Q I can’t get in the zone with at-home yoga classes. Any tips?
We feel you – getting into that zen zone can feel even harder than completing the onelegged crow (google it). Start by setting aside some time and space, says Scott Arnott, yoga instructor at Stillpoint Yoga in London, who specialises in helping beginners hone their practice. ‘Try to find a distraction-free zone and build time into your schedule. It won’t work if you’re stopping to answer calls,’ he says.
Tuning into a live class – as opposed to a pre-recorded one you stream – can help, too. ‘Recorded classes aren’t interactive, so they can often feel impersonal and repetitious,’ says Arnott. ‘But a live class means that the teacher can make suggestions specific to you, keeping you engaged.’
Still not feeling it? Try switching up your scenery and outfit – putting on your best yoga gear (rather than practising in your PJs) and taking your mat outdoors can help get you in the zone. Finally, find a teacher and a style that works for you. ‘It sounds obvious, but you’re more likely to find focus when you’re looking forward to a session,’ adds Arnott. Go with the flow.
Whether you swear by shampooing once a week or squeeze in a post-workout wash daily, the answer to this question is anything but cut and dry. Harley Street trichologist Hugh Rushton reckons there’s no rule of thumb when it comes to washing your hair, but that rinsing on repeat isn’t the cardinal sin of haircare we’ve all come to think it is. ‘How often you wash your hair depends on several factors, from activity level to skin conditions to where you live,’ explains Dr Rushton. ‘But the typical adult should be cleansing their scalp and hair of grime, debris and build-up every day.’
Surprised? Us too. ‘There’s no evidence to suggest that daily washing damages your hair or strips it of oils,’ adds Dr Rushton. ‘In fact, some studies show that the body replenishes the oils within 24 hours.’ But if you don’t have time to spend every morning lathering up, don’t sweat it – stints without washing have their perks, too. ‘For the first six weeks, your hair might look and smell unpleasant, but when it plateaus, you’ll have decreased oil production and shiny, bouncy hair,’ says Dr Rushton. The message? You do you.
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