# JOYFUL AFTER FIFTY -- Mindfulness-Based Solutions for Women 50+



## About

**URL:** https://www.joyfulafter50.com
**Tagline:** Mindfulness-Based Solutions for Women 50+
**By:** Lucinda Sykes

## Pages

- [Course](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/course)
- [VIDEO](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/video)
- [Contact](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/contact)
- [About](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/about): Lucinda Sykes M.D. is a medical doctor, psychotherapist and mindfulness teacher.
- [JOYFUL AFTER 50 -- The Pleasure & Power of Feminine Awareness](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/): Experiential programs of Mindful Feminine Awareness for Women 50+, with Lucinda Sykes M.D.

## Blog

- [Your body and mind are one!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/49960-your-body-and-mind-are-one) by Lucinda Sykes (Oct 1, 2023): Your mind and body affect each other, moment by moment. Your body experiences your emotions, but it influences your emotions too. This dynamic interplay between mind and body is a crucial new understanding of modern psychology. We now realize that being aware of your body can help you to rebalance your emotional life -- even help you to overcome the psychological legacy of trauma!  
- [New study of anxiety & mindfulness](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/90721-new-study-of-anxiety-mindfulness) by Lucinda Sykes (Sep 29, 2023)
- [Related Positive Mind-states ](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/90718-related-positive-mind-states) by Lucinda Sykes (Sep 29, 2023)
- [Does 'greenness' support better health?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/90209-does-greenness-support-better-health) by Lucinda Sykes (Aug 25, 2023)
- [Not exercise!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/89512-not-exercise) by Lucinda Sykes (Aug 13, 2023)
- [What about sleeping pills?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/69678-risky-sleeping-pills) by Lucinda Sykes (Jul 1, 2023): Sleeping pills should not be taken for longer than 3-4 weeks. This is the guideline from medical regulators in both North America and Europe.
- [Why Sleeping Pills Fail!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/88431-why-sleeping-pills-fail) by Lucinda Sykes (Jul 1, 2023)
- [Promoting Alzheimer's Disease!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/101225-promoting-alzheimers-disease) by Lucinda Sykes (Jul 1, 2023)
- [Feeling dependent?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/88430-feeling-dependant) by Lucinda Sykes (Jul 1, 2023)
- [Sleeping Pill  Withdrawal - research study](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/88429-sleeping-pill-withdrawal-research-study) by Lucinda Sykes (Jul 1, 2023)
- [Your Amazing Brain!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/91539-your-amazing-brain) by Lucinda Sykes (Jul 1, 2023)
- [Childhood Maltreatment](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/85315-childhood-maltreatment) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 23, 2023): Recently I’ve noticed that many women scientists are investigating children's neglect & maltreatment. These scientists seem motivated by compassion, and they openly call for better prevention and treatment. They’re inviting us to fully understand the problem so that it can be changed. That motivation inspires their science.

Here’s more of their research findings:
- [Continuing Effects of Childhood Maltreatment](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/85314-continuing-effects-of-childhood) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 23, 2023): Past research has focused on active forms of childhood maltreatment such as emotional abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse. But childhood neglect, as a relatively silent form of childhood maltreatment, has received less attention. Childhood emotional neglect is the most common form of neglect.
- [Self-Care for Recovery from Childhood Trauma](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/85957-self-care-recovery-from-childhood-trauma) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 22, 2023): Self-care may sound simple and straightforward — you're guided by a natural concern for your own health and well-being.  But people who have suffered childhood maltreatment often act in ways that sabotage their self-care. 

- [Professional Help for Recovery from Childhood Trauma](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/85335-healing-from-past-abuse-and-neglect) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 22, 2023)
- [Mindfulness & Positive States of Mind](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/79047-mindfulness-positive-states-of-mind) by Lucinda Sykes (Mar 10, 2023): Physicians who attended a program of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction [MBSR] reported: "More positive emotional states, such as: increased feelings of ease/peace, renewal, energy, optimism, happiness, acceptance, and even transcendence." 
- [Mindfulness is linked to Optimism!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/79046-mindfulness-is-linked-to-optimism) by Lucinda Sykes (Mar 10, 2023): People who test high for optimism also test high for mindfulness.  And mindfulness and optimism are both associated with resilience. 
Researchers highlight strong evidence that mindfulness qualities are associated with less depression, as well as less anxiety.
- [Too old to learn mindfulness?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/79045-too-old-for-mindfulness) by Lucinda Sykes (Mar 10, 2023): Are you wondering if it's too late for you to learn mindfulness? I've been asked that many times during my years teaching MBSR (Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction). Here's what I've seen.

- [Is poor sleep a cause for mental health problems?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75378-is-poor-sleep-a-cause-for-mental-health) by Lucinda Sykes (Oct 10, 2022): Recent research suggests common health problems can be caused by poor sleep!
- [Your Amazing Brain!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/73980-your-amazing-brain) by Lucinda Sykes (Jul 1, 2022)
- [How's Your Sleep?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/60479-hows-your-sleep) by Lucinda Sykes (May 11, 2022): People should avoid using most types of ‘sleeping pill’ for any longer than 3-4 weeks. Sleep medications should be temporary.
- [Why you want plenty of sleep!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75090-why-you-want-plenty-of-sleep) by Lucinda Sykes (May 10, 2022)
- [Sleep procrastination?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75535-sleep-procrastin) by Lucinda Sykes (May 10, 2022)
- [Your body prefers a regular pattern of sleep!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/89309-a-regular-sleep-pattern) by Lucinda Sykes (May 10, 2022)
- [Hyperarousal, Sleep, and Mindfulness](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/73658-hyperarousal-and-mindfulness) by Lucinda Sykes (May 10, 2022)
- [Ultraprocessed eating?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/90720-ultraprocessed-eating) by Lucinda Sykes (May 9, 2022)
- [Sleeping less than 6 1/2 hours?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/71335-sleeping-less-than-6-1-2-hours) by Lucinda Sykes (May 1, 2022): Research indicates that people who sleep less than 6 1/2 show signs of increased risk for Alzheimer's Disease.
- [Turn out the lights!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75837-turn-out-the-lights) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 30, 2022)
- [Less blue light please!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/76020-heres-more-light) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 30, 2022)
- [Sleep more -- Lose weight!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/73653-sleep-more-lose-weight) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 29, 2022)
- [The Problem of Sleeping Pills](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/86205-scandal-of-sleeping-pills) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 29, 2022): The over-use of sleeping pills is a medical scandal. And it’s a scandal that’s especially harmful to women 50+.
- [What is a sedative hypnotic?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/88434-what-is-a-sedative-hypnotic) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 29, 2022)
- [Yoga is good medicine!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75753-yoga-is-good-medicine) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 20, 2022)
- [Yoga feedback!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75754-yoga-feedback) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 20, 2022)
- [Want more purpose?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75466-want-more-purpose) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 19, 2022)
- [More about purpose!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75465-more-about-purpose) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 19, 2022)
- [Do you have purpose?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75464-do-you-have-purpose) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 19, 2022)
- [Let's move!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/75463-want-to-move) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 18, 2022)
- [Mindfulness Reduces Brain Aging](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/70118-mindfulness-reduces-brain-aging) by Lucinda Sykes (Apr 17, 2022)
- [Alcohol for Sleep?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/101140-alcohol-for-sleep) by Lucinda Sykes (Jan 1, 2022)
- [2023 research reports risk](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/90151-research-reports-risk) by Lucinda Sykes (Jan 1, 2022)
- [Self-Enquiry for Sleeping Pill Users](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/90208-self-enquiry-questions-for-sleeping-pill) by Lucinda Sykes (Jan 1, 2022)
- [Ageism vs. The Wisdom of the Elders](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/60423-ageism-vs-the-wisdom-of-the-elders) by Lucinda Sykes (Oct 13, 2021): ‘Ageism’ is a word first coined in 1969 by American psychiatrist, Robert N. Butler. He was referring to systematic stereotyping or discrimination against people because they are old. Ageism affects more than the lives of older individuals. Ageism ‘dumbs down’ our whole culture. Any culture that places greatest value in youth overlooks the supreme treasure of old age — wisdom! Traditional societies, worldwide, through time, have valued the wisdom of the elders. Tribes look to their elders for a depth of insight and guidance that’s less available from younger folks. 
- [Do You Want More Optimism?](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/60422-simple-steps-to-optimism) by Lucinda Sykes (Oct 13, 2021): Optimism supports women’s good health — especially in aging. That’s the evidence of dozens of research studies. This article highlights 2 recent studies that show the better health of optimistic women, and then we consider: What is optimism? How can you be more optimistic? In particular, we look at 4 simple ways to help you find more optimism and natural happiness. 
- [Woman's Natural Power After Menopause - The Message of Evolution](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/59406-womens-natural-power-after-menopause-the) by Lucinda Sykes (Sep 12, 2021): Women often underestimate the value of post-menopausal life. I’ve been practicing medicine for 40 years, and many times women have told me of their self-doubt after menopause. Our culture habitually overlooks the significance of older women. But human evolution shows us something entirely different. For thousands of years, post-menopausal women were major players in the fight for human survival. They changed the course of human evolution!
- [How to help your brain the mindful way!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/49051-how-to-help-your-brain-the-mindful-way) by Lucinda Sykes (Jan 2, 2021)
- [How can I help my anxiety? - (5 research studies)](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/48763-how-can-i-help-my-anxiety-5-research) by Lucinda Sykes (Dec 27, 2020)
- [What about anxiety? It's important!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/48750-what-about-anxiety-its-important) by Lucinda Sykes (Dec 27, 2020)
- [Optimistic Women Have Less Cognitive Decline!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/43865-less-cognitive-decline-in-optimistic) by Lucinda Sykes (Aug 18, 2020)
- [Want a Long Life? Try Optimism!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/43864-want-a-long-life-try-optimism) by Lucinda Sykes (Aug 17, 2020)
- [Optimism Protects Your Heart!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/43816-optimism-protects-your-heart) by Lucinda Sykes (Aug 16, 2020)
- [Optimism is Good Medicine!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/43638-optimism-is-good-medicine) by Lucinda Sykes (Aug 6, 2020)
- [Hostility Hurts Your Heart!](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/blog/44667-hostility-hurts-your-heart) by Lucinda Sykes (Aug 5, 2020)

## Courses

- [test](https://www.joyfulafter50.com/courses/20016-test)

## Products

- [SLEEP & BE WELL](https://www.sleepbewell.com): Sleep & Be Well: Mindful Sleep Solutions for Women 50+ Experiential group program with Lucinda Sykes, MD