Yoga Nidra is often referred to as “yogic sleep” or “conscious sleep” because it takes you to a blissful state of relaxation and allows you to feel as though you’ve had hours of deep sleep. It only takes 15 to 45 minutes and it’s perfect for anyone – even if you’re brand-new to yoga and meditation – and regardless of your age or fitness level. All it requires is a willingness to lie down, let go, rest and be guided by a Yoga Nidra instructor.
About Yoga Nidra
Yoga Nidra is a Sanskrit term meaning “yogic sleep”. It’s a deep relaxation technique and a form of meditation that brings you to a state between sleeping and waking.
Yoga Nidra can be done anywhere between 20 to 40 minutes at a time but you can also practice it for 10 minutes when you don’t have a lot of time to do a fully guided relaxation – for instance during a break at the office or early in the morning after waking up. Some people also do it in the evening as a form of relaxation after a day’s work while others practice it just before heading to sleep to help them fall asleep.
There are no age restrictions or health conditions associated with Yoga Nidra so it can be done by everyone. Even children can practice Yoga Nidra.
What to expect from a Yoga Nidra class
A Yoga Nidra class typically takes about 45 minutes and starts with you lying on the floor supported in whatever way you wish. I prefer using blankets but you can also use bolsters or blocks – just go with what feels most comfortable to you.
Your Yoga Nidra teacher will guide you through several stages by using a guided meditation which usually starts with an inventory of your mind and body. You’ll also develop an intention for your life and for the practice and you’ll learn to shift your awareness to your breath, bodily sensations, emotions and thoughts.
As your body sinks deeper into relaxation you will find yourself in a state between wakefulness and sleep. So you’re not fully asleep but not fully awake either. By doing this you not only restore your body, senses and mind to their natural function but you also awaken a seventh sense that allows you to feel wholeness, tranquility and well-being.
Why you need this powerful practice in your life
Whether you’re new to yoga or have been doing it for years, Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice to incorporate into your routine:
One of the goals of this practice is to begin to lose the conscious awareness and sensations of the physical body so your full awareness can reunite with your spirit, intuition and life essence.
Yoga Nidra isn’t a replacement for sleep but it can supplement the deep sleep that many of us unfortunately don’t get.
Yoga Nidra helps you find inner calm: it allows your brain waves to go from beta waves (the state of your brain during normal daily activities) to an alpha state when brain waves begin to subside and serotonin is released. When this happens, a feeling of deep tranquility and ease occurs.
Yoga Nidra can transform negative thought patterns, bolster creativity, reduce stress and anxiety levels and even help people work with trauma. It also causes a release of dopamine which further encourages relaxation.
Want to give it a try?
Yoga Nidra is a powerful practice so if you want to give this a try, make sure you find an experienced, trusted and qualified instructor so that you feel at ease in a safe space and have someone to assist you if any emotions arise during your practice. The same goes for Yoga Nidra audio guides or online classes: they’re easy to use at home but make sure you go for an online or audio guide led by an experienced and trusted teacher.
Also be aware of the fact that a Yoga Nidra experience might be overwhelming or even threatening depending on the imprints of trauma you might be carrying – so if you’re currently seeing a therapist, doctor or psychiatrist I strongly advise you to talk to them before experimenting with Yoga Nidra because it might not be the best option for you at this moment. This also applies when you’re dealing with a severe depression or other severe mental health conditions: always consult your doctor or therapist before experimenting with Yoga Nidra because it may bring out deeper trauma and fears of the unknown or worsen your condition.
Have you tried Yoga Nidra? I would love to hear what it did (or didn't) do for you.
©HolisticHappiness2024
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