Tag: over 40

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5 LIFE LESSONS I LEARNED FROM MY HAIR

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Life Lessons

My hair is living its own life – I’m just sort of along for the ride

And it’s always ready to school me in it’s latest life lessons.

Most of you know I started my professional life as a hairdresser, but really, my hair obsession started far earlier than that.

It started in 1973. I had always had bangs, thanks to my mother’s method of using TAPE (!) to create a “straight” line to cut my bangs. Except that I had some pretty wicked cowlicks in the front and the bangs were never straight.

I decided to let my bangs grow out, to which my mom replied with relief “yes, that is probably best.”

There I was, 7 years old and my hair was calling the shots

Flash forward a few years. 1979. I had my own money – hello babysitting – and paid for my own haircuts. I had a place that I actually liked but my mom had a coupon for a new place and talked me into going there instead.

Immediately the stylist said I should get the “Dorothy Hamill” haircut aka a wedge. I was not into it, I told her I was not into it, I even told her my father did not want me to have short hair (which was the truth).

She said okay.

Then turned me away from the mirror and proceeded to cut – you guessed it – a perfect wedge.

My school picture that year has me looking like I want to kill someone. And I did. That hairdresser.

Jump ahead another few years.

I’m in Beauty School to become a hairdresser.

That’s right – I’m now a hairdresser. In the 80’s.

Perms. Mousse. White Rain hairspray. The whole nine baby.

I had a solid decade of perm.

Then I wanted to color it too.

It was too much for my poor strands so I had to choose.

Color won out. It was the 90’s now. Perms were kind of passe. Warm reddish brown was the new me.

Life Lessons - 80's perm

Enter the phase of trying to just figure it out

After all, two young kids, an active lifestyle, and limited time and funds were the order of the day.

My life has continued to evolve and so has my hair.

I still love style products. I wear it relatively short in spite of what my dad thinks. And believe it or not, I actually like my hair (most of the time).

It all works because I realized my hair is WISE! It was doing more than just sitting on my head, causing me grief. My hair was teaching me some life lessons and I just needed to sit up and take notice.

Lesson 1: Don’t fight it!

Back in the 70’s when the whole bangs situation was rearing up (literally!) my hair was clearly saying “Hey, this is who I am. You can try to do something that doesn’t work but I will assert myself!”

There are parts of you that you quite possibly ignore, thinking they are a little too wild, a little too out there. The more you try to force yourself into a straight line, the more those parts will have to assert themselves.

If you just let it go and let it be what it is going to be, it will likely settle in after a bit and be just fine. You just have to get over the awkward grow-out phase.

We are all growing and changing. Sometimes trying out something new seems weird or out of your wheelhouse initially until you figure out the nuances that suit you.

Lesson 2: Trust your gut

That Dorothy Hamill haircut was the worst! So. Not. Me.

And I had paid for it!

I had someone that was right for me, that knew and understood my hair. But with just a little pressure – and a desire to please my mom – I ignored my gut, went to someone I didn’t want to go to even though it was my own money and paid not just with my money but my dignity as well.

I have had this lesson taught to me repeatedly. I think I was about 38 before it sunk in.

Do what works for you, not for someone else. They don’t have to live with the consequences and you do.

When I first started on my yoga journey I hated it! Eventually, though I figured out what yoga meant to me, focused on that, and then fell in love with it!

Lesson 3: Be who you really are

I loved my crazy 80’s perm. For awhile. My hair, however, eventually objected. “One more perm and I will frizz you!!”

While I liked the kinky curl that defined the era, that wasn’t my hair’s true nature. My real hair was a bit wavy in places, straight here and there, soft and even glossy.

I didn’t need all that frenetic energy. It was not me. Not for my hair and not for my personality. I am not one of those party and stay out late kind of people. I am asleep by 10p (okay really 9:30p…).

Trying to be something I am not just left me frizzy around the edges! While I loved aspects of it for other people, I needed to focus on what worked best for me.

Lesson 4: But also be whom you aspire to be

After giving up the perm I did give in to some color.

Nothing way off base. Just a little more warmth to liven things up a bit.

Still me, just a little bit fancied up.

We all aspire to be a certain way – a little nicer/kinder, more open and friendly, or whatever.

“Acting as if” isn’t about being a fake, it’s more about taking what you’ve got and just pushing to the next level, to be the person you want to be.

Lesson 5: A little control is good; too much just makes you brittle

Hairspray is kinda my first and longest love. Back in the day, it was all about shellacking the hell out of your hair.

It could not move.

It also flaked, made your hair dry and dull and definitely uninviting.

These days I still like some control – hello Kenra 25

But it’s soft, doesn’t build up, and lets my hair still feel like hair.

Life is the same way. Too much control and things may appear to be “perfect” but really your life is stiff and brittle, not organic and flexible.

You want freedom within your framework. Structure yes, but not rigidity. The ability to go with the flow is a lot healthier for you in the end.

Ahhh…now my attraction to yoga makes sense! The very heart of yoga allows you to find structure, learning to accept yourself as you are now and as you wish to be. Life lessons GALORE!

Life lessons are all around you

Yes, even in something as seemingly inconsequential as your hair (shh – don’t let my hair know I said that!)

You just have to look at things from a little bit of a different perspective. Find that space for yourself, that grace for yourself, and carve out the time to act on it.

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 😍

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I’M TOO OLD TO START A YOGA PRACTICE – NOT!

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I started my journey as a yoga teacher at 50. It never crossed my mind that I might be too old.

However, I also have had a long history of engaging in fitness, both as fun and as a career. So my mindset is probably more open to movement-based activities than the average bear.

So I get it. Starting up a new activity like yoga, especially if it is way outside your wheelhouse can seem a little overwhelming.

Let me lay some interesting stats on you

I do love data! It tells a story for you and then you get to figure out what you want to do with it.

So let’s tell the story of yoga and age.

Did you know that:

  • Most U.S. yogis are relatively new to the practice. Here is a look at how long people have been doing yoga:
    • 0 to 1 year: 30%
    • 1 to 5 years: 44%
    • 6 to 10 years: 17%
    • 10 years or longer: 7%

This means that if you decide to fire up a practice now, you are definitely not alone. Chances are, if you head to a class today, there will be other people in there who are relatively new also.

  • Only about 19% of yoga practitioners are between the ages of 18 and 29:
    • 23% are between the ages of 30 and 39
    • 20% are between 40 and 49
    • 17% are between 50 and 59
    • 21% are 60 and older

Although social media may make it look otherwise, most practitioners are not in their 20’s! I think the presence of so many pics on Instagram, Facebook, TicTok, etc., speaks more to the users of social media than the practicers of yoga.

Why does this matter to you?

If you feel held back because of the appearance of youth representing all yoga, you now know better. It’s just that – an appearance.

Even more importantly, all these real people practicing yoga are not in it to stand on their heads. Yes – it’s cool if that is what you are doing or aspire to do. And if you want to go there, by all means, get after it!

The truth of real yoga for real people is a little more complex though. The mental and physical health benefits cannot be understated and this is much more what most yogis are focused on.

  • 94% of adults who practice yoga say they do it to improve their overall wellness, according to the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health
    • 17.5% of people practice yoga to address specific health conditions
  • As little as 3 months of yoga can help reduce stress levels, according to a small May 2017 study in the ‌International Journal of Yoga‌
  • According to the above-mentioned study, these are the top health reasons why people start yoga:
    • 61% of people start to improve flexibility
    • 56% of people start for stress relief
    • 49% of people start for overall health
    • 44% of people start to improve physical fitness
  • People who do yoga are 20% more likely to have a positive image of their physical and mental health than non-practitioners, according to Harvard Health Publishing
  • According to a 2012 National Health Interview Survey, 66% of people felt yoga motivated them to exercise more
    • 40% of people felt yoga motivated them to eat healthier
  • 79% of yogis also participate in other sports, like running, cycling or strength training, according to the 2016 Yoga in America Study

I particularly love that last stat! As someone who had taught fitness classes all of their adult life, in addition to cycling, mountain bike climbing, and hiking, I know for a fact that yoga has helped me be better in those areas.

The “sandwich” generation – too young to retire, too old to keep raising everybody?

The physical benefits are clear, for any age. And you are never too old for a little mental health pick me up either.

The needs of the “sandwich” generation for some mental TLC is becoming increasingly apparent.

If you are in this group, typically in your 30s to 50s, you are simultaneously caring for aging parents or relatives and raising your own children, often teenagers or young adults. Here are some insights to help you see the why behind the need for TLC what:

  • Population Size:
    • The sandwich generation constitutes a significant portion of the population in many developed countries, including the United States, Canada, and European nations
  • Age Range:
    • Members of the sandwich generation are typically in their late 30s to early 60s
  • Caregiving Responsibilities:
    • According to research from the Pew Research Center, about 47% of adults in their 40s and 50s have a parent age 65 or older and are either raising a young child or financially supporting a grown child (18 years or older)
    • The National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP report that approximately 11% of caregivers are simultaneously caring for their children and their aging parents
  • Financial Impact:
    • The financial strain on the sandwich generation can be substantial. They may face costs associated with elder care, such as medical expenses, home modifications, or assisted living facilities, while also providing for their own children’s education, housing, and other needs.
    • According to a study by MetLife Mature Market Institute, sandwich generation caregivers spend an average of $6,000 per year on out-of-pocket expenses related to caregiving
  • Work-Life Balance:
    • Balancing caregiving responsibilities with work and personal life can be challenging for the sandwich generation. Many may need to adjust their work schedules, reduce hours, or take time off to fulfill caregiving duties
    • According to the same Pew Research Center study, 61% of adults in the sandwich generation report that they are either “very happy” or “pretty happy” with their lives, despite the challenges they face
  • Emotional and Psychological Impact:
    • Caregiving can take a toll on mental and emotional well-being. Sandwich generation members may experience stress, anxiety, guilt, and feelings of being overwhelmed as they juggle multiple caregiving roles
    • Support groups, counseling services, and respite care can be essential resources for managing the emotional challenges associated with being part of the sandwich generation

These stats and insights provide a glimpse into the realities faced by the sandwich generation, highlighting the complexities of caregiving responsibilities and the need for support and resources to help them navigate these challenges effectively.

You are never too old and it is never too late!

Yoga is one of the best support tools for you at any stage of life. The more you have going on, the more you need to carve out some time to bolster your own mental and physical health.

And we didn’t even touch on the other aspects of yoga that many people love to tap into, like spiritual health, using yoga to support trauma reactions, build community, and end the loneliness epidemic.

So age? Not a valid reason to stay away from yoga.

Still feeling a little uncomfortable about it? Talk to people who are like you that are involved in yoga. Could be an online community, a friend, people you know at the gym, or a neighbor – we are everywhere. You just have to look.

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 😍

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YOGA OPTIONS AND VARIATIONS

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options and variations

Options and variations are not dirty words, I promise!

Sometimes it feels like the attitude is push, push push. “Feel the burn” (remember that little gem?!).

Most forms of movement, including yoga, have many ways they can be performed but for some reason, there is a lot of pressure to go big or go home.

But there is a lot more to it than that.

You doing you, for you

Ultimately, most of us want to make fitness, health, and wellness a part of our lives for the rest of our lives. Sure, we may have short-term goals: lose 10 pounds for that upcoming reunion, carve out some abs for your vacation, or even train for a specific event.

Goals like these are a great way to keep you motivated – we humans like to have something to work toward!

Underlying all that is the way we feel when we move our bodies. Yoga in particular, as a moving meditation, is a way of using our bodies and minds together for our enhanced health.

The benefits of yoga are many: improved flexibility, mobility, and strength, better balance, and support for stress and anxiety. For some it takes on a spiritual undertone as well.

But what happens when you are all psyched up to get into yoga and reap all those benefits and the class you go to has movements you do not like, are uncomfortable performing, and it seems like there are no alternatives?

Variations

The good news is that there are other things you can do – lots of them! Some teachers make a point of including variations of postures to make sure you have something that works for you.

A variation is simply an alternate way to do something. Like the image of the planks above. Maybe you do them on your hands and toes. Or forearms and toes. Maybe your knees are down. All these versions of planks are valid and can be considered viable. Sometimes you may need to change up a transition to get in or out of them but that is all part of the variation adventure!

The tricky part may be that you are in a class where those variations are not taught or even mentioned. Or, far worse, mentioned but in a way that makes you feel “less than” if you take them.

You can approach your teacher after class and ask for some other ways of doing the postures in question. Most teachers are happy to give you some ideas on how else to move through an asana.

And for those that tend to look down their nose at your wish for another way to do something? Go to a different teacher! Yes, yoga teachers should be all love and light, but they are also human. As such, they follow the bell curve just like any other group of people. Some are amazing, some, well, not so much. Or maybe they are amazing for someone else, just not for you.

Options

Similar to variations, options give you something else to do other than the exact posture being shown. The primary difference between an option and a variation is that variations are basically the same movement, done differently. Options, on the other hand, are things you can do in place of the movement being performed.

Using our plank example, you may choose to put table in place of plank. While similar in nature to a plank – you are on all fours – the workload is different. If plank is problematic for you because of a back issue, table may work since there is little stress on the back.

Different but equal

The biggest takeaway here is that your practice is yours alone. Each one of us have little differences in our bodies that make some postures difficult to get into. You may have injuries to work with. Maybe you’re just tired today!

Each day you need to assess how you are feeling and what will work best for you. One day you may be ready for plankapalooza! Then the next day you are secretly hoping for an hour-long savasana.

Having options and variations in your arsenal will allow you to adapt to where you are mentally and physically every time you get on your mat. Which in turn will help you maintain your yoga habit. And that my friends is how you make fitness, health, and wellness a part of your life for the rest of your life.

It’s time to get away from ideas about advanced yoga or beginner yoga, progressions and regressions, and other terminology that puts a box around movement. Health is health, and we need to do all we can to enhance it!

Want to see some of these movement patterns in action? Check out my series on Instagram!

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 😍