself grappling with the ups and downs of menopause, know that you’re not alone. And remember, your yoga mat is always there to catch you when you stumble, to soothe you when the heat rises, and to remind you of the resilient woman that you truly are.

Inhale the good stuff, exhale the rest, and remember: you’ve got this, sister!

laylo yoga and wellness

P.S. Let’s be besties!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

Plus, if you want to stay on top of upcoming retreats, get on the info list so you know what is happening, when, and where!

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“NO” IS A SUPERPOWER

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no is a boundary

You may have heard that “no” is a complete sentence.

Honestly, though, it is more than that: it is a superpower!

NO is all about boundaries

Yep, those little lines we draw to keep ourselves sane amidst the chaos. Whether you’re juggling career, family, aging parents, or all of the above, setting boundaries is like slapping a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door so you can actually catch a breath.

Picture this: You’re knee-deep in work, trying to meet deadlines and climb that career ladder. But then your phone pings with messages from your kiddos needing help with college issues/grandkids/money troubles, and your mom’s calling about dad’s doctor’s appointment. Sound familiar? Welcome to the life of the modern-day Wonder Woman, where multitasking isn’t just a skill, it’s a way of life.

But here’s the thing – without boundaries, we’re like rubber bands stretched to the breaking point. Sure, we might bend and flex to meet everyone’s needs, but eventually, something’s gotta give. That’s where setting boundaries comes in.

Think of boundaries as your personal force field. They’re not about shutting people out; they’re about protecting your own well-being so you can show up as the best version of yourself. It’s like stabilizing your own footing before helping others climb; you gotta take care of yourself first.

Your boundaries are also not a prison wall – keeping everyone and everything out while sequestering you inside. Healthy boundaries allow for extenuating circumstances, temporary situations, and allowances when needed. The trick is knowing when to allow that flexibility.

One of the biggest challenges we face is the constant tug-of-war between work, family, and everything else life throws our way. We’re the ultimate multitaskers, juggling a million things at once while trying to keep our heads above water. Your secret to staying sane is boundaries. They are the key to finding balance in the chaos.

Let’s break it down:

First off, saying “no” isn’t a bad word

It’s a superpower. Seriously, learning to say no – whether it’s to extra work projects, social obligations, or anything else that doesn’t align with your priorities – is like reclaiming control over your own time and energy.

No doesn’t always mean never, either. It may just mean no for now, until some of your bandwidth opens up.

And trust me, you’ll thank yourself for it later.

Now get assertive

That means speaking up for yourself and setting clear expectations with those around you. Whether it’s letting your boss know you won’t be available after hours or telling your family you need some alone time to recharge, assertive communication is key to establishing healthy boundaries.

And let’s not forget about self-care

I know, I know – it sounds like a buzzword these days, but it’s seriously important. Whether it’s carving out time for a bubble bath, hitting the gym, or simply curling up with a good book, prioritizing self-care is like hitting the reset button on your sanity.

Enter yoga

Since yoga is an exploration of self – your physical and mental limits – it is the perfect support system when exploring boundary setting.

You start with setting boundaries for yourself. What kind of energy will you allow in your space, coming from outside of you or from within? What will you allow in? How will you hold strong?

Yoga gives you a vehicle to practice healthy boundaries while building your mental muscles to deal with external noise. What might that look like?

Let’s say you are in a class and your teacher tells to you to hold a position in a way that doesn’t feel right for your body. Will you force yourself into it? What might happen if you do? Will you honor your body and take another option? How will you determine if that position is truly out of alignment with your body or is just challenging because you have never done it before? When will you say no to it and when will you stretch your comfort zone and give something tough a try?

As you begin to leverage what you learn on the mat into your practice, you gain strength to integrate those learnings into your life off the mat.

Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it

We’re all in this together, and there’s no shame in leaning on your support network when things get tough. Whether it’s delegating tasks to your partner, hiring a house cleaner for a much-needed break, or reaching out to friends for emotional support, remember that you don’t have to do it all alone.

So there you have it – boundaries are the secret sauce to finding balance in a hectic world. By learning to say no, communicating assertively, prioritizing self-care, and asking for help when you need it, you can reclaim control over your own life and show up as the badass Wonder Woman you were always meant to be.

laylo yoga and wellness

Isn’t it time to leave burnout behind and lead a life that makes YOU a priority? Consider rebooting your mind and body with one of our wellness retreats! Designed specifically to immerse you in an environment that takes you out of your daily grind, you will be able to focus on crafting your life in a way that honors your family and career while carving out time to pursue interests that excite you so you can feel balanced, fulfilled, and calm. Get on the info list so you know what is happening, when, and where!

P.S. Let’s get to know each other better!! Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn, and Pinterest, and join the LAYLO Shala to get the latest news and insider goodies 😍

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YOGA OFF THE MAT

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Wait – don’t we need a mat for yoga?

yoga mat

Actually, no.

And I don’t mean you don’t need a mat to be more comfortable (because I kinda think you do!)

I mean, strictly speaking, you don’t need a mat to be practicing yoga.

Yoga – more than physical movement

When we think of yoga in Western cultures, we usually think of the physical practice of Asana. It’s what we experience in most yoga classes, for example. And yes – a mat is VERY helpful. I love mine and my body would be pretty unhappy with me if I didn’t use it during a class!

However, there is more to yoga than the physical movements. Of course, you can totally go to class and never delve into the 8 limbs of yoga, and that’s cool.

But if you want to understand a bit more about yoga and how it can benefit you OFF the mat, read on my friend!

8 limbs of yoga

Maybe you have heard of the 8 limbs of yoga or maybe it’s new to you. These are basically principles by which to live your life to allow you a peaceful existence.

While many of us already have guidelines by which we live, understanding these 8 limbs gives a more well rounded understanding of yoga itself and how to integrate it into our lives.

Most of us have a set of ethics based on personal experience, philosophy, and religious or spiritual ideals, so the 8 limbs are another way to look at things.

When you begin practicing yoga, translated to “union” you are working toward a union between mind, body, and spirit. It is to this end that the 8 limbs aim to support you with. It’s a path to integrity.

8 limbs off the mat

1. Yama: Control

The Yamas refer to moral standards in action, speech, and thought. These moral standards to which you hold yourself. There are 5 parts to the Yamas:

  1. Ahimsa – non-violence
  2. Satya – truthfulness
  3. Aseteya – non-stealing (including other’s time and energy)
  4. Brahmacharya – self-restraint or control in life and possessions
  5. Aparigraha – non-attachment, not being greedy

Sound familiar? Yes, these principles are fairly universal and found in many ancient texts. They represent the ability to find release from suffering and ignorance.

Putting them into action off the mat is not that hard to imagine for most of us; we tend to live this way anyway.

2. Niyama: Observance

Self-discipline in thoughts. Usually, our thoughts tend to be like a grade school playground. Loud, somewhat out of control, boisterous even. It’s our private world so hey, why not let ourselves get crazy here?

The trouble is, our thoughts are often liars and bullies. They make up stories about why Susan didn’t invite us to her party and then beat Susan up for it. They back us into a corner and demand our lunch money so we can’t eat lunch and tell us we are too fat/lazy/insert adjective here.

When that is what is happening on your playground, you don’t get to have a very happy life.

Shifting our focus – our self-discipline – to observing thoughts, being curious about them, and redirecting them takes work. Just like the adults keeping an eye on the playground so things don’t get crazy and no one gets hurt. Yes it takes work. But the end result is a lot happier playground!

There are also 5 parts to the Niyamas:

  1. Saucha – cleanliness, of your physical and mental space
  2. Samotosa – contentment
  3. Tapas – strengthen your passion and your will
  4. Svadhyaya – understanding what spirituality means to you so you can better understand yourself
  5. Ishvara Pranidhana – cultivating awareness of and surrender to the divine (which may mean your own higher self)

3. Asana: Physical Practice

Ahhh…this is the one we know best! Roll out your mat! Asana refers to the physical postures we practice in a typical yoga class.

More than just a workout though, these postures are about developing a sense of ease and stability in the body. We seek to release tension, train and educate our body to connect at a deeper level.

Taking care of our bodies support us in integrating the other 7 limbs in our lives.

4. Pranayama: Breath

Inhale. Exhale. So simple but also so complex.

I like to remind my classes that our breath is with us every single day of our lives. We take it for granted. But breath control, the deeper meaning of Pranayama, is a key to relating to our inner world.

Meditation, nervous system regulation, and creating a bridge between your mind, emotions, and mental state are all accessible through your breath. Breath work could easily be a class unto itself.

5. Pratyhara: Senses

Pratyahara takes a deeper dive into transcending our senses and focusing internally. It’s about connecting to our true selves, not the behaviors we do or the things we feel when inundated by the outside world.

Sometimes we practice this on the mat. You know when your yoga teacher says something like, “The pose begins when you want to get out of it”? It’s a cue to disregard the discomfort you may feel (“I’m bored, when will this end, what’s next”) and get curious about it.

We take a step back from who we think we are or should be and observe it. Maybe you see yourself as a person in constant motion, always busy, always productive. Your discomfort may come from being in stillness and how that doesn’t fit how you see yourself.

You can even take it a step further and then realize you want to cease always being a busy bee and want to be a calmer, more thoughtful person. Pratyhara helps you work toward that without self-judgment.

6. Dharana: Concentration

While Pratyhara helps us control our external distractions, Dharana turns that practice inward to our mind’s disruptions.

We live in a world of near-constant diversions. Even if we eliminate all outside interruptions, what about all the stuff going on inside our heads? That is a lot more challenging to tune out. Balancing asanas on the mat are a perfect way to practice that kind of focus. If you break your concentration, you fall out of the pose.

7. Dhyana: Meditation

This is like next-level Dharana. We ask more of our focus, and take it into deep reflection, staying present, and contemplation.

While some falsely think meditation means emptying your mind, its true purpose is much deeper. It is learning to turn that noisy kid’s playground into a calm garden of carefully cultivated flowers. When you hear the kids yelling, you simply return to the beauty of the flowers. As many times as it takes.

8. Samadhi: Enlightenment

Samadhi is when you are able to bring the other 7 limbs into alignment and find true joy and contentment. It is something you feel and experience. It’s the “goal”.

And it is not something most of us can live in all the time. But we move towards it, occasionally experience it, and with practice, can find it more easily.

Now grab your mat and notice the difference

You probably notice that there is a lot of overlap in these principles. the principles are also not uncommon and found in many people’s personal, spiritual, and religious ideals.

What can set the 8 limbs apart for you is walking into your next yoga class with them on your mind. Maybe choose one aspect and set it as an intention for your practice.

What might that look like?

Let’s say you choose Ahimsa, the first Yama. Before you even leave the house, you decide that will be your focus. On the way to class, someone cuts you off! Maybe your normal response is honking and yelling. But this time, you dial it down because, well, Ahimsa. Then you get to class and someone is in your spot! Rather than say something to them or even worse, silently stalk to another spot and fume about it, Ahimsa. When you leave you notice an even deeper sense of calm than usual. Ahhh…Ahimsa.

Mindfulness at it’s best!

laylo yoga and wellness

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